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Veterans Day, in your own words

Family photo

Teri Goggins submitted a photo and thank-you note about her son, Kyle Goggins.

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TBO.com

Published: November 11, 2009

Updated: 11/11/2009 10:34 pm

Thank you to eyeryone who shared your pictures and memories of our servicemen and women as part of our Veterans Day coverage. Below are some of your stories.

Submitted by Don Itterley

I spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy, I remember the brothers I met and lost I miss them one and all. But as the saying goes "all gave some, some gave their all" and with that I rebuilt my bike to honor all those who gave their all. The bike has specialty coins for the Tuskegee Airmen, Navajo code talkers and the 100th battalion.

Submitted by "Doc" Mike Hill

I spent many years in the Navy, many of those years were with the Marines. I am Doc, the one who is there for his fellow Marines. Some days we are covered in blood, dirty, tired and our clothes are like cardboard from blood.

We don't ask for special favors but receive our rewards by seeing our fellows Marines survive.

I was at Tampa V.A. last year and a Marine was standing there with 2 prosthetic arms. I asked him when he was wounded, he told me and I said say no more and described the day he was wounded. I cared for him. That's all the rewards I need: to see him standing there.

Sometimes the horror of war gives us rewards.

Submitted by Laurie Wicker Proctor

In 1966, my family lived in Tampa, close to the air force base where my Dad was deployed with the Air Police. He was sent to Thailand for a year. Despite that he faced danger and the awful effects of the Vietnam War, Dad always made it a tradition to send each of kids small gifts whenever he could. Tattered and discolored, we still have those toys - for they were almost an extension of this wonderful man. Below is a photograph of Dad [Staff Sgt Don Wicker] in 1967 surrounded by kids. Such was his charisma. And, although he's been gone for five years now, each time I look at those toys or these pictures, it's like he's next to me smiling.

Submitted by Teena Adkins

This photo is of my husband, Travis Adkins, and our daughter about to head to the airport in March. Travis was heading back to Iraq in he second tour. Because of the deployment he missed the majority of our daughters first year. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, for four years and left less than two months before the Fort Hood Massacre. We love him so much and thank him everyday for what he has sacrificed for us.

Submitted by retired Marine Col. Paul S. Frappollo

Here is my veteran's story. I was born in 1930. In my pre-teen and early teen years I was brought up on the World War II movies, and decided I wanted to be a Marine. I graduated high school in 1946, spent two and a half years at St. John's University in Brooklyn, N.Y., and, in 1949, I enlisted in the Marine Corps. I received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1952, and went to flight school to become a fighter pilot, getting my wings in December 1954. I retired as a Colonel in 1979.

From those almost 30 years, I have many memories, some bad, many good, but I want to talk about my service during the Vietnam War. I commanded an F-4 Phantom II fighter squadron at Danang, Vietnam in 1966. My memories of that era are of the protesters here burning the American flag, waving the Viet Cong flag, or running off to Canada or Sweden. I remember the big lie of the day, which was, "It takes more courage to dodge the draft than to serve in an immoral war." Baloney! All wars are "immoral". Put your butt on the line. That takes more courage. Do it day in and day out, as our men and women are doing today, in Iraq and Afghanistan. Do it knowing you may not return from a mission, or that only part of you will. That takes courage.

I have memories of Jerry Denton, Bud Day, and John McCain, and hundreds of others like them who spent years of hell being tortured by the savages with whom we now have diplomatic relations. The books these men have written should be required reading for all Americans. I truly hope that their stories burn in the minds of the Clintons and Fondas of that era, as well as the misguided liberals who put everyone else ahead of their service people.

I have some good memories, too, of Vietnam. They are of the brave men with whom I shared those trials by fire, of the friendships that were formed over debriefings where everyone returned, of the chains that were forged in the crucible of combat, of life and death experiences, of how we laughed at the good times, and cried secretly at the bad times.

Which ever memories I recall, they will all be with me for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, the memory of the behavior of the people at home, and the viciousness of the North Vietnamese are too often at the forefront. I have not spoken about my feelings to anyone until today, other than my wife. I have not written a book. But it is time I get some of this off my chest. Thank you for the opportunity.

Submitted by Samantha & Scott Sturgeon

My son Andrew Lansing always wanted to serve his country, following in the steps of his grandfathers in Vietnam and WWII, his father stepfather and Uncle Guy. Based out of Fort Carson, he is currently serving in Afghanistan. He serves with pride and honor and always a smile.

Submitted by Stephanie Nunn

Every year I wear a yellow ribbon with the names of a friend and a cousin that have been serving in the war of Iraq. But I don't wear just from them but for the people that have served our country and have fought for our freedom. My dad, grandfather, and aunt have all served in the military and when my grandfather passed away, we had a military funeral. That is the day that made me cry when the blew the trumpet for his farewell. Every time I hear that and the American pledge I get teary eyed.
I might be only 21 but I know what the families went through when losing a loved one and seeing them leave for duty. It is hard. I think that children now aren't showing the respect that people think they should is because they are not being taught or told about what this men and woman have fought for. So they look at this day as another day off school to play. I have an american flag hanging all year round and a yellow ribbon tied to the post. Every day I see that I think of the men and women that have served for my freedom to walk down the street with no worry.

GOD BLESS THEM ALL!!!

Submitted by Linda Mundy

My brother James served in Viet war; he was a medic and I am very proud of him. My husband and I go to nursing homes and visit vets; we have pizza and ice cream parties amd vets love it. More people need to get involved.

Submitted by Laurie Knotts about her nephews, Brandon and Brian Knotts

I want to honor my two nephews, Brandon (right) and Brian Knotts who are currently serving in Iraq.

I am very proud of the sacrifices that they have made to help make America a safer country. They and other brave soldiers put their lives on the line everyday so that American citizens can still enjoy the many freedoms that we often take for granted.

Happy Veterans Day to all our soldiers, past and present.

Submitted by Sabrina Bohanan about her brother and father

This is my brother's second tour and not his last. I am so proud of him for what he sacrifices. He has a three-year-old son and a nine-month-old daughter. I'd like to say a special thanks to him and his wife and kids!

My dad served in the Vietnam War as an MP. He served in the Army for two years. I am proud to call him my dad and thank God that he is safe. The best part is, his Army jacket still fits!

Submitted by David Sauter about his son, David Ryan Sauter

Air Force Spc. David Ryan Sauter he has been in Iraq since August. We all miss him very much!

David Ryan Sauter

He joined after graduating high school at 17. He just wanted to serve his country before starting college. We are all very proud of him!

I am proud to say that he followed in my footsteps (Air Force 83-87).

Submitted by Jeané Burton about her father, John Butterfield

My Dad, a Korean War vet, passed away on July 4, 2008. He was an MP in the Army Air Core, now known as the Air Force.

May god bless us all but especially those who chose to keep us free.

Submitted by Manus O'Donnell

In 2002, our Army Engineer OCS class of 1966 gathered together for the first time to bury the remains of one of our comrades who was recovered in Cambodia over 20 years after his chopper was downed by enemy fire. We buried him in Arlington Cemetery on Veterans Day 2002. The story made national TV news.

After our first "reunion" that Veterans Day in 2002 we vowed to gather each Veteran's Day at "The Wall" to toast the 5 members of our OCS class whose names are on the wall. We continued to gather each year and every just prior to sunrise. We raised our cups in a "Bailey Bridge" toast which is coffee and Bailey's Irish Creme. Engineers build temporary bridges called Bailey Bridge.

This year, 2009, as we gathered there were only three of us at the sunrise. While our numbers were low, our quality was high. Unfortunately it rained today so we didn't see the sunrise. The rain did not dampen our spirits. We spent an hour in the rain visiting the names of our comrades and reminiscing.

So, other than the rain, what was different this year? For years, we shared a hotel with a Marine reunion. This year we decided to "cross the services barrier" and we joined the Marines party as they celebrated the anniversary of their founding. We were all comrades in arms.

Ahh, the stories we tell about our past. The memories we share. The laughs and tears are continuous as we relish in memories of our service to our great country. God willing I will attend next year with some of the greatest people on earth.

Submitted by Jacqueline Dobbins to her son and son-in-law

Richard Morse, based in Ft. Hood, Tex., is the son of proud parents James & Jacqueline Dobbins. He has just returned from a 15-month deployment to Iraq. He and his beautiful wife are expecting their first child in June 2010.

Richard Morse and his wife, Candy.

Patrick Clarke, based in Ft. Knox, Ky., is the son-in-law of James & Jacqueline Dobbins. He is currently preparing for a 12- month deployment to Korea. He and our beautiful daughter are expecting their first child in May 2010.

Patrick Clarke and his wife, JaLynn

We, as the proud parents of these two young men, could not begin to thank them enough for all they have given and sacrificed for themselves, their future, and our country.

God bless our soldiers.

Submitted by Mary Ayo to her three sons

My husband and I are very proud of our three Marine sons.

John and Andy Ayo

Bobby, Andy & John Ayo graduated from Chamberlain High School and have served their country with pride and professionalism. We are also very proud of our daughter-in-law, Kerri Ayo, who is a new chief in the Navy and is currently somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. Semper Fi!

John and Kerri Ayo

Submitted by Cynthia Schweitz to her family and all veterans

Until recent generations, as women, we had to stand firm and watch our men go off to war. Things are different now, I know several woman who have been in the service or have daughters there. As a woman, I have seen my father, my husband and now my two sons all go off to war. Today there are men who know this same feeling about their wives and daughters. I am so proud of all of them and their courage to fight to keep America free. I ask all my fellow American brothers and sisters to please give a pray for all our brave soldiers. Thank God for those who sacrificed to keep this country great for all the rest of us. A special Veteran's Day shout-out to PVT Bryan Conn and PV2 Gavin Conn in the U.S. Army - Ft. Benning, Ga.

Submitted by Daniela Velazquez about her brother, Luis Velazquez

My brother has become someone else's son since a helicopter crash killed 17 soldiers in Iraq.

Warren Hansen, a 36-year-old from Clintonville, Wis., befriended my brother Luis Velazquez Jr. as they worked together as staff sergeants in the 101st Airborne Air Assault Division out of Fort Campbell.

Since Warren's death, my brother has made Warren's parents, Jim and Beth Karlson, part of his life.

My brother never got the chance to say goodbye before Warren boarded one of two Black Hawk helicopters that crashed into each other Nov. 15, 2003.

Luis Velazquez at the graves of Warren and James Hansen.

Days before he was died, Warren had three other friends killed when their helicopter was shot down on Nov. 7.

Even as Luis, 44, was getting ready to leave for his third tour in Iraq in August, he was thinking he could visit the Karlsons while on his R&R.

The Karlsons send Luis packages filled with Wisconsin cheese. And they keep in touch with Luis' wife, Janet, comforting her in a time of busyness – caring for two daughters, ages 19 and 3 – and loneliness.

Beth Karlson knows the feeling of losing a son and a husband to war. Warren's father, Staff Sgt. James Hansen, was killed in Vietnam in 1972. Beth later remarried.

For now, my family and the Karlsons are thinking about my brother, who is with the 1st Infantry out of Fort Riley and isn't even halfway through his yearlong tour.

Submitted by Bill Nicolow to three heroes

My wife and I spent Sunday afternoon (November 8th) at the International Mall and Plaza. We took a break to have lunch at the California Pizza Kitchen.

While we were waiting to be seated, three families arrived. Each family accompanied a young and proud soldier. We knew they were soldiers as each one wore a baseball style hat embroidered with their military branch and unit insignia.

Sadly, each of these young men had been severely wounded in combat and were now paralyzed and destined to spend their lives in wheelchairs. I wanted to extend my appreciation for their service and great sacrifice to our country.

I was just too moved to say anything as I was just so proud of them at that moment.

Today is Veteran's Day and my thoughts are about these three heroes. I want them to know that we all love them and will never forget their sacrifices. Hopefully in a short time they will be released from the hospital and will be able to go home to their families and loved ones.

Unfortunately their sacrifices to the country may too soon be forgotten.

Therefore, I am making a personal pledge to these "Three Heroes," that on each Veteran's Day I will personally remember each of them and thank them for their great service.

Submitted by Frank Matias to all veterans

Frank Matias, of Orlando, created this video using photos he found on the Web and a song by Mario Frangoulis to create a tribute to all the veterans out there.

Submitted by Terri Goggins about her son, Kyle Goggins

I am writing today to wish all veterans the very best today and everyday. Without you all we would not have the freedoms we have today.

I also want to send out a very special Veterans Day salute to my son Kyle Goggins, who is stationed at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina.

Normally you think of Veterans being your dad or granddads ages, not my son. At 22 years old he was deployed to Iraq with his company in 2008, and returned in June 2009, a veteran. Hard to believe.

Thank you Veterans for your service and all your sacrifices. You are always in our hearts and prayers.

Submitted by Author Lt. Col. Ray Morris about his experience

"The Week I Became a Man"

When the newspaper headlines shouted "Cuban Missile Crisis" for fourteen stressful October 1962 days, it seemed forever to me, an eighteen-year-old, fresh from the Missouri hill country. Without a doubt, the Cuban Missile Crisis undoubtedly was as close as the world has ever come to nuclear warfare. The Armed Forces alert level, DEFCON 2, was at the highest level of readiness this nation has ever experienced, and Soviet field commanders in Cuba were prepared to use battlefield nuclear weapons if invaded. Thankfully, the unwavering actions of President John F. Kennedy averted war. As the world teetered on the brink of disaster and influential men jockeyed to impose their will on world opinion, I experienced this struggle firsthand.

Lt. Col Ray Morris, right, in Vietnam

I'd been stationed with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY, for seven months. Echo Company, 327th Battle Group (Inf), was on First Ready Alert status, which meant the first to go "if the balloon ever went up," a phrase frequently used to describe war. I had just turned 18. With the exception of our company NCOs, most of the men in my platoon had never been away from home before. We were all lean, adventuresome, and unafraid—we relished playing soldier, parachuting from a perfectly good airplane—we fired blanks at each other and live rounds at cardboard silhouettes. Life was good.

It'd been cold and gray, around 0300, when awakened by our somber-faced platoon sergeant, Sergeant First Class Faye, and ordered to dress, grab our field equipment, weapons, and duffle-bags. We were to assemble outside where trucks would be awaiting. We were confused; no parachute jump had been scheduled. The NCOs were unusually tight-lipped as live ammo and hand grenades were issued.

The night air was still as the company commander approached. We'd be instructed when to load our weapons and to expect to be airborne for an indeterminate time. He explained the crisis; our mission was to parachute onto the Cuban missile sites to prevent them from being fired at the eastern United States. He anticipated fifty-percent casualties but said he'd be fighting beside us. As long as one man remained alive, we'd continue the mission—the future of our country depended upon it. Heads bowed, he led us in a short prayer then said, "When you hit the ground kill everything that moves."

For more than six hours, the plane circled the designated Release Point awaiting President Kennedy's decision. The weather had been turbulent and nearly everyone was airsick. Like me, all were anxious to leave that cursed C-130 Hercules even if it meant facing what was below. Glancing left and right, I could feel the fear in my friends' faces; Richey, Perez, Kurt, Reilly, the seasoned NCOs. My face mirrored theirs.

As the world knows, that decision never came. The Soviets blinked and war had been averted. We all became men the third week of October, 1962.

Readers may contact Ray at www.raycmorris.com

Submitted by Ada Lopez, about her three brothers

My three brothers have served in the United States Army and are proud and happy to have served this country.

They also say that if they were young and had to do it over, they would not hesitate to do it again.

I am very proud of my three brothers and would like to take this opportunity to salute them and tell them how much I love and how much I am thankful having them in my life.. Thankfully they did not have to give their life for us, but I am sure they would have gratefully given it if they had to. Thank you, Ruben, Jose and Carmine Lopez.

With love,

Your little sister, Ada Lopez

Submitted by Doug Lindsey, about his son, Lon Savini

My son, Lon Savini, was a 1988 graduate of Hillsborough High School and joined the Navy as a means of allowing a few years to go by until he was old enough to apply to the Tampa Police Department. He had heard me talk about my years as an Army officer and tours in Viet Nam so was somewhat familiar with what military life might be like. After boot camp in San Diego, he was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Midway as a seaman stationed in Japan. Midway was deployed to the Persian Gulf during the first Gulf War and Lon watched as air crews took off in support of the initial assault. He wrote how proud he was of his ship and her brave crew.

I was surprised when told us he was going to reenlist for another four years. Little did I know! As of now, he has been in the Navy for twenty one years and has served on USS Midway, USS Frank Cable, USS Gridley, USS John Paul Jones, and USS Vicksburg. On one of those deployments, he commanded small boats that carried Navy Seal boarding parties to search suspect ships for contraband or forbidden items. He has been deployed to the Middle East five times and is currently serving as a Chief Boatswains Mate on USS Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault ship which is on her way to the Middle East. This will be his 6th deployment.

There is no way his mother and I can say how proud we are of him and his accomplishments and service to this nation.

Submitted by George Oakes, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm

Veterans day to me is a day reserved to honor our past and present military service members. Personally it is a time for my reflection into my past 8 years of military service, and time to reflect on my late father's military service, and the friends I have, with whom I served.

I served in the U.S. Army from 1985 to 1992. I served one year tour in South Korea, one 3.5 year tour in Germany and spent a total of one year going to Desert Storm (2 six month tours) the rest was all state-side duty. On my first tour in the sand, I was in northern Iraq, helping to occupy Saddam's Airport. My most vivid memory was leaving the airbase and watching the Iraqi children chasing after us and our convoy waving and smiling.

On my second tour of Desert Storm (after the Iraq army left Kuwait) I remember traveling to the border of Kuwait and Iraq, taking pictures and returning to my base, then traveling to a large field in Kuwait where all the Iraq armor was being kept. It was such a large field that it was amazing to me all the equipment the Iraqi Army brought to invade and how much they left behind.

And finally reflecting on my father's past life, and his service in the Navy. I recently had to say goodbye to my father, as we laid him to rest. a small color guard unit performed the Military Burial honors at my father's service, which I was happy was performed. I stood proudly and saluted as Taps was being played, and listening to the gun fire of the Salute. Afterwards as I was the oldest closest living relative(his first born son), I was given his flag, which I have carefully put in a display case. As a kid I remember looking at all the pictures he had of him on the carrier he worked on. All the pictures of him and his navy friends, and looking at his uniforms, he kept neatly hung in his closet. Occasionally he would take them out, and on Veterans day he would put on his Dress uniform, and leave for the day. We never knew where he went, other than he was honoring the veterans who had fallen.
So now on every Veterans day I make it a point to dust off my Dress Uniform, and put it on. I travel to, and attend the local Veterans Day service held at Bay Pines Veterans memorial, in Pinellas county. I make a point of taking time out of my day at 11am to pray for thanks to god for being an American, and to pray for my fallen brothers and sisters of the military.

Submitted by Karen Elrod Williams, of the Lutz Patriots, about Capt. Henry "Hank" Elrod

Throughout my years, growing up in Tampa, our family frequently talked of those in our family who served our Country. My father, uncles and numerous others were so very proud of their service.

There was one family member however, that couldn't speak for himself. He was my fathers' cousin and his name was Henry "Hank" Elrod.

Henry "Hank" Elrod

I remember hearing many stories about Hank. He was a courageous man who lost his life in battle. We would hear often how he fought off the enemy to protect his men. As one of the few relatives remaining in this family, my father always displayed Hank's picture in our home and reminded us often of the sacrifice all service men and women make.

We will never forget Hank or the many who came before or after him. Their service to our Country will be forever appreciated. The story of Major Henry Elrod follows:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to Marine Fighting Squadron 211, during action against enemy Japanese land, surface and aerial units at Wake Island, 8 to 23 December 1941. Engaging vastly superior forces of enemy bombers and warships on 9 and 12 December, Capt. Elrod shot down 2 of a flight of 22 hostile planes and, executing repeated bombing and strafing runs at extremely low altitude and close range, succeeded in inflicting deadly damage upon a large Japanese vessel, thereby sinking the first major warship to be destroyed by small caliber bombs delivered from a fighter-type aircraft.

When his plane was disabled by hostile fire and no other ships were operative, Capt. Elrod assumed command of 1 flank of the line set up in defiance of the enemy landing and, conducting a brilliant defense, enabled his men to hold their positions and repulse intense hostile fusillades to provide covering fire for unarmed ammunition carriers. Capturing an automatic weapon during 1 enemy rush in force, he gave his own firearm to 1 of his men and fought on vigorously against the Japanese.

Responsible in a large measure for the strength of his sector's gallant resistance, on 23 December, Capt. Elrod led his men with bold aggressiveness until he fell, mortally wounded. His superb skill as a pilot, daring leadership and unswerving devotion to duty distinguished him among the defenders of Wake Island, and his valiant conduct reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

The United States Navy has honored Henry Elrod by naming a ship after him. It is stationed in Norfolk, Va.: The USS Elrod, "Hammerin Hank."

Submitted by 2nd Lt. Col. Austin Hamner to his three daughters

2004 Veteran's Day Letter to Mary, Laura & Sarah

Hello girls, I have something very important to tell you about this war and the meaning of Veteran's Day. We should never forget that Veteran's Day used to be called Armistice Day. This particular day was chosen because that was the month, day and hour that World War I ended which was November 11, 1918 at 11:00 a.m. This was supposed to be the "war to end all wars," but of course we know that it was not the last one.

Sometimes on Veterans Day, we lose connection to the real meaning of the day. I've written a few words that may help you to understand what it is all about. Sweethearts, I've just returned from the memorial service that was held for two very special soldiers. These two men were taken from this world on Monday of this very week protecting our unit. They were very brave men who protected generals and your dad too.

The first man's name is Specialist Don Allen Clary. He would have celebrated his 22nd birthday on the last day of this year, December 31. His mother must have wondered if she was to have a New Year's baby when he was born in 1982. That's the same year as your big brother John. Specialist Clary had a girlfriend, but they hadn't married yet and so that part of the story will never be known. What we do know is that he built a house before he left and that he loved to fish. He was a tall man who worked with his hands and he was good at most everything he did. He was excited for the future, but first he wanted to serve his country.

The second hero's name is Staff Sergeant Clinton Lee Wisdom. This hero just turned 39 in August. He was married and had three children who attended three different levels of school, namely: high school, middle school and elementary school just like our family. He also loved to fish even more than Specialist Clary, but he always took one of his children along so they could have 'quiet time' with dad. He wanted to run for mayor of his town once he returned to Kansas.

Both men had the job of leading convoys and protecting generals and other high ranking people so that they would be safe. This was a frequent mission to take several high ranking people to the American Embassy in the International Zone. A suicide bomber aimed a truck for the convoy and the VIP vehicles. These two soldiers placed their own vehicle between the suicide truck and the rest of the convoy to protect the riders. The truck detonated and instantly took these two soldiers away from this world. One of the men who was saved was appointed by President Bush and who is now returning to submit testimony before the U.S. Congress in Washington D.C. This high ranking man said that he owes his life to these two heroes and hopes that he can live to be worthy of the great sacrifice these two men made. I am sure that neither he nor the people with them that day will ever forget these two heroes.

Sooner or later all of us will pass on from this life, but those who willingly give their lives for others certainly are true heroes. Jesus once taught the world that, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. That is one way to know that these two men were real-life heroes.

We had a memorial this morning for these two heroes. You might think that Army soldiers are tough and don't need to have time for this. It is exactly the opposite sweethearts. We too, need time to grieve over the loss of friends and family. A British soldier played the bagpipes as we assembled for the service. The memorial stand had two pairs of empty desert combat boots with M-16 rifles pointed down beside the shoes. Their Kevlar helmets were placed on top of the upturned rifles. The unit that lost the men was called to attention and then role call was made. Each man responded to their individual names. Only silence responded to the names of the fallen heroes. The names were called out three times according to custom before the name is marked as 'not present'. Shortly afterward, a wonderful trumpet played the mournful notes of "TAPS" while the entire unit saluted. Upon conclusion, each soldier in the entire unit then had a chance to march up to the temporary memorials and render one final salute to their dear friends. Some spent time on their knees in quiet remembrance of their friends. There were many tears among this 'band of brothers' today. Yes girls, soldiers cry too.

Within another week, there will be another similar memorial, back in the state of Kansas. The difference this time will be the individual families that will say, "Goodbye." Specialist Clary and his girlfriend and family along with the wife and children of SSG Wisdom and their close friends and family will say their final farewells. There will be a military funeral which includes a 21-gun salute. Once that is over, the respective families must then adjust their lives without their real heroes being with them anymore.

This is what we memorialize on Veteran's Day. We remember the sacrifice of the soldiers themselves along with their grieving families. These men were just two of the more than a thousand heroes who have been taken during this conflict. This is the day to also remember all wars that have been fought on behalf of our country. It is important that we remember who these heroes are and that they are not forgotten. It is not just words spoken softly on one day of the year, but that we remember each time we see the wonderful flags flying along the light poles in Greenwood. Each one helps us to remember others who are no longer with us to enjoy the freedom that was given to us as a gift from those who sacrificed earlier in our country's history.

I am nearing the end of my time here in Baghdad, Iraq and I am so looking forward to seeing you three as well as your brothers again and being together. I will give you extra hugs and kisses because I know that there are children who will not get them from their dad who was taken away on Monday.

Maybe we can visit the Soldier's and Sailor's memorial in downtown Indianapolis and remember the other families and heroes so that they are never forgotten too.

Love you,

Papa

Submitted by Iris M. Ortiz about her husband, SSG Lucas Ortiz

"A Credit To His Country"

Carefree as a lark was he

Devoted to his country and his family

Lucas Ortiz

Yes ma-me, no sir, polite as can be

A credit to his country is he.

He volunteered for war

To keep his country safe

He left the home he knew

His family and his friends

The comfort of his bed

To sleep in distant lands

He tried to keep the peace

In a land where he is hated

But tall and proud he stood

A credit to his country is he.

He came home with scars

Unseen by human eyes

He sheds a tear or two

For those he left behind

He tosses and turns

He has sleepless nights

The memories of war

Crowd his helpless mind

Carefree as a lark was he

Devoted to his country and family

A credit to his country is he.

Submitted by Penny Carnathan about her stepfather, Poppa Val

Almond Vallone of Tampa enlisted in the Army in 1949 with three buddies from his hometown, Carthage, N.Y. He served 26 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4.

Among his biggest soldiering memories: the Tet Offensive in Saigon in February 1968. He was in criminal investigations, based outside Saigon, and drove into the city to collect reports on the action, believing the Viet Cong attack was largely over – and suppressed.

Almond Vallone

"Viet Cong were marching in platoon formation down the street, and here we were, this little convoy," he remembers. "I thought we'd lost Saigon."

But the eagerness, patriotism, and gung ho attitude of the young GIs won the city back. Many of the soldiers were in Saigon because they'd been busted and demoted for drug and other infractions, including "fragging" their own officers. And yet, these guys stayed awake for hours on end to fight.

"They turned out to be heroes," my stepfather says.

One young busted private jumped onto the hood of a Jeep and lobbed grenades into an American compound occupied by VC. That created an opening for U.S. soldiers to get inside. That same private tossed a pistol to an officer trapped on an upper floor as enemy soldiers approached him.

But on Veterans Day, Poppa Val, now 80, always thinks of Ernie Gabbie, one of the four friends he enlisted with. Ernie went to Japan and was quickly sent to Korea, where he was soon captured and sent to a POW camp. He died there.

Pop says any soldier who comes home is lucky:

"There but for the grace of God go I."

Submitted by Lela Cherry about her son, John Heine

In many ways, I am ashamed to admit that this may be the first year Veterans Day has true - close to home - meaning to me.

My one and only child, John Heine, is currently in Basic Training at Fort Sill, Okla. with the U.S. Army National Guard.

With the recent news at Fort Hood, Texas, as well as the ongoing Middle East wars, like it or not, I am reminded daily of the risks my son has chosen to take on.

Nevertheless, that is part of what makes John truly special. He cares about other people. And he knows God has set him aside for a higher purpose.

That is why I am proud to say - John Heine is my son.

Please keep all of our Service folks in your prayers.

Submitted by Ross Hays about his daughter

My daughter would not want me sharing this story, she is the modest type. She is a Lt. Commander in the United States Navy and a Naval Academy Graduate.

Three years ago while leading missions on the ground in Iraq, trying to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi's in Anbar and working the Tribal Chiefs to our side, her platoon came under fire by Al-Queda at a local school where they were visiting with school children. She had been taught to speak Arabic at the Army/Navy language school in Monterrey, California the year before and volunteered for this duty. She was able to use her language skills to get the children to safety before leading a defense to repel the attackers.

When I spoke to her after that day, and asked if she wasn't afraid, and how she knew what to do, she responded that at first she was, but as she got going she felt the aura and presence of her grandmother there, calming her and helping her respond. We, my wife and her sisters had spent that morning at Memorial hospital here in Tampa, watching her 83 year old grandmother slip away. I came back to my office that morning to email her of her grandmother's passing. She opened and read the email upon returning from her mission to learn of her Grandmothers passing. There is very little doubt among any of her family that her grandmother was with her that day, protecting and advising her as she always had done while she was growing up.

She was awarded the Bronze Star for this action two years ago. She never talks about it, but as a very proud father, I just had to. God Bless all our Veterans!

Submitted by Tish Redden, about her father, Donald

My late father, Donald K. Redden/MSgt. USAF (Ret.) was a Pearl Harbor survivor of World War II, served in Korea during the Korean Conflict, and was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Between WWII and just prior to our involvement in the Korean Conflict, he served in the Massachusetts National Guard and performed honorary guard duty when Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Boston.

The morning of the attack on Pearl Harbor, my father, just 19 – who had entered the U. S. Army in February 1941 and was sent to Hawaii in May 1941 - and his platoon were on an ammo run between Schofield Barracks, Fort Shafter and Fort Rucker, Hawaii. When they spotted the enemy aircraft, they believed them to be the Navy performing maneuvers in the early morning hours of that fateful Sunday. It wasn't until they were strafed by the departing Japanese did they realize this was no practice drill. That was just the first of several experiences Dad had while serving in the South Pacific.

During the Korean Conflict, my father - now in the U. S. Air Force – served as sergeant on a tank. The weather was miserable, the conditions even more so. My father, like many family men stationed there, was drawn to helping the children of the villages in his sector. One Christmas, he had Mother send him as many bags of M&Ms as she could find in our home town so that the local orphans could have something special on Christmas morning.

While he did not see active combat during the Vietnam War, he oversaw a security force stationed at Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. Much of his responsibilities there were never discussed. His unit was so very close to the Vietnam border; one can only imagine the assignments his troops had.

A child of the Depression, Dad felt a great love for this country and all it stood for. In the almost 30 years he served the United States, he never wavered in his belief in and loyalty to the red, white and blue. If he had not been medically discharged, I believe he would have served until his dying day – November 6, 2000. Like many of his generation, he is buried at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.

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