http://www.vvoice.org/?module=displaystory&story_id=2710&format=html

Standing Guard Over America’s Freedom Honoring Our Veterans - Continued

By Cookie Steponaitis

Veteran N.D.M. from American Legion Post # 14 and VFW Post # 7823 remarked that, “ Veterans Day is the one day set aside for those who served whether they made it through the war or not. It is a time to gather, share, reflect and be aware of just how much was sacrificed. “ Of all of the skills he learned during his service from 1969-1972, N.D.M. felt that “discipline and the ability to act on orders” was the set of skills that he carried the most with him into his civilian life. Also active as a Mason, N.D.M. wanted to salute and honor all those who served and continue to serve America today.
photo by Cookie Steponaitis
Veteran N.D.M. from American Legion Post # 14 and VFW Post # 7823 remarked that, “ Veterans Day is the one day set aside for those who served whether they made it through the war or not. It is a time to gather, share, reflect and be aware of just how much was sacrificed. “ Of all of the skills he learned during his service from 1969-1972, N.D.M. felt that “discipline and the ability to act on orders” was the set of skills that he carried the most with him into his civilian life. Also active as a Mason, N.D.M. wanted to salute and honor all those who served and continue to serve America today.
Laura Flint started her stint in the military in New York State’s National Guard in 1997.  In 2001 when she moved back to Vermont, Laura joined the Vermont National Guard.  The National Guard, the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States and one of the nation's longest-enduring institutions, celebrated its 375th birthday on December 13, 2011 according to nationalguard.mil.  Flint was one of the very few women in her unit who served in Kuwait.  She was a machine gunner at Camp Victory from November of 2004 to December 2005.  There she was part of a 600 person unit of which only ten percent were women.  The unit’s main job was to protect Camp Victory.  While she was in Kuwait serving her country she met Brian Flint her soon to be husband, who taught her how to use her machine gun and they fell in love.  Laura’s husband is still an active military member and is part of a Civil Support Team (CST) in Burlington.  Though Laura met some amazing people during the time she served her country the most difficult part of being in Kuwait was being apart from her two young children Aaron and Emma.  Aaron had just started first grade and Emma had started kindergarten.  It was a sacrifice for certain.  Laura served her country and was proud to do so.  Laura comes from a long line of service people.  Her grandfather was a pilot in World War II and her father was a naval commander.  Laura currently is keeping busy being a wife and mother and a proud Middlebury business woman.  She owns the Middlebury UPS store and the Middlebury Subway Restaurant.  She also owns a UPS store in Rutland.  Thank you Laura Flint for serving and protecting our country.  We are lucky to have you as a part of our community!
photo by Cookie Steponaitis
Laura Flint started her stint in the military in New York State’s National Guard in 1997.  In 2001 when she moved back to Vermont, Laura joined the Vermont National Guard.  The National Guard, the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States and one of the nation's longest-enduring institutions, celebrated its 375th birthday on December 13, 2011 according to nationalguard.mil.  Flint was one of the very few women in her unit who served in Kuwait.  She was a machine gunner at Camp Victory from November of 2004 to December 2005.  There she was part of a 600 person unit of which only ten percent were women.  The unit’s main job was to protect Camp Victory.  While she was in Kuwait serving her country she met Brian Flint her soon to be husband, who taught her how to use her machine gun and they fell in love.  Laura’s husband is still an active military member and is part of a Civil Support Team (CST) in Burlington.  Though Laura met some amazing people during the time she served her country the most difficult part of being in Kuwait was being apart from her two young children Aaron and Emma.  Aaron had just started first grade and Emma had started kindergarten.  It was a sacrifice for certain.  Laura served her country and was proud to do so.  Laura comes from a long line of service people.  Her grandfather was a pilot in World War II and her father was a naval commander.  Laura currently is keeping busy being a wife and mother and a proud Middlebury business woman.  She owns the Middlebury UPS store and the Middlebury Subway Restaurant.  She also owns a UPS store in Rutland.  Thank you Laura Flint for serving and protecting our country.  We are lucky to have you as a part of our community!
For Michael C. Booska, his twenty years of service taught him
photo by Cookie Steponaitis
For Michael C. Booska, his twenty years of service taught him " responsibility, a new trade, and how to interact with all kinds of people." Veteran's Day brings to mind, ... all of the people who have served their country in a foreign theater or conflict." Like all veterans interviewed, the focal point of their lives remains to this day family, freedom and country. Mike Booska served in the Vermont Army Guard, 1st Battalion,86th Field Artillery from 1965-1985.
 Veteran and American Legion Post # 36 member Sergeant David Steeves served his country from 1966-1969 and remarked on Veterans Day, “ It is a very special day where we remember our comrades. We like to get together to talk of our times in service and remember those who have fallen and gone on to post everlasting and to reflect. It brings us together.” Of all of the skills he learned during his time of service, Sergeant Steeves felt the “ ability to make adjustments and go from Plan A to Plan B or even a Plan C,” had the most impact on his life outside of his military service. Like all veterans interviewed, David Steeves carried a message of support and thanks to all who served and those who serve now.
photo by Cookie Steponaitis
Veteran and American Legion Post # 36 member Sergeant David Steeves served his country from 1966-1969 and remarked on Veterans Day, “ It is a very special day where we remember our comrades. We like to get together to talk of our times in service and remember those who have fallen and gone on to post everlasting and to reflect. It brings us together.” Of all of the skills he learned during his time of service, Sergeant Steeves felt the “ ability to make adjustments and go from Plan A to Plan B or even a Plan C,” had the most impact on his life outside of his military service. Like all veterans interviewed, David Steeves carried a message of support and thanks to all who served and those who serve now.
Former American Legion Post # 36 Commander Tom Fugiel reflects on Veterans Day as a reminder of an intense time as he and both his siblings were all serving their country at the same time from 1965-1967. Sister Kathy was in Texas, brother Jerry was in Vietnam and Tom himself was in Fort Devens. In addition, his brother-in-law served in Vietnam and lost part of his arm. While the family likes to joke that the golf game of the injured man never got better before or after military service Tom’s family holds Veterans Day in great importance for its impact not only on their family, but all American families who have given so much to keep America free.
photo by Cookie Steponaitis
Former American Legion Post # 36 Commander Tom Fugiel reflects on Veterans Day as a reminder of an intense time as he and both his siblings were all serving their country at the same time from 1965-1967. Sister Kathy was in Texas, brother Jerry was in Vietnam and Tom himself was in Fort Devens. In addition, his brother-in-law served in Vietnam and lost part of his arm. While the family likes to joke that the golf game of the injured man never got better before or after military service Tom’s family holds Veterans Day in great importance for its impact not only on their family, but all American families who have given so much to keep America free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Copyright The Valley Voice


< Back   Print