Veterans Corner

A Message for Veterans Day

By Mike Kufchak,
Director of Veterans Affairs

Fellow Brothers and Sisters,
As you are aware, the month of November is upon us. I would like to shine a spotlight on Veterans Day, a national holiday observed November 11 which celebrates and recognizes the men and women of our nation who have served in the Armed Services. I would like you to understand exactly why we celebrate our military service-members and veterans both past and present.

Armed Service members swear an oath and take on a commitment to support and defend our country against all enemies both foreign and domestic. This means that they are prepared to give their lives in defense of our nation and of their fellow countrymen. But their sacrifice is so much greater than that. Their time spent in the military is not an 8-hour workday. They are on call and committed to their work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

These men and women spend days and nights in the field repetitiously training in their warfighting skill set. They also receive initial, intermediate and career level training. They spend countless hours, including weekends and holidays, as duty standers not to mention their deployment to often hostile foreign countries for combat operations.

I say all this to emphasize the following: Imagine waking up one morning and saying goodbye to your spouse, children, significant others, family members and friends and not seeing or touching them again for the next 6 to 12 months. These sacrifices made by our service members and their families are what we celebrate on Veterans Day.

In closing I would like to say “Thank You” to all of the men and women who have worn the uniforms of our nation and to the families who have keep the candles burning in the window for their loved ones’ safe return home.