Veteran's Day

Veteran's Day is a holiday that is near and dear to my heart for many personal reasons. I'm currently wrapping up Service Academy nomination interviews at my job, and that resonated with me even more this year since it was right at Veteran's Day. I have a history of military service in my family, and have always loved this holiday. My grandfather was in the Army during the Vietnam war, my uncle was in the Air Force and still works at a local base, and Ian is in the military as well. Over the past few years, I've been preparing for life in the Army when Ian commissions, and it's just hit home more than normal this year that he'll be one of the people being honored on Veteran's day, along with my uncle and grandfather.

As an elementary school kid, I used to get so excited to do our annual Veteran's Day presentation because I knew my grandfather and my uncle would be in the audience. I would literally beam with pride as a third grader knowing my grandfather was standing up in the audience when they asked service members to stand. As I got older, I still participated in Veteran's Day programs throughout high school, even more actively than as an elementary schooler, and my pride at watching my grandfather stand during "When the Army goes rolling along," has never diminished, I still smile like crazy every time I hear it.

Even though I didn't get the opportunity to serve by going to a service academy like I had originally hoped, I'm still so excited about the role I've recently been able to play by helping set up interviews for the newest round of prospective candidates, and the role I'll play by being with Ian during his time in the military. To all our currently serving members of the military and to our veterans, thank you so much for your service from the bottom of my heart. I can't wait to continue on the military journey we've been on for over three years, and I can't wait to keep you all updated on all the changes and obstacles along the way.

Happy Veteran's Day!