Veterans Day 2014

Happy Veteran's Day





Its Veterans Day today.  Over the past 6 plus years I have had the opportunity to work first hand with Veterans on a daily basis.  It has been a wonderful thing for me.  Not only to I work with Veterans but over 25% of the staff are Veterans as well.  I have learned so much from the stories they tell.  I have been able to participate in the Run for the Wall, ok not participate but go out and meet the men and women on the journey. It is awesome to listen to them.  I have had the opportunity to listen to Wounded War Fighters tell their amazing stories!

 

Recently I heard a Veteran say he wishes returning home from Vietnam was like it was today.  I asked him to tell me more.  He shared that they "were not heroes", he felt people didn’t like them.  He said he never talked about his military experience until recently.   He said today people care about Veterans.  That really affected me for some reason.  I grew up with people all around me that were in the Vietnam war but I know so little about it.  My dad was in the Navy on an Aircraft Carrier and to be honest I know little about his Military experience.  The only thing he ever really talked about was a friend of his that died, Danny Vandivier.  When we went to Washington DC my Dad refused to visit the Wall.  I never really understood why and I still don’t.  I feel like as small as it is it is a symbol of respect to those men and women that died.

My dad, Steve Yochem, and his Aunt Lou Zeagler on the USS Bennington in 1970.

My grandfather, Joseph Yochem

 

My senior year of High School I had a friend that was  a year older them me that had enlisted in the Army and was sent to Germany.  We wrote letters often and visited when he came home. Oddly I feel like I know more about his military experience them my own dads.  The letters he wrote were all about what he was doing as a medic with quite graphic stories.  Many of the men and women I work with now were in the Gulf War and I feel like I can relate to them when they tell their stories.

 

Mikes cousin is career Air Force and a Lt Col and Mikes Nephew is in the Air Force.  I have great respect and admiration for both of them.  I have loved listening to Joel’s stories over the years about some of the things he did.  In 2014 we were able to skype with Kevin while he was in Saudi which was awesome.  We have been fortunate enough to visit them as they have moved around the Country and visit Air Force Bases.  Both of these men have coined Cole which has made him a very happy kid!

 

 

When Jordan Spears died recently it really affected me.  I knew Jordan, he had been to our house.  He was really a great kid.  He was just too young to die.  When you see a news story on a service member dying it is sad but when you know the person it is much worse and totally real!  It is something I really can't put into words.  Everyday when I pass Jordan's driveway I pray for him, his family and friends, and all those serving this great Country.

 

Cole and I had the privilege to meet Bryan Anderson in early 2014.  I hope this will be a day Cole will always remember!  This man is a triple amputee and truly and inspiration to every person.  Cole and I watched him on an episode of Hawaii 5'0 earlier this year and I have never been prouder!  This man has left an impression on my son that will likely stay with him forever!  No matter what you never give up!  Bryan has every reason to give up, instead he is leaving his mark on the world!  If you want to see the world through his eyes pick up a copy of his book, NO Turning Back.  Trust me you'll love it!  Most of all enjoy his story about driving at Walter Reed!  It  was a great story to read but even better to hear him tell the story!  We are proud of your Bryan!

 

 

 

If you are not a Veteran and want to understand the Veterans a bit more, I encourage you to pick up one of these books:

One of my favorite books ever.  Dakota is an amazing man the truly shares his story which made me feel like I was there and his personal story which is completely awe inspiring.

 

 

A great book about a Marine that really makes you have an understanding of what he went through!

"Our Veterans are loyal, easily trained, accustomed to being members of a team, and they're mature. They have a foundation of character and experience that any business would want to build upon,:  Howard Schultz, For Love of Country.

I am proud to be an American and I'm proud of and thankful for Veterans and Active Duty Servicemen and Women.