Today marks the 95th year of celebrating veterans in the United States on this, the 11th of November.
In 1919, this day was proclaimed a day to commemorate the heroism of those who served the country in World War I. It was declared a legal holiday, Armistice Day, in May of 1938. Its name was later changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to recognize all United States veterans. Bradley is the home to several veterans.
Lacey Arnold
served in the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2012 in the 31st Battalion Military Police. Arnold was deployed to places such as Romania, Bulgaria and Afghanistan. She said Veterans Day has a greater meaning and purpose to her now that she has served.
“Veterans Day means more than getting discounts and free lunch or dinner,” Arnold said. “It means [not] how others see me as a hero, but [rather how I] look into a mirror and see myself as another veteran who served and [was] glad to serve my country.”
Karl Borling
served four years in the U.S. Navy. He said he enjoyed visiting new places and experiencing what it meant to serve.
“I enjoyed seeing seven countries, the camaraderie and the experience of serving the country,” Borling said. “The varieties of people who I served with were from all walks of life, which was amazing. [It was] just the thought of knowing that, differences set aside, they would be there for you and had your back.”
Catherine Dorgan served in the U.S. Army as a Medical Laboratory Technician from 2008 to 2012. She said the experiences, though new, were ones she treasured.
“I enjoyed every new experience I had in the army,” Dorgan said. “Whether it was meeting new people, traveling or responsibility, I learned so much. Through the camaraderie and responsibility, I learned to live for something bigger than myself. When I graduate in nursing, I hope to take that with me and make a difference in the life of every patient I meet.”
Eric Reynolds served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years as a musician. He said the patriotism displayed by people attending the events was what he enjoyed the most.
“My favorite experiences were in New York City for the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11th and playing for Mardi Gras in New Orleans,” Reynolds said. “The Marine Corps definitely helped me prepare for the real world and college. [I] learned a lot about leadership and time management and wouldn’t trade my time in the Corps for anything.
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Stephanie Robbons has served in the Army National Guard since January of 2013. She said her short time in the service has already given her so much.
“I will never forget the family I formed and the bonds I created with so many different people from so many different backgrounds
,” Robbons said. “I have gained so many skills and characteristics, but most importantly, I have become more confident in myself.”
Justin Sorenson
served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2008 to 2012 as a Technical Controller. He also served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Sorenson said he enjoyed the brotherhood of the Marines and believes he learned valuable life skills.
“My time in the Marine Corps presented some unique challenges and obstacles and gave me the tools and knowledge to overcome them,” Sorenson said. “The discipline and determination instilled in me will continue to propel me into a successful future.”
Nick Teague
has served in the Air Force Reserve for five years as a Medical Technician. Teague said the camaraderie and brotherhood is what has taught him so much.
“I have met so many different people that I still keep in contact with, and it’s nice to be able to have that network,” Teague said. “I have learned that almost everything in life is team-oriented. You don’t have to do things by yourself because someone will have your back.”
Kristy Wolfe served in the U.S. Army for nearly nine years as an Engineer Officer, traveling to places such as Germany and Bosnia-Herzegovina. She said the Army prepared her for far more than she could have expected.
“I will always remember my deployment as well as traveling throughout Europe,” she said. “My time in the service prepared me for everything I’ve done up to this point in my life. It especially prepared me on how to deal with people.”
