To our veterans: thank you Published Oct. 19, 2012 By Command Sgt. Maj. Berk Parsons 72nd Operations Brigade command sergeant major JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- As November approaches, our nation prepares to honor our veterans. Like many Amercians, I have a great appreciation for the many service members of all ranks and services who raised their hand and volunteered to serve, especially those who did so in time of conflict. You have all contributed to the history of our nation, and I can never portray my gratitude adequately. The faces change, but the commitment to our nation remains the same. Knowing I'm a part of our veteran's legacy keeps me vigilant and makes me proud. Today's veterans follow in the proud footsteps of the men and women who served our country with uncommon and unwavering strength for more than 230 years. When they leave our military, our veterans take that strength back to their communities and civilian lives. On Veteran's Day, the country stops in silence to pay tribute to the heroes of the battlefield who never see themselves as heroes. To that, I say we owe veterans more than our silence, our memories and our thanks. President Kennedy once said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." It is because of veterans our citizens can sleep well at night. Their resolve and commitment have made our Nation and our military the envy of the entire world. Soldiers and veterans don't see themselves as being brave or special; they just say they were doing their jobs. How do we celebrate and honor their service in a meaningful way? I encourage everyone to think about how much our veterans and their families have done for our nation. How do we honor their sacrifice? Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, almost three million American men and women have answered our nation's call to arms - to serve their nation and do their job. Now, after 11 years of war, more that 1.3 million service men and women who deployed overseas have returned to our communities. More than 130,000 Soldiers will leave the Army this year and more than 500,000 by 2017. I want to encourage businesses to hire a veteran. Soldiers bring exceptional training, values and experience to their civilian jobs. The leadership and technical skills developed in the military make veterans valuable additions to any organization. Veterans make exceptional employees in any organization because in serving their country they have acquired invaluable skills, including: · Decision-making skills primed by quick, clear thinking. · Proven leadership skills, honed in the most challenging operational environments. · The knowledge and experience needed to be sophisticated team-builders and natural team-players. · A work ethic that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence. I want to spread the word to any organization that wants to help veterans to register with the National Resource Directory so wounded, ill and injured service members and their families can access information about the services you provide. I want veterans to know, I am proud to be counted in their numbers. Never will I forget the sacrifices of those before me. It is and has been my honor to serve with you. But more than that, I want to show my support in a tangible way. As an NCO, I have been entrusted with the privilege of leading, and I have been humbled by witnessing the incredible accomplishments of our service members, in peacetime and in war. I'm only one Soldier; a Soldier who has had the privilege to serve amongst true heroes. The title "hero" gets thrown around quite a bit, often cheapening the true meaning. America's sons and daughters, who volunteered to serve their country during a time of war, knowing they could be put in harm's way, yet selflessly serve innumerable missions in faraway places; they are true heroes. As a professional Soldier, a member of a volunteer group that prides itself on maintaining the highest ethical standards, I take the privilege of leading and growing the next generation of veterans very seriously. While I'll continue to encourage civilian organizations to hire our veterans, I pledge to continue to train and lead, building on the reputation and bedrock of trust that is one of the pillars of our military. The reputation of our nation is due to the sacrifices and commitment of countless number of men and women who have worn the uniform; who without hesitation, without fail, strive every day to meet tasks with initiative and innovation. They inspire me to be a better Soldier and leader. It is my duty to remember the honor, tradition and service of these men and women. I am committed to those who have served so gallantly before me and to never dishonor their memory. Our veterans, past and present, are men and women with values, with a great respect for the ideals of our nation and a deep-rooted desire to see the success our service members through the development of the character of those whom they have led or still lead. Finally, we owe it to ourselves and to our nation to honor those who have served and those who still serve. The same gratitude that is shown for our current returning Warriors should be extended to our past Warriors - not just once a year, but anytime you encounter them. Their commitment and sacrifice has laid the foundation on which our current strength has been built, their resolve and service is what makes our nation great. So how do we celebrate and honor our veteran's service in a meaningful way? Thank a veteran. Hire a veteran. Help a veteran or support an organization that does. Pick one or all of the above. But never forget. Never take them for granted. Regardless of where, when or how they served, their sacrifice in the defense of our Nation has protected the freedoms of every citizen, we owe them more than just one day of gratitude.