Belleville's 28th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

America's armed forces have never been defined solely by the aircraft, ships, vehicles, technology or the weapons we employ. Our enduring power lies in our people, the brave soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, and coast guardsmen, and the families who stand with them. It is defined in Americans who raised their right hand, took an oath, and answered the call to serve, putting the nation's needs before their own comfort, plans, and safety. Here in Belleville, that spirit of service has names, faces, families, and stories. Is it a part of your neighbors and your community? It's reflected in the life of people like Jim Carbon, a Belleville native who enlisted the Air Force in 1967 and returned to this community after his enlistment. During his service, Jim deployed to Vietnam as part of Operation Safe Side, part of a mortar team. Jim served at locations across Vietnam carrying out demanding work in a dangerous environment. His story reminds us that military service often involves long hours, constant readiness and responsibilities that may not always receive public attention but are vital to the security of our nation. That same sense of duty is reflected in the legacy of Al Van Blair, an Army Air Forces veteran who served as a tail gunner on a B-24 with the 8th Air Force during World War II. A role that required courage, discipline, and extraordinary trust in the crew around him. The young Americans who flew those missions carried a difficult burden that many of us cannot fully imagine. They operated in unforgiving conditions and confronted the uncertainty of each mission with determination and a commitment to one another. And Dale's legacy is a reminder that veteran stories help us understand the cost of freedom and the character of the people who defend it. Another member to recognize today, Senior Master Sergeant Sheila McLaughlin. Her story further shows how military service can become a lifelong commitment to helping others. She joined the Air Force in 1984, served as a records manager in Saudi Arabia, served in Germany, completed 25 years of active duty service before retiring in 2009. Her story is one of service, perseverance, Faith and continued leadership. After surviving cancer, entering remission, Sergeant McGlown dedicated herself to advocacy for patients, service members, veterans, and women. The stories of Jim, Dale, and Sheila are distinct but interconnected. They represent different generations, different experiences, different forms Thank you for your support. Thank you. yet they share a common thread, a willingness to contribute to something larger than themselves. Their lives reflect an important truth that service to our nation is often followed by years of service to their communities. The skills, discipline, reliability, and sense of responsibility learned in uniform do not disappear when military service ends. Instead, they are carried forward into our workplace, schools, family, churches, and civic organizations.