Thank a Veteran Day
Answering the call to serve, more than once
Those who answer the call to protect and to serve don't do it for the accolades. The desire and commitment to serve the country in which they live, to protect their family and friends, and to do a duty that less than 1 percent of the population has signed up for is a special calling is a calling that is sacred and one that bears attention and extension of gratitude.
One local Veteran Danny Martinez served in the U.S. Army three times over 23 years. He originally did his first three years, and then was called up to active duty during the Gulf War and then another time until he retired. During his time in the service, Martinez received numerous commendations and awards, from the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Medal, Army Noncommissioned Officer
Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and Army Overseas Service Ribbon. In addition he received the Purple Heart during his combat patrol in southern Afghanistan.
“I am proud that I served my country and have many awards and decorations but the Purple Heart isn't one that I brag about. I am grateful that I am alive and able to talk about it but too many of my close friends were not so fortunate,” Danny Martinez, U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, said.
Martinez continued, “To me it reminds me of comradery. I received my Purple Heart during a combat patrol in southern Afghanistan. My vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), but that wouldn't be the only IED my team hit. Through all the adversity, our team remained strong.”
Throughout the year, there are days marking moments to show appreciation, from Vetearns Day to Memorial Day, and while not federally recognized, Purple Heart Day.
“Purple Heart Day, like Veterans Day and Memorial Day, are great opportunities to remember the men and women who have served and continue to serve our great country,” he said.”i would love to see Americans go back the days shortly after 9/11. People would go out of their way to thank you for your service. We don't serve for the recognition, but it is nice when someone thanks you for your service. Purple Heart veterans are like any other veteran; we are all very proud and privileged to serve our country some just have deeper and more scars.”
When it comes to down to it, as a community showing an extension of gratitude for the sacrifice is very much warranted for all the brave men and women who answered the call. There are numerous ways out there to show your support for their sacrifice, but each person must find their own way to say 'Thank You'.
“I don't like to ask people to help veterans; you either have it in your heart or you don't. Listen to your neighbors, fellow employees, business owners and you'll see how there are quite a few people that already support veterans. Ask them questions and it will lead to you being involved with veterans,” Martinez said.
Those who have served will say there are moments they don't want to talk about. For many they entered their time in the service as a young kid, but no matter how many years they served, they saw things that changed them. The scars run deep, as Martinez mentioned, and the impact that their battles won't soon fade.
“I tell everyone it made me into the man I am today; patriotic, well disciplined, a loving husband, a very proud father and grandfather,” Martinez said. “My dad was a Korean War veteran so he taught me these values early in my life. I passed this tradition onto my son who is still serving active duty in the Army.”
Answering the call to serve is nothing new to Martinez. Even after retiring from the military, he has chosen a couple of avenues that allow him to continue to serve the brave men and women who also answered the call.
“When I retired, I wanted to give back to my community in particular to veterans. The DAV is a great way for me to talk to veterans and share stories. I am proud to speak on behalf of our DAV chapter and say we have helped and continue to help veterans in Howard County and surrounding area,” Martinez said. “When I started working at the VA, I wasn't sure this would be a good fit for me but after five years of being an employee, I wouldn't change it if I could. I love that I have a chance to speak to veterans every day.”
In his day to day activities of serving veterans and reaching out in the community, there is one message that Martinez continues to share with fellow veterans:
“What would you like to say to your fellow veterans: Be proud of your service regardless of branch; you earned it,” he said. “I tell veterans be proud of their service; it's the one thing no one can ever take away from you.”