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A Salute to Veterans

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A Salute

To Veterans A Special Publication of The Addison Independent • November 10, 2016

National Commander visits Vergennes Vt.’s Veterans

Affairs staff is small but it is also mighty

Charles Schmidt spreads the word at Legion posts By ANDY KIRKALDY VERGENNES — Recently elected American Legion National Commander Charles Schmidt of Oregon has several missions as he travels around the nation during his year in office. Schmidt, a retired and decorated 27-and-ahalf year Air Force veteran and 33-year American Legion member, stopped at Vergennes Post 14 on a Monday afternoon last month as part of his four-day visit to Vermont. Schmidt, granting an interview after a Post 14 hot lunch and soda with a hunting story on the side, described one of his basic missions. “I just come out to meet the veterans and tell the veterans that, first of all that they are appreciated and thank them, not only for their military service, but also their service as a Legionnaire taking care of veterans,” he said. “We have a couple mottos: ‘Veterans Serving Veterans’ and ‘Veterans Serving America.’” As far as exactly where that mission takes Schmidt within the states and the four other American Legion “departments” (Puerto Rico, France, the Philippines and Washington, D.C.), he is a good soldier — Schmidt follows orders from local officials, who decide where National Commanders should visit within their borders. In Vermont last month, that meant posts in Vergennes, Castleton, Fair Haven and Poultney as well as veterans’ programs in Northfield and Rutland. “They plan their own internal agenda, and I just fly with that,” Schmidt said, adding, “Part of the job as the American Legion National Commander is to do a lot of traveling.” LEGACY Wherever Schmidt stops, he emphasizes the founding principles of the American Le(See Schmidt, Page 3)

VERMONT — Although the state of Vermont’s Office of Veterans Affairs has only eight staff members, it has built a strong reputation for customer service. All of them work with veterans and their families, so that none of the Veterans Affairs staffers are removed from the challenges and hardships that vets may face. Veterans Affairs officials note that everyone in the office is committed to doing the very best they can for their customers because they are committed to making a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. The members of the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs are as follows: Office of Veterans Affairs Staff ROBERT E. BURKE, Director Burke directs the day-to-day operations of the Office of Veterans Affairs. He leads the team in ensuring that Vermont’s veterans receive the state and federal benefits they deservedly earned. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy having retired in 2012 after 28 years of Active and Reserve duty. He has served tours of duty (See Veterans help, Page 2)

State of Vermont, Office of Veterans Affairs 118 State St., Montpelier, VT 05620-4401

CHARLES SCHMIDT, NATIONAL commander of the American Legion, recently visited Post 14 in Vergennes. He says the core principals of the Legion — care for and rehabilitation of veterans who are suffering from wounds or want, care of service members’ dependents, education of young people, and service to community and nation — are as relevant today as when the group was founded almost a century ago. Independent photo/Trent Campbell

1-888-666-9844 Toll Free Main Line (within Vermont Only) 802-828-3379 - Main Line 802-828-5932 - Fax


PAGE 2 — A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 10, 2016

Veterans help (Continued from Page 2) both afloat and ashore as a Special Operations Officer; Diving and Salvage. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom having served as Officer in Charge of the Joint CREW Field Office attached to Joint Task Force Paladin from March 2007 to April 2008 in Afghanistan. His last tour of duty was as a military professor at the U. S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I., from 2008 until 2012. RHONDA BOYCE, Veteran Services Clerk Boyse provides clerical support to all major programs within the Office of Veterans Affairs. She also works directly with the Service Officer Program providing clerical support and tending to many of the day-to-day administrative issues of the program. CRYSTAL CARRIGAN, Veteran Service Officer II Carrigan is an accredited veteran service officer with many years of hands on experience working with veterans, and as a service officer. She is responsible for the Veterans Benefits program for the Office of Veterans Affaires to ensure that Vermont veterans or their families receive the benefits earned by their service. She handles initial claims through appeals work on behalf of Vermont’s veterans. She is also an Air Force veteran and Vermont’s Women Veterans Coordinator. ED BURKART, Veteran Services Administrator This position provides administrative support to all of the major programs at the Office of Veterans Affairs. Primary responsibilities involve managing the administrative operations of the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, organizing and providing support for Property Tax Exemption verification and a myriad of other administrative tasks. This position is the Cemetery Advisory Board liaison for the office. LESLEY MARTIN-LEWIS, Veteran Service Officer I Martin-Lewis started with the office in June 2012, and has been a fully certified service officer since October 2012. She, Carrigan, and Perreault travel around the state meeting with veterans close to their homes helping them successfully file claims with the VA and negotiate the VA system. PAUL PERREAULT, Veteran Service Officer I Perreault is the Vermont office’s newest

Thank you

THE NAMES OF 53 Salisbury men and one woman from the town who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War are recognized on a display in the veterans park near the village in Salisbury. Veterans Day is a time to thank our neighbors who risked their lives in service to the country. Independent photo/John S. McCright

service officer, having started in the position in September 2013 after working as a Veteran’s Services clerk for more than a year. He retired from the Vermont Army National Guard after more than 20 years of service, including tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

CATHY GRUPP, Veteran Services Clerk Grupp started in February 2014 and works with Boyce providing clerical support to programs in the Office of Veterans Affairs, answering phones and helping visitors who stop by. ROBERT DURKEE, Cemetery Foreman

Durkee is a Vermont Technical College employee who supervises the maintenance staff at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery. “Bob,” as his is known, is involved with every aspect of the cemetery, from horticulture to mortuary affairs. More than anyone, he’s the one that keeps our cemetery looking great.

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A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 10, 2016 — PAGE 3

Schmidt (Continued from Page 1) gion, about which he offered a brief history lesson starting in 1919 in France, after the end of World War I. “Teddy Roosevelt Jr. and a handful of members of the American Expeditionary Force were concerned about their buddies going back home,” he said. “There was no VA. There was nothing.” Schmidt said the organization they founded adopted these core principles: “Rehabilitation of all disabled veterans; care of the dependents of those who have answered the call; care of those veterans who are now suffering from wounds, disease or want; the education of our youth; and service to our community, state and nation.” “That is as relevant today as that day in March of 1919 when they chose to sit down and discuss those concerns,” Schmidt said, adding his theme for his year in office is “Carry the legacy forward.” “Every one of us has a niche, or a forte, that they can come to a post and they can contribute. They’ve got something to contribute. Even if it’s dishwashing or working on a program or something, to make something good happen. I tell people that membership card is ownership. I remember watching the TV a long time ago where Prudential Insurance always had, ‘Own a piece of the rock,’ he said. “But we in this organization own something more precious than a piece of rock. We own history and tradition. We own service and sacrifice, not only when we were in uniform, but right now.” Community service, as has been exempli-

fied by the county’s local Legion Posts, is an and for funding to support veterans’ medical, important part of the equation, Schmidt said. education and employment issues. He harkened back to his own days in the Air “They come back, and maybe they’re not Force. ready to come into the American Legion, “We’re not just takers. We give back to com- even though we go to Capitol Hill every munities. I was in Vietnam, and we got those day, not only for us Legionnaires, but for Care packages from home those who have served, from the communities and and those who are servso forth, and that means a “I just come out to meet ing, and those who will lot, and particularly to the the veterans and tell the serve,” Schmidt said. “We men and women now in still look out after them. Iraq and Afghanistan, the veterans that, first of all Veterans serving veteroutpouring of the commu- that they are appreciated ans.” nity,” he said. “So why not and thank them, not only But with their membergive back, show your apship, the Legion could ofpreciation of something.” for their military service, fer more to younger veterRECRUITING but also their service as a ans, he said. Schmidt, already leads Legionnaire taking care of “I think we reach out to the largest veterans’ orthem by telling them what ganization in the nation, veterans. We have a couple programs we have and with 2.2 million mem- mottos: ‘Veterans Serving how we can help them. bers. But the passing of Someday, the current Veterans’ and ‘Veterans most World War II and generation, I think the many Korean War veter- Serving America.’” time will come when they ans has left Legion mem— Charles Schmidt will need the American bership down from its Legion,” Schmidt said, peak of 3 million. Thus adding, “We have service Schmidt has taken on another major mis- officers that when they come back and they sion: explaining the benefits of the Legion to have a need, whether it’s service related or younger veterans. service connected, whether it’s education “We want to grow. We’ve still got the Iraq or employment benefits, the service officer and Afghanistan war veterans,” he said. can help them. A service officer can be those Regardless of their participation, the Le- young people’s best friend, and they don’t gion is serving them, Schmidt said, through know that necessarily.” support of the Veterans Administration and Schmidt noted the structure of the miliits constant lobbying in Washington, D.C., tary has changed, with more citizen soldiers on behalf of better VA funding and staffing with young families at home. Thus, he said,

the Legion should emphasize to potential recruits its programs for families and youths and its community service, such as support for Boys’ State, oratorical competitions, Boy Scouts of America and youth baseball. Posts sponsor many other charitable ventures, and Schmidt told the story of meeting three Boy Scouts and a 70-year-old Legion member sponsored by an Oregon post who in 2015 bicycled across the U.S. to Ground Zero to raise funds ($26,000) and awareness for a Legion program that provides comfort items to 9-11 responders who are still suffering from injuries. “Those programs help children develop into good role models,” he said. The offer of a place to make friends with common interests can also become a big part of the organization’s appeal as younger veterans reintegrate into civilian life, Schmidt said. “You don’t think about it. I’m home. I’m safe. I’m free. But eventually that camaraderie comes back around,” he said. Schmidt understands the reluctance to sign up: His older brother, a Missouri Post Commander, had to twist his arm to join. “I was the same way,” Schmidt said. “He kept telling me you really ought to think about joining the American Legion. They do all these good things. They’ve got all these good programs, and they help support the VA … and somewhere along in your lifetime as a veteran you’re going to have a need for the American Legion.” Andy Kirkaldy may be reached at andyk@ addisonindependent.com.

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PAGE 4 — A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 10, 2016

Saluting our Veterans

Middlebury American Legion 49 Wilson Rd., P.O. Box 28, Middlebury, Vt. 05753 • 802-388-9311 • legionpost27@aol.com


A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 10, 2016 — PAGE 5

Fitting remembrance

THE HONOR ROLL and monuments in the veterans park off Maple Street in Salisbury are, in some ways, typical of the respect and honor they show the men and women who have served in the American armed forces. The honor roll, which was erected in 2013 after seven years of work by the Salisbury Historical Society, bears the names of all known war-era Salisbury veterans, including the 32 who died in service. This listing augments the stone and metal monuments to local men who died in the Civil War, left, and the First World War, below. Independent photos/John S. McCright


PAGE 6 — A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 10, 2016

Honoring All Who Have Served Thank You For Securing Our Freedom

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Thirty-one words that affirm the values was published anonymously in the magazine and freedom that the American flag repre- and was not copyrighted. sents are recited while facing the flag as a According to some accounts of Bellamy as pledge of Americans’ loyalty to their coun- author, he decided to write a pledge of alletry. The Pledge of Allegiance was written giance, rather than a salute, because it was a for the 400th anniversary, in 1892, of the stronger expression of loyalty — something discovery of America. A national committee particularly significant even 27 years after the of educators and civic leaders planned a pub- Civil War ended. “One Nation indivisible” relic-school celebration of ferred to the outcome of Columbus Day to center the Civil War, and “LibThe Pledge of around the flag. Included erty and Justice for all” with the script for cerexpressed the ideals of Allegiance now reads: emonies that would culthe Declaration of IndeI pledge allegiance to pendence. minate in raising of the the flag of the United flag was the pledge. So The words “my flag” it was in October 1892 States of America and to were replaced by “the Columbus Day programs of the United States” the Republic for which flag that school children in 1923, because it was it stands, one Nation thought that some foracross the country first recited the Pledge of Alunder God, indivisible, eign-born people might legiance this way: have in mind the flag with liberty and justice I pledge allegiance of the country of their for all. to my Flag and to the birth, instead of the U.S. Republic for which it flag. A year later, “of stands: one Nation indivisible, with Liberty America” was added after “United States.” and Justice for all. No form of the pledge received official recControversy continues over whether the ognition by Congress until June 22, 1942, author was the chairman of the committee, when it was formally included in the U.S. Francis Bellamy, who worked on a magazine Flag Code. The official name of The Pledge for young people that published the pledge, or of Allegiance was adopted in 1945. The last James Upham, who worked for the publishing change in language came on Flag Day 1954, firm that produced the magazine. The pledge (See Pledge, Page 7)

PROUD TO SERVE THOSE WHO SERVED! The Medicine Chest is Addison County’s complete source for all your home medical equipment sales, rentals and service needs. Have questions? Our experienced staff is here to help! Visit us at the Marble Works in Middlebury • 388-9801

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A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 10, 2016 — PAGE 7

Facts & figures: the story behind America’s Veterans Day holiday (MS) — The origins of Veterans Day can be traced to the ending of World War I nearly a century ago. Known at the time as “The Great War,” World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in France. But the fighting had actually ended seven months earlier when an armistice between the Allies and Germany went into effect on November 11, 1918. The following November U.S. President Woodrow Wilson declared Nov. 11 “Armistice Day” in honor of the cessation of the hostilities. In 1928, the United States Congress passed a resolution for Armistice Day to be an annual observation, and by 1938, the day became a national holiday. Differing from Memorial Day in May, Armistice Day, which would be renamed Veterans Day in 1954 under President Dwight Eisenhower, pays tribute to veterans who survived various wars. Memorial Day commemorates those veterans who lost their lives. Americans celebrate Veterans Day, while residents of Great Britain, Canada and Australia celebrate Remembrance Day. Those who want to learn more about Veterans Day can consider the following facts. • According to the American Community Survey, there were 19.3 million military veterans in the United States in 2014. Of those, 1.6 million were women. • California, Texas and Florida comprise the states with the largest number of veterans, equaling 1 million or more. • Veterans consist of people who served in the military. This includes the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast

Guard. Veterans serve in times of war and peace. • The word “veteran” comes from the Old English language and means “old, experienced soldier.” The first use of the word was documented in 1789. • Although many veterans are working, and the average annual income of male veterans is $37,000, some veterans continue to be unemployed. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall unemployment rate for veterans rose to 7.6 percent in January 2013. The unemployment rate of post-9/11 veterans or those who participated in the Gulf War reached 6.2 percent. • Upon retiring or being discharged, veterans may need help acclimating to life outside the military. The Department of Veterans Affairs says about 30 percent of Vietnam War veterans have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. • Between 1971 and 1977, Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday in October. It was changed back to its original date, Nov. 11, in 1975 when President Gerald Ford signed bill S.331 into law. The change went into effect beginning in 1978. • An American soldier was buried at the national cemetery in Arlington on Nov. 11, 1921. His identity was unknown, and the gravesite is known as the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.” A guard from the Society of the Honor Guard stands watch over the grave each year on Veterans Day, and the president or another high-ranking member of the government places a wreath on the grave.

Champlain Valley Equipment thanks all of our Veterans. Ask about our Veterans’ Discounts when you talk to our sales staff.

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Our Firm Remembers Those Who Have Served Their Country Land Surveying, Topographic Surveying, Land Planning, Septic Design and State & Local Permitting “We will assist you through the permitting process.” 25 West St. • PO Box 388 • Bristol, VT 05443 Telephone: 802-453-3818 • Fax: 802-329-2138 • www.larosesurveys.com

How can you support Veterans?

Pledge (Continued from Page 6) when Congress passed a law that added the words “under God” after “one nation.” Originally, the pledge was said with the hand in the so-called “Bellamy Salute,” with the hand resting first outward from the chest, then the arm extending out from the body. Once Hitler came to power in Europe, some Americans were concerned that this position of the arm and hand resembled the salute rendered by the Nazi military. In 1942, Congress established the current practice of ren-

dering the pledge with the right hand placed flat over the heart. Section 7 of the Federal Flag Code states that when not in military uniform, men should remove any headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, thereby resting the hand over the heart. People in military uniform should remain silent, face the flag and render the military salute. The Flag Code specifies that any future changes to the pledge would have to be with the consent of the president.

On Veterans Day honor members of the armed services by volunteering at a veterans association. Find a department of veterans affairs and see what you can do to assist veterans. If you have specialized skills, offer your services free of charge to former soldiers. You can volunteer any day, not just Nov. 11.

Thank you for your Service.

802-877-3118

How can you support Veterans? On Veterans Day show your respect for the men and women who served our country in the armed forces by observing a moment of silence at 11 a.m. to remember the Armistice of World War I, or wear a poppy flower on your lapel, a flower that has become synonymous with the Great War. Show your patriotism. Be proud of your heritage and the rich history of the country. Fly the flag, participate in the voting process and teach children about the country’s founding principles and how much the nation has evolved. Read up on current events and take an interest in domestic and foreign affairs.

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PAGE 8 — A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 10, 2016

LeighAnn Higbee Sergeant U.S. Army National Guard Served in Kabul, Afghanistan, 2010 Thankful for all our veterans including my daughter, brothers and other family members. SUBMITTED BY PAULA HIGBEE

Elmer L. Orozco

Glenn K. Hammond

Petty Officer, 1 Class U.S. Navy Stationed in New London, CT

1st Lieutenant U.S. Air Force Stationed in San Antonio, TX

st

A Salute

To Veterans

We proudly recognize veterans and active-duty service members in these pages each year. Individual tributes submitted to the Addison Independent and printed free of charge. It is our way of saying Thank You for your service to our country and our community.

Arthur Putnam Sergeant U.S. Army Fort Devens, MA; Served in Vietnam

A big thank you to all who have served in the armed forces, including our fathers, Elmer Orozco and Glenn Hammond. We appreciate your hard work and sacrifice, and continue to hope for peace in the world.

You were a hero to our country and to our family. Love you with all our hearts.

SUBMITTED BY ELAINE & CHRISTOPHER OROZCO HAMMOND

SUBMITTED BY SANDRA PUTNAM

Christopher Cousino

Lucien C. Farnsworth

Commander Bahrian in the Persian Gulf

Airman First Class U.S. Air Force Served in Korea, Japan & Germany

In grateful appreciation to all Veterans and Active Military for your service to our country as you protect and promote peace in the world.

Thank you, Lucien, Dad, Grandpa and Papa for all you did in the service 1950-1954. We Love you and we miss you. – Your loving family

SUBMITTED BY ROD AND SHELLY COUSINO

SUBMITTED BY CINDY & ROGER CLOUTIER

Mitchell Keros Fireman First Class U.S. Navy Destroyer U.S.S. Pettit Served honorably over five years in the Navy. Eight years since you have been gone. Love and miss you every day. – Your wife, Mary SUBMITTED BY MRS. MARY KEROS

Peter D. Pallescki Sr. Corporal U.S. Army European Theater

John Ramsay Private First Class U.S. Army Fort Riley, KS (Currently Deployed) Thank you for your service! SUBMITTED BY SWININGTON & RAMSAY FAMILIES

Betty Hall U.S Air Force Eglin, AFB Florida

Member of 82nd Airborne Paratrooper Division under Donovan’s Devils. Thank you not only to my father for his service, but to all the men & women from the greatest generation that made America free.

Thanks for your service.

SUBMITTED BY CAROLYN PALLESCKI

SUBMITTED BY MICHELLE HALL

–Mom & Grammie


A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 10, 2016 — PAGE 9

Sergeant Devin Rochon U. S. Army Fort Bragg, N.C. With honor and pride, thank you, Devin and to all who have served and are serving now. Love– Dad, Alaina & Wyatt

Arthur William Shields Airman First Class U.S. Air Force Stationed in Spain; Guam; Goose Bay, AK; Dyess AFB, TX Ever we will honor you & love you for your loyalty & service to our great country. SUBMITTED BY CAROL WELCH SHIELDS

How can you support Veterans? On Veterans Day honor veterans of our armed forces by sharing a servicemember’s story. Speak with a service person who served in the Korean War about his or her military service, and chronicle this person’s story into a living history. Encourage children to take part in learning about this person’s history and experiences.

Nicholas T. Zeoli Radar 3rd Class U.S. Navy South Pacific, USS Boston Nicholas T. Zeoli, enlisted in the navy shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. His military service started in the spring of 1942, and he spent the majority of his service on the the U.S.S. Boston, a Baltimore Class Heavy Cruiser. He was present at the commissioning of the Boston, making him a “Plank Owner.” Nick enlisted as a “Seaman 2nd Class” and mustered out in 1946 as a “RadarMan 3rd Class.” He and his ship were involved in most of the major action in the South Pacific including the attacks on Palau, Hollandia, Marcus and Wake Islands, Guam, Iwo Jima and Luzon. Nick was in the crew in Tokyo Bay when the Empire of Japan signed The Instrument of Surrender on September 2, 1945. After a career as a physical educator, coach and high school athletic director, which spanned five decades, Nick can often be found on the Ralph Myhre golf course where, this summer at age 93, he shot a 39 for the first nine holes.

SUBMITTED BY STEVE & CHRIS ZEOLI


PAGE 10 — A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 10, 2016

Veterans Are Never To Be Forgotten VERGENNES American Legion Post #14 Sons of the American Legion Sq. #14

Honoring our country’s Armed Forces past, present and future

Bristol American Legion, Inc. Post 19

Salutes all Veteransthose that served in the past and those currently serving. Brick forms for the memorial are still available.

The Bristol American Legion Post 19 meets at 7pm the 4th Wednesday of every month.


A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 10, 2016 — PAGE 11

There are several ways you can reach out to area veterans (MS) — Military personnel are unsung heroes whose sacrifices for their country make it possible for hundreds of millions of people to enjoy freedoms that many people across the globe do not have. In recognition of those sacrifices, many people want to show their appreciation to both active and retired servicemen and women. Fortunately, there are many ways to do just that. • Pitch in at home. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the United States military currently deploys active duty personnel in nearly 150 countries. Many of those troops are separated from their families for months at a time, and that separation can make things difficult for their loved ones back home. If a neighbor’s spouse is deployed overseas, offer to help around the house. Whether it’s mowing their lawn, dropping their kids off at school or inviting the whole family over for dinner one night each week, such gestures can go a long way toward easing the burden faced by spouses of deployed military personnel. • Send gifts to active personnel. Servicemen and women on active duty do not enjoy many of the luxuries that tend to be taken for granted back home. But men and women who want to show their appreciation can send care packages to active personnel serving over-

seas. This provides active personnel a taste of home while also letting them know their extraordinary efforts are appreciated and not forgotten. • Volunteer to help veterans. Visit volunteer.va.gov for more information on becoming a volunteer driver or other type of volunteer. • Another way to help veterans is to assist with their pets. Some dogs and cats get left behind when troops are deployed or forced to move. Volunteering to foster a pet until a soldier returns is another way to give back. Some military service dogs can be injured or traumatized during battle. Working dogs can be rehabilitated or adopted upon returning home. • Make a financial donation. For those who want to support servicemen and women but don’t have much free time to do so, financial donations can go a long way toward improving the quality of life of active and retired military personnel. Many programs work with veterans to improve their quality of life, and such organizations rely heavily on financial donations to make their missions a reality. There are many ways that civilians can express their gratitude to active and retired military personnel.

How can you support Veterans? According to the organization Veterans, Inc., veterans are more at risk of becoming homeless than those who do not serve in the military. Some causes of homelessness include lack of education and transferable skills after returning from military life. Physical and mental health issues can make finding work challenging. Some veterans may cope with trauma resulting from their deployment by leaning on drugs and alcohol, and that can interfere with their ability to get and/or keep jobs. Individuals can help veterans by opening their homes to friends and family members who may need a temporary place to stay. Encourage veterans to embrace job training programs or seek therapy if necessary.

A special Thank You to those who have served and those who continue to serve.

Addison County Commission sAles, inC. Thomas G. WisnoWski & sons RT. 125, EasT middlEbuRy, VT 05740 www.accscattle.com • 1-800-339-2697 • ACCS: 802-388-2661

Thanks to our Veterans for Keeping us Connected to our Freedoms. Telecommunications Sales & Service Data Cabling & Fiber Optics 802-388-8999 John and Jim Fitzgerald

1st Lieutenant Elisabeth Kilbourn RN, Bristol • 1944

2nd Lieutenant Velma Watson Wheeler RN, Woodstock • 1944

Serving Our Veterans


PAGE 12 — A Salute to Veterans • Addison Independent, Thursday, November 10, 2016

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