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History of Veterans Day
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place Nov. 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, Nov. 11 was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’” As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans. In 1954, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
What military branch did you serve in?: U.S. Air Force
When did you serve?: 1986-2011
Were you in any conflicts?: Operation Northern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
What is your current occupation?: Senior aerospace science instructor, Ramstein High School
What did you learn from your experience in the military?: “Trust your co-workers and subordinates. Don’t tell them how to do something. Rather, tell them what needs to be done. Give them the big picture. They will almost always surprise you with their ingenuity by finding a better way to get the desired result. Treat your Senior NCOs with the utmost respect they deserve and have earned. Successful military leaders know they must rely upon the professional advice and expertise of their organization’s NCOs.
What military branch did you serve in?: U.S. Air Force
When did you serve?: 1982-2013
Were you in any conflicts?: The Cold War, Iraq War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Global War on Terrorism and Overseas Contingency Operations
What is your current occupation?: Air Force Junior Reserve Training Officer Corps aerospace science instructor at Ramstein American High School
What did you learn from your experience in the military?: “I learned freedom is never free, to be thankful daily for the bountiful blessings and privileges of being an American made possible by the sacrifices of our honored veterans and POWs and MIAs. It was an honor and a privilege to serve with and become lifelong friends across the world with Canadians, Japanese, English, German and Filipino allies.”
What military branch did you serve in?: U.S. Air Force
When did you serve?: 1996-2001
Were you in any conflicts?: Kosovo peacekeeping mission
What is your current occupation?: Sixth grade social studies teacher at Ramstein Middle School
What did you learn from your experience in the military?: “I learned teamwork and discipline. The military opened my eyes to the many differences of the world, which helped me to better understand how very alike and different we all are.”
What military branch did you serve in?: U.S. Army Reserve
When did you serve?: 1984-1994
Were you in any conflicts?: Operation Desert Storm
What is your current occupation?: Math teacher at Kaiserslautern High School
What did you learn from your experience in the military?: “The military opened up a whole new world to me in terms of leadership skills, traveling, education, careers — too many to mention!”
What military branch did you serve in?: U.S. Air Force
When did you serve?: 1982-2002
Were you in any conflicts?: Operation Southern Watch (December ’95 to March ’96) (September ’01 to December ’01)
What is your current occupation?: Kaiserslautern Elementary School, fifth grade teacher
What did you learn from your experience in the military?: “I learned management skills, crisis and conflict resolution skills and self-discipline.”
What military branch did you serve in?: U.S. Army
When did you serve?: 1989-1992
Were you in any conflicts?: No
What is your current occupation?: Child and youth program assistant
What did you learn from your experience in the military?: “I learned the importance of supporting my country, building lasting relationships and contributing to the mission of my unit. My experience taught me ethics, character and loyalty, which are traits I use in my every day job and life.”
What military branch did you serve in?: U.S. Air Force
When did you serve?: 2008-2012
Were you in any conflicts?: No
What is your current occupation?: Child and youth program assistant
What did you learn from your experience in the military?: “I learned integrity and discipline. I enjoyed being in the military and working in the military community. I also love serving the children of military families I work with every day at the youth center.”
What military branch did you serve in?: U.S. Army
When did you serve?: 1998-2006
Were you in any conflicts?: I served in peacekeeping missions in Macedonia and Kosovo
What is your current occupation?: Customer service assistant manager
What did you learn from your experience in the military?: “I learned about camaraderie and how team work can bring you through tough times.”
What military branch did you serve in?: U.S. Army
When did you serve?: 1990-1995
Were you in any conflicts?: Operation Desert Storm
What is your current occupation?: Deli and bakery manager
What did you learn from your experience in the military?: “Honesty, be on time, care for your body and a greater sense of gratitude to be an American. Always help in times of need.”
What military branch did you serve in?: U.S. Army
When did you serve?: 1976-1997
Were you in any conflicts?: Operation Desert Storm
What is your current occupation?: Retired
What did you learn from your experience in the military?: “First thing I learned from the military was discipline. I also learned camaraderie and had the opportunity to travel.”
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