Warner Robins resident speaks to national leaders

jclark@sunmulti.com

After being elected as the national president for The

Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), Rick Delaney recently gave a speech to

national leaders recognizing the country’s Veterans.

Delaney, who gave the speech during the Veterans Day

ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, stressed the importance of taking

care of the nation’s Veterans.

“We are here today to recognize and honor the service and

sacrifice of all those who have worn one of the uniforms of our nation’s armed

services. Whether they served in a combat zone like Iraq or Afghanistan, a

remote destination somewhere around the world, a U.S. base in an allied country

or here in the U.S., they all gave more than lip service to their country –

they gave part of their lives, and some gave so much more,” said Delaney. “We

honor them today because they stepped forward when they heard the call of their

nation. We also remind our fellow citizens that taking care of veterans –

keeping the promises made to them – is a cost of defending our nation. Veterans

have kept faith with our nation. Our nation must ensure it keeps faith with its

veterans.”

Delaney said the experience was “amazing.”

When he saw the markers on the graves at Arlington National

Cemetery, he said, “It was a very humbling experience.”

Delaney stated that TREA is “here to help Veterans.”

One of his main roles of TREA is to fight against the

erosion of Veteran’s benefits and relay what is important to the association’s

members to the Joint Veterans Affairs Committee.

Delaney was in the Air Force for 44 years, and was elected

as the president of TREA in mid-September.

HHJ News