With Veteran’s Day right around the corner, I think it is important to remind the student body of the sacrifices these men and women make every day. Being the daughter of a veteran, I have witnessed firsthand the impact the military has on the soldiers and their families. My father has been in the Army for over 30 years. He flies Chinook helicopters for the Army Reserves. He has served two deployments; the latest was throughout my senior year of high school. He missed my last year of high school, my college application process, and even move-in day of college.
For most students that is unfathomable, but for me it has always been my way of life. Luckily, I was able to have him take leave for my graduation, but then he quickly returned to the desert. We finally received great news that he would be coming home in September. On that wonderful day, I traveled to Fort Eustis anxiously awaiting my Dad’s homecoming. As I joined the other families, I could feel their excitement surrounding me. When Bravo Company 5-159th General Support Aviation Battalion stepped into the room, the joy was palpable. I was overcome with emotion to see my Dad home safe. I hugged him tight and felt the tears swell in my eyes. As I looked around and watched all of the other families reunite, I felt truly engulfed in happiness.
These men and women devote so much time and effort into fighting for our freedom, and I hate to see that being taken for granted, especially around election season. This Veteran’s Day, be especially thankful for your freedom, but more importantly those who are willing to fight for it, for all of us, and for what this country stands on. I could not be more proud of my hero; thank you, Daddy!