Veterans: Past, present, future

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cary Smith
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  November 11 has passed and while many people enjoyed a day off from work, the day is about a whole lot more. It is a day to remember those who have served in the military.

Every U.S. service member has raised their right hand to recite the Oath of Enlistment or Oath of Office. These sworn oaths carried them through their service until their separation from the military. At that point, they transitioned to become veterans, but for many, their sense of duty remained.

"I think continuing service is our duty as a veteran to honor those who came before us," said Kimberly Heng, 31st Force Support Squadron casualty assistance and survivor benefits supervisor. "It feels good to pay it forward by helping the Airmen of tomorrow."

Heng thought retirement would be a time to take a break, except she still longed to serve. She found herself returning to the military to work in civil service at the Airmen and Family Readiness Center.

The AFRC is not the only organization that employs veterans to assist the base's efforts. The American Red Cross, the 31st Medical Group and many other Aviano units employ veterans and have veteran volunteers.

"The real unsung heroes are those who volunteer at the USO [United Service Organization] and Fisher House," Heng said. "I'm so glad that there are agencies that support veterans, many of which are run by veterans themselves."

As important as it is to help the military, it is equally important to remember those who have shaped it and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

"When I think of Veterans Day, I think of the hardships [service members] have endured throughout our history," said Chief Master Sgt. Steven Bowersox, 31st Munitions Squadron superintendent, set to retire in January 2016. "So many people have lost their lives, and I stop to think of them on that day."

Each new generation has raised the bar because of the hard work and dedication. That dedication has created a stronger and more efficient military force.

"The Airmen today are a lot smarter than when I came in 32 years ago," said Bowersox. "Along with their intelligence is a drive to find a sense of purpose."

When their time in the military is over, a strong sense of purpose continues for many. Veterans add to the overall efficiency of the military because of that drive and dedication.

"To be a functioning military, there is an essential partnership formed when veterans work with Airmen," said Heng. "We have been in the Airmen's shoes and are best equipped to help them in whatever way we can."

During Veterans Day, many stopped to honor the service of those who served before and to encourage those who will serve in the future. With a sense of purpose and partnership, veterans remain vital to the success of today's and tomorrow's U.S. military.