A Grateful Nation

Memorial Day 2003

When an active duty member of the Armed Forces dies, their family receives a flag and are told that this is on behalf of a grateful nation.

The family also receives a death gratuity of $6000.00. This I believe should be increased to at least $20,000. A grateful nation should ensure the security of the loved ones who must go on without them. 

Giving ones life for their country is the ultimate sacrifice and the least we can do is take care of their families.

Take time today to remember those who have died in service to our country. May God Bless them and the loved ones they have left behind.

Far from Finished

May 12, 2003

With the many dramatic troop homecomings in the news recently, coupled with our leaders declaring all major battles to have ceased, I hope that people realize that American forces are still fighting and dying in Afghanistan and Iraq.

These two military operations are far from over, and our attention must not waiver. Afghanistan remains a very dangerous place as reports of al queda and taliban forces attempting to regroup are increasing, and Iraq is still unstable and potentially catastrophic until all the Weapons of Mass Destruction are accounted for.

NOTE: The above commentary was published in the San Antonio Express-News (May. 18th, 2003 Sunday Edition) as a letter to the editor.

In Support of President George W. Bush

March 25, 2003

The following is a special message from Gary Thomas, President Emeritus of the Brotherhood of Vietnam Veterans to The President of the United States George W. Bush.

The Brotherhood and I, Mr. President fully support your efforts to lead our troops to victory and our nation to eventual peace. Your courage as Commander and Chief will result in a more secure America and the American way of life. We wish you continued strength in this endeavor.

A Message to the Troops

March 23, 2003

As this war rages on, I wish to express my unwavering support for our troops. I salute your courage and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy. Though great progress is being made and victory is in sight, there have been casualties.

To the wounded and taken prisoner I pray for your fast recovery and safe return. Tragically some have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. On behalf of all of us at Veterans News Hour Daily our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. "God Bless You" and "God Bless America"

WAR RUMBLINGS

February 22, 2003

I could never really make someone understand what war is like unless they had some experience with it. If it was possible, I would like to only let them hear it, if for just a few seconds. Neither the super bowl nor the rock concert compare.

The sound is deafening, unpredictable and terrifying all at the same time. The shock can completely overwhelm you. You must fight to remain in control, and not become as unstable as your surroundings. Long after the guns are silenced it is still within you.

I, like most war veterans have learned to deal with it and move on with life. For some though the guns return in the night, only to awake them in terror, and as in every war a few simply go mad.

With this in mind please hear me when I say that all possible efforts to protect and defend America short of all out war must first be exhausted.  If it is to be war however, I will of course support the President and the troops who will be sent to fight it. My prayer is that when they return home our country will take care of them. The tens of thousands afflicted with Gulf War Illness from the last war, I’m sure would agree.  

NOTE: An edited version of the above commentary was published in the San Antonio Express-News (Mar. 2nd. 2003 Sunday Edition) as a letter to the editor.

Asking Some Questions

January 12, 2003

• Is the military relying to heavily on the use of reserve and guard units to make up for shortages in troop strengths throughout the services?

• Will the U.S. Government begin to extend equal benefits to guardsmen and reservist who answer their call to duty while sacrificing pay and career opportunities in civilian life?

• Are guardsmen and reservist becoming a regular force to be called up every few years as more conflicts arise in the world?

• Will homeland security be affected? If another terrorist attack happens will there be enough Guardsmen available for duty? What about natural disasters?

• What effect will this have on recruitment into the National Guard and Reserves in the future?

• Has our investment in high technology weapon systems and missile defense come at the expense of more base closures and less and less active duty personnel?

• Should the draft be reinstated?

Holiday Message from Veterans News Hour Daily

"Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all the young men and women in our armed forces.  Today you are not only fighting the war on terror and training to meet future military threats, but you also volunteer your time and efforts to improve the lives of innocent people throughout the world. America thanks you for protecting us and representing us in your goodwill".

God Bless You Always,
SMSgt. Gary Thomas U.S.A.F. Ret.

U.S. Facing New Challenges on the Korean Peninsula

Dec. 19th 2002

With the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War fast approaching, our relations with both North and South Korea seem to be headed in a negative trend. Just days ago a U.S. Military Officer was assaulted by 3 knife wielding South Korean civilians in public view. Fortunately he survived the attack. This incident coupled with mass Anti-American demonstrations in and around the capital Seoul give cause for great concern.

If the U.S. does not make a more effective diplomatic effort to sway public sentiment in the South, grave consequences may result. South Korea, a country that 50 years ago saw the U.S. suffer over 33,000 battle deaths (54, 200 overall: Source: VA - Stats) in defense against it's northern aggressors must remain a strong ally. Otherwise little chance exist  in improving relations with North Korea who recently announced re-implementation of it's nuclear program.

In his 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush named North Korea as one of 3 axis of evil nations. History is ripe with military miscalculations. Let us hope that our focus on Iraq does not blind us to other threats.

VNHD NOTE: For 50 years the U.S. has maintained a massive joint military force to defend South Korea and preserve the cease fire. Today some 40,000 estimated American Troops are stationed in an around the country. Tens of thousands near the DMZ and directly across from a North Korean Army that can mobilize to1 million combatants. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: An edited version of the above commentary was published in the San Antonio Express-News (Dec. 24th, 2002 Edition) as a letter to the editor.

Veterans Day Salute 2002

The "11th hour of the11th day of the11th month"

11/11/02 -- Last year on Veterans Day I wrote how keenly aware we all were of the terrorist events of Sep. 11th and how once again our young men and women would be in harms way protecting our freedoms. The war in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) has gone extremely well and we are all very proud of our armed forces. As veterans we thank those who follow us in duty and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Americas defense.

This year again another war may soon be upon us, this time in Iraq. Veterans Day has become a day in which America honors and recognizes veterans for their service. The origins of Veterans Day however is rooted in the past. Armistice Day celebrating the ending of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The war to end all wars. It was not to be.

Armistice Day was eventually renamed Veterans Day after World War II, and The Korean War in 1954 by congress to honor veterans of all wars.

So, today we thank you for recognizing us for our service as we proudly attend ceremonies, fly the flag above our homes, relax with family and friends and remember those days in uniform.

May God Bless You,
Gary Thomas

Pilots Overcharged and Incident Under Investigated

Sept. 15th 2002

AFPN "Criminal charges were preferred Sept. 11 against the two Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots involved in the friendly-fire deaths of four Canadian soldiers and injuries of 
eight others April 17 near Kandahar, Afghanistan".

May I first express to the families, friends, and comrades of those brave Canadian soldiers who were injured or died that my prayers are with you and I am greatly saddened by this tragedy. Please know that my thoughts on this subject come from one who has fought in war, seen men die, and often wondered what could have been done to have saved them.

In this case accountability and truth is what I hope is sought after....................

     The four charges of involuntary manslaughter and eight counts of assault against these two pilots are completely inappropriate. One has to ask if a thorough investigation into this incident has yet detailed the whole picture, including the command structure, and the war zone environment it existed in.

To substantiate such extraordinary charges in a time of war would require much more compelling evidence than what has been released. Unfortunately friendly fire tragedies are a fact of war. This of course is not to say that those responsible should not be held accountable. During the Vietnam War these incidents like most involved a complicated set of circumstances and misinformation which set into motion disastrous results.

I, like many of my fellow veterans are astounded that live fire exercises conducted at night, in a war zone, where fighter aircraft were present was allowed to happen in the first place. These circumstances must be taken into consideration in any investigation.

Of course this was just not just an accident, but neither was it intentional. It was however avoidable if mistakes had not been committed.

Criminally charging  these two pilots will only endanger the effectiveness of those who follow. It sends the wrong message.

I hope as a nation truth will be our guide and justice our goal in examining this tragic event.

May God Bless
Gary Thomas

Former Secretary of the VA Jesse Brown

Aug. 25th 2002

The passing of Former Secretary of the VA Jesse Brown is truly a great loss. Veterans came to know him first as The Executive Director at the DAV. There he soon became recognized as the passionate advocate for veterans which his life defined. As a U.S. Marine he was wounded in combat in Vietnam, but his devotion, and service to veterans never wavered. 

In describing his victories in congress he said "We hold the moral high ground." After a lifetime in service to his country Jesse Brown's life and legacy will forever be a part of that "moral high ground".

NOTE: An edited version of this article was published in the San Antonio Express News Sunday Edition. Appearing in the section titled Insight page 5G dated August 25, 2002

Who is Looking out for Your Interest?

July 12, 2002

Veterans Organizations are providing their memberships with more services than ever before. If you care about your benefits, your rights, and your comrades, find an organization that fits you best and join today.

Provided here is a list of some of the Major Organizations with links to their Web Sites; By accessing these sites you can find out if this organization is right for you, what the membership fees are, benefits of membership, who to contact in your area and national convention information.

We also have provided a link to many other organizations that are either smaller or more specifically focused to a particular group such as Special Forces, Blind Veterans, etc...etc...

U.S. Veterans Sites:

* The Veterans of Foreign Wars
* The American Legion
* The Disabled American Veterans
* Air Force Sergeants Association
* Retired Officers Association
* Non-Commissioned Officers Association
* Blinded Veterans Associaton

For More Veterans Organizations Links Like These: Click here to access list

Understaffed

June 19, 2002

Currently there exist a drastic shortage of military personnel which endangers our people and our missions. Understaffed commands, units, and offices only serve to overtax and overburden personnel. This results in a reduced level of readiness and promotes low moral. The Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and the U.S. Congress must find the resources to address this shortfall within a defense budget that has cut Army Artillery, reduced recommended fleet levels and increased missile defense systems.

From 1st. Sgt. of Basic Military Training to1st. Sgt in combat during the Vietnam War my experience was that personnel shortages resulted in undermanned flight crews. To fill these positions urgent request went for volunteers. Cooks, bakers, clerks, and others answered the call while still performing their regular duties. (Heroic acts of necessity due to shortages of trained Combat Air Crews.)

Fallen Heroes in Defense of Freedom

On this Memorial Day 2002 our nation is once again fighting for freedom. Though wounded by the terrorist attacks of September 11th, America is now united in purpose, and resolved in spirit to defeat the enemy whenever and wherever it may be.

Our own sense of security at home has been threatened but we do not cower nor do we turn to others, but stand tall and fight, in a just cause, for a good people, from a blessed nation. A nation which today, Memorial Day, remembers it's fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in it's defense.

The Israeli/Palestinian Conflict

April, 22, 2002

A student wrote me recently to thank me for this Web Site and to ask if I had any solutions for the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict. Needless to say I do not, but something the student wrote struck me. The reader voiced concerns of mistrust about the opinions given by former high ranking commanders who appear on television, fearing they are driven by political motivations.

I believe the discussion in the media of the entire issue is driven by political motives as well as some rather dubious ulterior motives that I wish not to expand on at this time. But back to the readers question as to a solution. I may not have the answer but I do know that we need to understand another aspect of the problem. My theory as to why peace is so difficult to attain in the Middle East is because of the close proximity of the warring populations.

Let us look back to Post World War II, and even Vietnam. The Marshall Plan and the rebuilding of Japan were possible for many reasons not the least of which was that our peoples were geographically far apart. 

I know a little something about occupation having served in the Occupation of Japan. My point, is that after the war in Japan for example the resentment of the Japanese people could only be directed to our armed forces as we had no American or Allied civilian settlements of territory in which may have inspired Japanese suicide bombers to arise. In fact we eventually returned all Japanese lands. There was also no retaliation toward Japanese civilians by American civilians perhaps only because our peoples were apart. (Remember were not talking about Japanese Americans who suffered harassment and eventual interment in the U.S.)

Even after the Vietnam War peace was eventually obtained and normal relations re-established. When we left Vietnam certainly much hatred and bitterness remained, but leaving Vietnam a half a world away was no doubt a factor in reconciliation. NOTE:  (The American Civil War experience may at first seem to conflict with this theory, but a war which sometimes pitted brother against brother is a far cry from enemy’s who are oceans apart and who differ in language, race, religion, and culture.)

Plainly said: "War generates hatred and bitterness on an unequivocal scale". The Israeli and Palestinian conflict has perpetuated these feelings to their generations who follow. Achieving peace between those who harbor such hatred for each other is difficult enough, achieving it when you are literally living next door to your enemy has proven to be almost impossible.

So in conclusion I offer no solution for peace and I doubt that left to their own devices the regions leaders will achieve a lasting peace. Sure we will see some cease fires and maybe even more peace accords but the eruptions of violence will almost certainly continue in the near future and if hatred and bitterness is not contained and thus allowed to continually contaminate even younger generations then hope will also die. Something our President recently said must never happen.

In this we pray.

Gary Thomas

Rate of Military Aircraft Accidents Unacceptable

Feb. 22nd 2002

NOTE: An edited version of the above commentary was published by the San Antonio Express-News as a letter to the Editor and appears in the Wednesday Feb. 27, 2002 Edition.........

Proud to Serve Proud to Stay

Jan. 13th 2002

In a speech at Ft. Stewart Ga. On Feb. 12th 2001 President Bush recognized the problems of low pay and of poor housing facing enlisted personnel in today’s armed forces. He vowed to do all he could to correct the situation and emphasized this by speaking these words to the audience "Proud to Serve Proud to Stay" A motto we all hope will become a reality. In fact in a previous editorial I applauded these words from our President and reminded readers that an all-volunteer force cannot sustain itself on low pay and poor housing. These past few weeks have seen remarkable progress in both concerns.

First it was announced in American Forces Press Service Jan. 7, 2001 that service members will see an average increase of 6.9 percent in their January pay, the largest pay increase in 20 years. Second, is that housing allowance rates have increased as well. In 2001, military members not living in government-provided quarters paid an average of 15 percent of their housing costs out of their own pockets. DoD is working to ensure the Basic Allowance for Housing covers all of a member's housing costs by 2005.

This is a great step forward and I’m sure will lead to the motto "Proud to Serve Proud to Stay" instilled in our ranks. If we stay on this path of improvements to our military infrastructure we should see reenlistment and recruitment’s increase, attracting and keeping skilled people in Americas Armed Forces.

Thanks to President Bush for his leadership and the bi-partisan support of members of Congress. 

Health Care

The looming increases in cost for veterans, active duty, and dependant’s health care are no longer on the horizon but a battle being fought everyday for funding and personnel. By addressing pay and housing concerns I am sure that President Bush is taking us in the right direction and that health care will soon follow. I support and encourage him in this mission.

"Base Closures in 2005"

December 15, 2001

The following is an excerpt from the Dec. 14 press release of 
Congressman Ciro Rodriguez:

The defense bill also authorizes another round of base closures in 2005.  "It's ironic; focus should be on Afghanistan, and on the brave men and women fighting terrorism," Congressman Rodriguez said. "But here we are in the middle of a war talking about cutting our military capacity".

From the 1st. Sgt.

I couldn't agree more. As veterans we strive daily to gather support for this war on terrorism and for the troops who fight it. The cost to our country is great, but we know it must be paid to secure a safer future for us all.

Recently our armed forces have endured low pay, poor housing, and declining retention rates. With this war however we have seen an overwhelming amount of support for the military from throughout our nation, and with it the hopes for a better commitment to it's infrastructure. To allow another round of base closures to go forward is regrettable. The politics of city against city and state against state to save bases is divisive. 

You only need to be reminded of an unnamed senators remarks in the last round of closures; paraphrasing [It is unfortunate that some states had it's bases closed but my state saved our base because we scored better on the commissions ratings system] to see the folly in this policy. Unless of course you believe that the ratings system is unflawed and that political pressure was not a factor.

We can and should as a united people in our current struggle; do better.

----Congratulations to the new Chairman of JCS

General Richard B. Myers

Veterans know the importance of leadership. In combat, we know of no greater importance. 

With the announcement of General Richard B. Myers as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it is clear that U.S. Forces are being led by a man of honor, sense of duty, and an unswerving commitment to mission. 

Sir, on behalf of The Veterans Hour I thank you for your leadership and pray for your resolve.

To Access The Official Biography of General Richard B. Myers Re-printed from the J.C.S. Website. 
Click Here

Attack on America

"Nation is peaceful but fierce when stirred to anger" George W. Bush 09/14/01

These are the words from our President this week at the Prayer and Remembrance Service held at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. No doubt about the fierceness of our armed forces when called upon, or the resolve of our people when united. 

What concerns veterans the most is preparedness, and in this regard we find ourselves behind the curve once again. All the money and resources that we now want to commit to intelligence comes to late. If you start today to properly fund the operations we should have been funding all along we would still be years away from reaping the hard on ground intelligence we require. 

Identifying and locating those responsible for this attack is difficult since we failed to detect it to begin with. However I do believe and have faith in our Nations Leaders, the Armed Forces, and the American people to prevail justice upon, and exact a heavy toll against, this elusive enemy.

Concurrent Receipt of Military Retired Pay

July 11, 2001

"In what can only be described as an insult to the retired military veterans of our nation who have service connected disabilities, congress has yet again shelved this important legislation". Dave W. Sommers

On behalf of The Veterans Hour I strongly endorse the above comments on this issue made by Dave W. Sommers, 11th Sergeant Major of The Marine Corps (Ret.) and President and C.E.O. of the N.C.O.A. in the July issue of N.C.O.A. Magazine (The Presidents Letter). He correctly reflects the sense of outrage and disappointment that veterans are feeling. According to his letter we can thank Representative Mac Thornberry (R-TX) who killed it by adopting an amendment to table the legislation in favor of yet another D.O.D. study. This all took place in the Budget Conference Committee, despite the fact that concurrent receipt legislation has 355 co-sponsors in the House and 55 in the Senate.

Remember the military is the only federal agency affected by this law. If congress feels that it just cannot afford the cost, then perhaps President Sommers of N.C.O.A. is right when he states that "If congress can hold off long enough, enough of our WW II and Korean "Warriors" will have died off that it won't cost as much to get rid of this post-Civil War law".

I urge all of you as does N.C.O.A. whether you are directly affected by this law or not to voice your alarm about this injustice being done to veterans, and to please write and call your elected officials without delay.

For more details please read the July issue of  N.C.O.A. Magazine or visit their website at: http://www.ncoausa.org

Rep. Michael Bilirakis Republican of Florida reminds us that nationwide more than 300,000 disabled military retirees, must give up their retired pay for their V.A. disability, out of their military retirement; Something no other Federal Retiree must do.

-Sen. Bob Kerrey and Vietnam Revisited

Apr. 27, 2001

The news this week concerning Sen. Kerrey's actions over three decades ago during the Vietnam war is compelling. Not for what you might have read or heard about the specifics of the Navy Seal mission he led that particular night, but what is a glaring reminder of what as a nation we are ignoring. What I'm speaking about is facts plain and simple. Facts that are ignored almost every time an incident like this resurfaces and refocuses are attention to the Vietnam war. First of all the man was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, elected Governor of Nebraska, and served honorably in the Senate of the United States. 

I would hope that as veterans and as a nation we will support Sen. Kerrey as well as others haunted by similar memories and give them the time and any benefit of the doubt that they have earned and deserve. Listening to him address this issue is difficult as it is clear he has not fully come to terms with it. Something that all combat veterans understand. I wasn't there the night in 1969 when this battle occurred nor was I there the time he lost his leg in combat and was subsequently awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. But let us return to the facts of that war. Facts that we are not hearing. Facts that I and many others have been trying to reveal and instill in our understanding of Americas Involvement in Vietnam.

The Viet Cong were as ruthless and cunning as any guerilla army has ever been. Their methods of infiltration, concealment, extortion, torture and execution were common and effective. Many villages that were not cooperative became so or were annihilated. Through extortion and threat of execution many women and children participated in combat and terrorist acts throughout the war. Others were willing participants committed to their cause. 

The U.S. military was certainly aware of this shortly after the war had begun. The atrocities committed by the Viet Cong were not widely reported during or after the war. However, after almost three decades after the end of the war, I had thought that these facts had finally come to light. Ignoring such truths about the war while we focus on Senator Kerrey's Seal mission does not serve history nor what we so frequently refer to as "Coming to terms with the Vietnam War."

     Until I, and I hope many of you are proven to believe otherwise, my full support, patience, and understanding remains with Senator Kerrey and his family, who are all part of my family of Vietnam veterans.

NOTE: An edited version of this commentary appears in the San Antonio Express-News Sunday May 6, 2001 edition, as a letter to the editor.

Lt. J.G. Robert Kerrey: National Archives Photo
To read The Official Citation awarded to Bob Kerrey for The Medal of Honor; Click Here

Treasury Begins Collecting Delinquent Debts from Veterans

Apr. 5, 2001

This announcement on March 21, 2001 from Washington has caused many veterans great concern. The Treasury Department has begun sending letters to about 243,000 veterans to remind them that they owe the federal government and that money can be taken from their federal checks including for the first time portions of monthly Social Security checks to settle their debts. 

According to the VA many of the veterans affected have been treated in VA medical facilities for health care not related to their military service. For that care and for some medications they are responsible for co-payments. However some veterans who receive disability compensation and VA pensions may have money deducted for debts, due to overpayment of their benefits. 

There is no doubt that this will cause great hardship on many veterans due to no fault of their own. Please understand that many veterans especially those from the Vietnam War are still affected with P.T.S.D. and others with Agent Orange Exposure with resulting cancers and diabetes. To inform a veteran sometimes years later that they were overpaid in relation to a benefit and must now resolve what in some cases may 
be a substantial amount of money can cause an unfair hardship. 

If you fall into one of these categories I encourage you to make your case as best you can to have this debt forgiven. I am currently investigating whether this may be possible through an appeal from your congressman to the appropriate agency. For a full description of the Treasury Dept. News Release:
Click Here

Low Pay Poor Housing

Feb. 12, 2001

"Proud to Serve Proud to Stay", those were the words spoken today by President Bush in an address to Americas military at Ft. Stewart Ga. Recognizing problems facing enlisted personnel he also spoke of low pay and poor housing.

To make the motto work he will have to convince congress to invest the funds necessary to increase pay and to improve the infrastructure. What we invest in the cost of training is lost ten-fold if you can't keep the people in the service long enough to reap the benefits of that training and experience. The same principals of course apply in the officer ranks. 

The cost to train a pilot in relation to how long on average they serve should be of great interest to all Americans. Inspiration and leadership are very important, but I am pleased that our President recognizes that a peace time all volunteer force cannot not sustain itself on low pay and poor housing.

rNew VA Secretary Named

Feb. 5, 2001

Congratulations to the new Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. This appointment is a benefit to veterans. He has shown to be a man who has a real understanding of the issues of veterans today and in the future. From concerns about adequate funding of specific programs to the well being of those in VA Hospitals, I believe that Secretary Principi will be outstanding in his service to our nation and to Americas Veterans.

NOTE:  Secretary Principi is a combat decorated Vietnam Veteran. A 1967 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy he commanded a River Patrol Unit in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. To read the Secretary's full biography from the VA Website go to:
http://www.va.gov/biographies/principi.htm

43rd President of The United States of America

Jan. 20, 2001

I would like to take this opportunity today Jan. 20th, 2001 to congratulate our nations new President and Commander in Chief, on this his day of  inaugural.  George W. Bush 43rd President of these United States of America. 

Thank you for your commitment to address the concerns of veterans, and a renewed investment in Americas military. The Veterans Hour calls for a full accounting of those still missing in Southeast Asia.  May God be with you in your endeavors to lead our nation, and inspire our people in service to their country.

NOTE:  To read the Inaugural Address of President George W. Bush go to the White House Website by clicking on the link below.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/inaugural-address.html

Call or Write Your Representatives

ON a recent trip to Wash. D.C.  It was brought to my attention that letters and phone calls regarding concerns for active duty military, retired, and veterans issues in general has decreased dramatically over the last few years. Needless to say this has given me great concern. I encourage you to call and write your representatives and senators about issues concerning you and your family. They want our input and we must continue to let them hear from us.

Veterans groups such as the American legion, the Blinded Veterans Association, V.F.W. and the D.A V. are providing very good and current information regarding veterans issues. From active duty military pay to health care to your sometimes dwindling benefits. If you are not a member of one of these organizations, I hope that you will consider joining or otherwise take a greater interest in what changes are being proposed in Washington that will affect your situation now or in the future.

Veterans Day Salute 2002

The "11th hour of the11th day of the11th month"

11/11/02 -- Last year on Veterans Day I wrote how keenly aware we all were of the terrorist events of Sep. 11th and how once again our young men and women would be in harms way protecting our freedoms. The war in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) has gone extremely well and we are all very proud of our armed forces. As veterans we thank those who follow us in duty and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Americas defense.

This year again another war may soon be upon us, this time in Iraq. Veterans Day has become a day in which America honors and recognizes veterans for their service. The origins of Veterans Day however is rooted in the past. Armistice Day celebrating the ending of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The war to end all wars. It was not to be.

Armistice Day was eventually renamed Veterans Day after World War II, and The Korean War in 1954 by congress to honor veterans of all wars.

So, today we thank you for recognizing us for our service as we proudly attend ceremonies, fly the flag above our homes, relax with family and friends and remember those days in uniform.

May God Bless You,
Gary Thomas

Veterans Day Salute 2001

Sunday November 11, 2001

     I, like many of you will be observing today's ceremonies by attending local events honoring Americas Veterans. Whether you attend a parade, visit a National Cemetery or privately reflect upon those who served our nation, Americas veterans thank you. This year we are keenly aware of the events of September, 11 and it's aftermath. Once again young men and women are in harms way protecting our freedoms.

As veterans America looks to us today in appreciation for our service, and seeks understanding in the war we now face. We answer this call, by supporting our Armed Forces, and reassuring there families that we love them, thank them for their courage, and pray for their safe return.

SMSgt. Gary Thomas U.S.A.F. Ret.

I want to thank all of you for the many kind words of support I have received through my e-mail  If you have not left a message and would like to now please do mailto:veter3@sbcglobal.net

Note: A special message from the 1st Sgt. on Veterans Day November 11, 2001 Click Here
Note: For more archived editorials access: Viewpoint

Thank You For Your Interest and Support to Americas Veterans.
With Warm Regards, May God Bless You.

SMSgt. Gary Thomas U.S.A.F. Ret.
mailto:veter3@sbcglobal.net