I was in the Minnesota Army National Guard for 6 years.
Veterans Day to me is a reminder of my grandfather who fought in Vietnam as a Marine. His service is one of the main reasons I decided to enlist myself.
I was in the Minnesota Army National Guard for 6 years working in the Signal Corps which provides communication and information technology support. I am grateful I had the opportunity to serve and appreciative of all veterans and current service members who continue to protect our freedoms.
My dad served in the Merchant Marine in World War II, supplying the troops who participated in the Normandy invasion.
Remembering how proud my father was of his grandson carrying on the U.S. Navy Tradition. Bravo Zulu Zachary.
Sacrifice - by the service members and their families alike - for the greater good.
I served in the Delaware Army National Guard from 2013-2019.
As an 88M (motor transport operator) in the 1049th transportation company, my unit ran a number of missions for logistical support from Connecticut to Ohio to Kentucky and anywhere in between. We were often called to duty in support of first responders during extreme weather events and would provide manpower during major regional events, including presidential inaugurations. While my unit was in Afghanistan during OIF and OEF, they returned shortly before I finished basic training. Towards the end of my contract, it was clear that we were heading to Korea.
With a handshake on the news, I watched live with the rest of the country when those plans were cancelled. I was quite blessed to serve entirely at home after an era where many Guardsmen would see 2 or 3 deployments in a single contract. While a small percentage of Americans ever serve in the military (1% often quoted and certainly well under 10%), the VA estimates 22 veterans commit suicide each day. Veterans are a population that chose their country over their safety and chose to suspend many of their freedoms to ensure others would never have to. Please keep the veterans in your life at top of mind this Veteran’s Day and throughout the year. Their care for you did not end with their contract and knowing you care could make all the difference.
I'm a third generation military veteran.
I graduated high school at age 17. At age 17 I began a journey that would follow in the footsteps of my father and grandfather, making me a 3rd generation military vet. My father and grandfather both served in Korea, with my grandfather retiring as a Colonel. My experience with the Arizona National Guard was filled with fond memories I still share today. My MOS was 67N. This made me a Huey Helicopter mechanic. This gave me the mechanical knowledge to fly a helicopter.
Later in life, after 9/11, I attempted to re-enlist to active duty only to be turned away due to having too many kids at the time of enlistment. The cut-off is 1 child max prior to enlistment. So that ended my hopes of furthering my military career. Veteran’s Day is a humble reminder that no matter what you think of the sitting president, or our country as a whole, men and women are willing to put themselves in harms way to defend our country and protect the freedom that we all enjoy.
My picture is of me taken during basic training. I was 17 in that picture. I share it to remind people that many of the “soldiers” sent into combat zones, are often just “kids” not much older than I was… and yet we were willing to do our part to defend the country we love…even if it means dying for it!
United States Army, GA Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserves
To my family and myself, Veteran’s Day is a day of reflection. A day to remember the sacrifices of those before us, those who served with us, and those who came after. Although we have served, the sacrifices of others deserve our full admiration. It is also a day to remember the freedoms that we have in this great country and a day to truly remember to be grateful for the opportunities that we have. Without the United States Military Veteran’s, where would we be as a country today. Thank you to all of my fellow Brothers and Sisters in Arms. Remember you are amazing this Veteran’s Day!
Pictured: SGT “Shoemake” (myself) and my K-9. I handled him as an Explosives Detection K-9 at Camp Phoenix – Kabul, AFG until he was retired. I then adopted him and brought him home with me to live a long happy life.
I served 9.8 years in the United States Army, GA Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserves as 31B MP SGT (Military Police Sergeant)/ 74D CBRN NCO (Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Non-Commissioned Officer).
During my time down range, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom Campaign (OEF) – Kabul, Afghanistan (2012-2013), I was responsible for Base Defense, Quick Reaction Force, ISAF and Coalition Forces Liaison, and FET (Female Engagement Team) as part of Humanitarian efforts for the Kabul AO. As part of the humanitarian mission - opened schools for girls, performed village outreach, held events for locals on post, and multiple other outreach missions.
Following my deployment, I was a Platoon SGT for the GA Homeland Response Force where our mission was to respond to Natural Disasters, HAZMAT incidents, Emergencies on the East Coast.
In 2016 I moved to the Reserves 314th Chemical Co where I was the Platoon SGT for the CBRN Recon Platoon. We were actively in rotation for tours in Souel, Korea as part of the border defense against any type of Chemical or Biological Warfare.
I left service at the end of 2017 to join the civilian workforce and spend more time with my children. Ironically, as I left service, my husband entered into the Active Duty Army and is apart of SOCOM support.
I served in the Navy Reserve for 23 years.
United States Navy Reserve Retired - Chief Petty Officer – 23 Years
When I think of Veteran’s Day, I immediately think of the “Brave Men and Women” who have served this country unconditionally and the Honor, Courage and Commitment it takes for everyone to wear the uniform.
I enlisted on November 1992 and over the course of my career was mobilized for Active Duty post 9/11 and between 2010-2011 to support Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn at various forward logistic bases that include Kuwait Naval Base, Arifjan, Ali Al Salem Air base. Throughout my service, my initial focus was working with HQ level positions at CINCUSNAVEUR London for 10 years including NATO Operations and the later part of my service was focused on training new officers on leadership.
I've held every position in a military family.
Veteran's Day is a time to celebrate the people who have served their country.
I come from a family where we jokingly call military service the family business. Every generation has had a majority of it's members serve and it has been traced back to the Revolutionary War. I'm also a one of a small group of people who have held every position in a military family.
I was a dependent growing up, I served on active duty and I was also a military spouse. I've seen firsthand the impacts that service has on people so thanking those that have served is incredibly important to me.
The picture is one of few that I have of myself and my father in uniform together.