Veterans Viewpoints 2025

As another Veteran’s Day comes into focus, it is strongly recommended that each citizen of our great country take the time to reconsider the years, talent, and sacrifice that our Armed Forces have extended in defense of our precious liberties. From Flanders Field, to the coastal areas of Asia and the Pacific, and on to the far-flung islands of the sea, the lands are punctuated with white crosses, indicating the ultimate gift for the safety and survival of families and friends! We cannot overemphasize the price that has been paid. 

As a twenty-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, it has been my distinct privilege to have served with men and women of unimpeachable loyalty—of patriotism beyond the call—driven to peril by an unswerving character! I have witnessed the swirling waters of a thousand seas play host to ships of battle, extending themselves far beyond the channels of safety, so that targets of necessity be neutralized. I have witnessed the members of assault forces assemble on land, sea, and in the air, year after year, in the most remote regions of the globe—preparing for a task that is often more difficult than life itself. I have watched the units of aviation — strong, swift, and efficient —take to the skies for missions that are recorded in history, yet often misunderstood.  It is because of such warriors that we, in America, are free to travel, work, and worship according to our wishes. 

Who are these daring souls; who will sign on, suit up, and launch out to unknown destinations—oblivious to the dangers—torn between family and duty, yet determined in spirit to eliminate terror and sacrilege; from Anzio to Bouganville, from Korea to Vietnam, Afghanistan to Bosnia, Somalia, to Croatia, to Iraq, and on to the ocean streams?  I’ll tell you who they are!  They are Bill and Barbara from the school down the street.  They are Sam and Sally from the church around the corner.  They are Alan and Alice from the workplace across the land. They are ours. They are caring Americans. And they are the best. This special breed, which includes a multitude who are weary, wounded, and conspicuously absent from the home, deserves our accolade, honor, and support on this Veteran’s Day.  Let us resolve to render our best. We can do no less!

I was in the United States Air Force from October 1959 until November 1989: 30 years and 12 days. 

Military means everything to me because of the people I’ve known who have gone before me, and some who are still here. I still have friends in the military. Veterans Day is a very special day for me, particularly.

I’ve seen so much throughout my life. I believe that every veteran deserves recognition for what they have done, endured, and the sacrifices they have made, including being shot or facing the challenges of war. My own experience comes from serving in the Vietnam War.

I would like to emphasize that when talking about our veterans, we should also acknowledge their wives and families. Most of us probably wouldn’t have made it through those 30 years without the support of our spouses—especially mine. Her name is Lucette, and we’ve been married for 62 years.

All wives share a similar experience—they support us while we are out fulfilling our duties in the military, and they manage the home front. They are just as much a part of the veterans’ journey as we are.

I have traveled around the world three or four times in various roles. I retired as a Chief Master Sergeant, a position I was proud to achieve. However, I know people who probably deserve this rank more than I do. The reason I got promoted is that I had an exceptional team working with me. They truly made a difference in my career.

In November of last year, I participated in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., which I really enjoyed. The Honor Flight is one of the best programs we have in our local area for retirees, veterans, and others. 

There are many organizations here, such as the American Legion, the VFW, and the Enlisted Association, that offer a variety of programs. It’s important for people to either join or support these initiatives. I myself serve as the Vice President of the Enlisted Association for Warner Robins.

Most veterans, after completing their time in the military, typically retire and then pursue a second career in a field of their choice. In my case, I worked as a Program Manager in Special Operations for helicopters at Robins Air Force Base.

We have strong support for local veterans in our area. I believe they appreciate us. 

Although I was never deployed and cannot speak from that perspective, my role involved sending many personnel overseas to the Area of Responsibility (AOR). I arrived at Robins Air Force Base in 2000 and retired from active duty in 2015.

During my 33-year career, I found it to be a tremendous opportunity that was deeply meaningful for both myself and my family. Veterans Day is more than just a day of remembrance; it is also a day for reflection and gratitude. It encompasses many feelings and thoughts. Numerous individuals have shown courage, made sacrifices, and demonstrated dedication by wearing the uniform. When I think of Veterans Day, I focus on honoring all who have served.

We acknowledge the service that has fundamentally shaped our nation’s freedom. My family, like many others, values resilience, commitment, and integrity. We believe in putting integrity first and serving others before ourselves. Integrity is of the utmost importance in how my family and I conduct our lives.

Veterans Day reminds me that our freedom is never free; it’s earned through sacrifice, service, and love of country. 

Jim Pascarella served 33 years in the Air Force as a Human Resources Military Personnel Data Systems Specialist. 

As an aircraft electrician, I spent one year in Iraq and another year in Afghanistan, but the majority of my service was at Robins Air Force Base.

To me, Veterans Day represents camaraderie and friendship with all the veterans I served alongside in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a reminder of the crucial role veterans play in our country’s foundation. They have contributed to the freedoms we enjoy today and provided us with safety from various global issues.

It is essential for me to celebrate Veterans Day. I spend this day with fellow veterans and my family. I consider my family to be part of the veteran community as well, because my wife and children experienced my 24 years of military service and deployments alongside me. Celebrating Veterans Day is very important to ensure that the public remembers what veterans have done for them and the benefits they enjoy because of our sacrifices.

Central Georgia does an excellent job of supporting its veterans. There is a significant military presence here, particularly due to the nearby base, which contributes to a strong veteran community. It would be great to see additional veterans’ or military discounts throughout the community, along with more robust Veterans Day celebrations focused on honoring veterans themselves.

I hope the public understands the challenges and hardships that many of us endured while deployed and serving our country. This understanding can help them appreciate our history and the experiences that have shaped who we are today.

I am grateful when people thank me for my service, although it can feel a bit awkward at times. I always respond with a thank you, and it makes me proud to know that someone recognizes what I have done.

Todd Schuler served for 24 years in the Air Force, joining in 1994 and retiring in 2018.

When I joined, both the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were ongoing, so I knew I would be deployed overseas due to my chosen profession. I spent nearly a year in Afghanistan.

We have various days to recognize and appreciate military service, such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. These occasions provide an opportunity for people to step back from their daily lives and reflect on the significance of our military services, acknowledging those in their families or communities who have served.

I was given a leadership opportunity early in my career, which, combined with extensive experience gained through deployments and various training events, has allowed me to develop a broad range of skills. I found myself in positions where I had to overcome my nerves, push through, and complete the task at hand. 

These experiences have prepared me well for challenges like running for office and speaking to the community. I have engaged with JROTC students and participated in similar events. Before my military service, I don’t think I would have been able to conduct myself as smoothly and confidently as I do now.

Veterans Day means different things to different people. If you have friends or family members who have served in the military, take a moment to acknowledge their service. They may be humble and say things like, “It’s no big deal” or “I didn’t do much,” but simply recognizing their contributions will mean a lot to them, regardless of their response. 

Our community is strongly oriented toward the military—especially being near Robins Air Force Base and several other Army installations. It’s important to connect with fellow veterans. Consider reaching out to your friends or those you served with; this is a good time to remember and celebrate those connections. 

We may have friends on Facebook or in our contacts that we haven’t spoken to in months. Now is a great opportunity to reach out to them and say, “Happy Veterans Day.”

Veterans appreciating other veterans goes a long way. Deliberately enjoy the day.

Chris Smith served in the Army from 2011 to 2018.