WHAT VETERANS DAY MEANS TO ME
“We honor veterans’ service and sacrifice for this great nation.” by TONY GONZALES
Veterans Day is a day to remember our veterans, past and present, uphold. I continue to be past and present, for their service to this country. I influenced every day by my fellow veterans around was 20 years old when planes struck the Twin Towers me, including my wife, Angel. Angel served eight in September of 2001. Only weeks after 9/11, I landed years in the Air Force and now is a commissioned in Afghanistan. At that time, I couldn’t even point officer in the Naval Reserves. She represents one of out Afghanistan on the strongest groups the map, and now I within our veteran had the opportunity community – our female to see the world for veterans. Women within the first time. I went our military face their on to serve several own set of unique tours in Afghanistan, challenges, both in the Iraq, and Asia. After field and at home, and two decades, I retired yet serve at the same as Master Chief Petty caliber as our men in Officer. The same uniform. young man who Every year on enlisted without a high November 11, we school degree, or even honor veterans’ service knowing how to swim, and sacrifice for this retired at the highest great nation. There is enlisted rank within something incredibly the Navy. unique about those who Growing up, my sacrifice so much to Senior Chief Phil Heilman presents Cryptologic grandfather, Jesus serve our country – who Technician (CTR1) Tony Gonzales with the Aircrewman Antonio Pena, was my choose to run towards of the Year Award in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, in 2004. hero. He only had an conflict in the name of 8th grade education freedom. On Veterans but went on to serve Day, I take this day to in World War II. He spend time with my This day serves as a reminder for shared stories with me fellow veterans and the unwavering support system I about how the Army remember those who have with those who served taught him bravery are no longer with us. and camaraderie. I was This day also serves with me. only a credit shy of as a reminder for the graduating high school unwavering support when he passed away. system I have with I was completely devastated, which persuaded me to those who served with me. The bond that you get with make the decision to drop out and enlist in the Navy the people you serve alongside can never be replaced. at 18. I work to foster this same sense of camaraderie My grandfather emblemized my first understanding as every day in Congress to devise real solutions for the to what our military sacrifices, the importance of our American people. I believe having veterans both in veterans, and the characteristics our servicemembers, office and as staff is incredibly important. When it 12
RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2021
