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THE GRAPEVINE


THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF AMFA—APRIL 2014
 

Celebrate A Veteran

By David Brooks

Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to ensure the nation was given the opportunity to publically demonstrate their appreciation for the sacrifices and successes made by our service members - past and present. National Military Appreciation Month started as a simple idea; to gather America around its military family to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served and those now serving and to know the history behind it all.

I have had the honor of serving our country, along with four out of six members of AMFA’s NEC.  It is refreshing to be recognized today, and feel the pride of saying that you are a veteran.  I currently have an uncle that has served in three branches, and was on Omaha beach in World War II and he still drives. He definitely has some stories and represents what Tom Brokaw described as “The Greatest Generation.” I also ride motorcycles with several vets, to include Vietnam vets, and we have certain camaraderie because of us being vets. While at an event, I was very surprised to see a fully decorated Marine thank me for my service. I served for just four years, but to him it was the sacrifice that is made by all service men and women who defended their country, not a rank or time competition.

It is difficult to see our military members come back from wartime now, and have problems such as PTSD, problems reintegrating into the communities, and coming back sometimes without limbs. It is refreshing to see all of the programs today that help out the soldiers, and their families.  I know a few Vietnam vets that feel it is about time and are very proud of how the military is being embraced today. This is why I am thankful for Military Appreciation month, as I have a direct tie to this celebration, and I know that all vets made sacrifices for their country.

If you are reading this article, and are a vet, I would like to thank you for your service.  If you are not a vet, I am sure you are related to one, or know one.  Take the time to thank a veteran for his or her service, or honor a vet that is no longer with us. Celebrate this month and make sure you participate in one of many events that are occurring this month. On May 17th we will be celebrating Armed Forces Day, a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country and on May 26th we celebrate Memorial Day, a day to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. I owe a lot to the military.  It gave me a skill, helped me get a job in the aviation field, and gave me many life experiences and memories. I for one will be remembering this month and feel privileged to be classified as a vet.


In This issue

all gave some, some gave all, remember those who served
member spotlight
fight for your country, fight for your union
celebrate a veteran
salute
appreciating our military
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