Photo By Spc. Noah Carlsson | U.S. Military Veterans salute the flag of the United States during Operation Honor: A...... read more read more
WAUKESHA, Wis. – Every year, the city of Waukesha, Wis., holds “Operation Honor: A Salute to Veterans”, around Veterans Day. They collect comfort items to be donated to Veterans at the local Milwuakee Veterans Affairs hospital. There’s a ceremony honoring the Veterans, as well as a free dinner for those that attend.
Retired U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. William C. Markham, an Afghanistan War Veteran, was the keynote speaker at Operation Honor. He gave some advice to the newcomers of the military community.
“My advice to a young junior officer, or a young junior enlisted person… is for their priority to be connected to the right people,” Markham said. “Be connected with the people that you want to be. Be connected with the people that you want to lead like.”
The theme of Operation Honor is to serve those who served. When Markham was asked how new service members could best carry on the legacy of those Veterans who came before them, he responded, “The best way for our servicemembers to carry on the legacy of all those who have gone before them, and all those that are going to be behind them is two things: Integrity and service before self.”
It would have been a missed opportunity to not ask the other Veterans who attended Operation Honor the same question; here’s what they had to say:
Jim Ciarlo, U.S. Army, 1965-1967: “Keep motivated, don’t lose your motivation. You’re doing a great thing. Just keep pushing forward.”
Capt. Dan Buttery, U.S. Army, 1995-2007: “I’ll give the advice that my uncle, a Sergeant Major of 28 years, gave me when I was going in. The Military will provide you with every opportunity imaginable. You will either succeed or fail based on what decisions you make. Take every opportunity that presents itself. The schooling, I understand that funding isn’t always available, but if the opportunity presents itself, you need to be ready.”
Dennis Dosse, U.S. Navy, 1969-1971: “Go where you are told, and do what you are told to do. Protect your shipmates, in my case.”
Allen Schuh, U.S. Air Force, 1967-1971: “Check every service, find something that you are good at or that you enjoy doing. I was in the Air Force and I ended up in electronics, it was just perfect, it was great.”
Scott Oleszek, U.S. Army: “There will be ups, there will be downs, but when you stick through it, it will be rewarding in the end. Just remember that the military is here to protect our freedoms, hold true to that and see the light at the end of the road.”
Rick Cherone, U.S. Army: “Don’t give up. Times will get tough, times will be easy. Nothing’s for free, you’re making the biggest movement in your life by volunteering yourself for your country. You can’t do anything more than that. You’re going to learn one thing in the military, trust is very important. If you can’t trust your buddy, you can’t survive."
Bill Fleischmann, U.S. Army: “Keep your mouth shut and do what they tell ya!”
Fred Hrenak, U.S. Army: “Enjoy your time in, and do what you are told. When you get out, you'll enjoy remembering the time you served.”
Along with the ceremony and food, the Veterans were treated to a performance by the 484th U.S. Army Band, from Milwaukee, Wis. The band plays for the Veterans every year to show appreciation for their military service.
| Date Taken: | 11.09.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.18.2024 13:30 |
| Story ID: | 485020 |
| Location: | MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 30 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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