Grand Forks Airmen deliver 2014 Veterans Day speeches in two states

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bonnie Grantham
  • 319 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Several Grand Forks Airmen volunteered to give speeches at local venues in observance of Veterans Day Nov. 11 in North Dakota and Minnesota.
All together eight Airmen volunteered to cover seven locations ranging from 15 miles from the base to as far as 60 miles away to reach out to a widespread community.

"It was a great opportunity to honor those who have served," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Giles from the 319th Security Forces Squadron, who along with Tech. Sgt. Joshua Robistow from the 319th Civil Engineer Squadron volunteered to speak and present certificates of appreciation to approximately 40 veterans at Valley Elder Care Center in Grand Forks. "I love doing these events because you get to see how much it means to them to have their service recognized. It's an opportunity to honor those who have paved the way for my generation."

There were approximately 120 people in attendance for Giles' and Robistow's speech including residents of the center, families and students from the University of North Dakota who volunteered to help set up for the event.

"We always hold the program here because we always have veterans in the home," said Jody Little, director of therapeutic recreations at Valley Elder Care Center. "We have World War Two-era men and women here, and it's always an honor to be able to thank our veterans, no matter what their age is."

Capt. Bradley Davies, 69th Reconnaissance Group commander's action group director here, had the opportunity to speak to a group of 67 people at The American Legion Post 157 in East Grand Forks, Minn.

"Veterans Day is a time to honor anyone who has served," said Davies. "It's good for us to have a reminder of the sacrifice people have made in the past and today as well."

The individuals in attendance walked away feeling honored and touched by the service they attended.

"I came today because I'm a member of the military affairs committee here in East Grand Forks, and I had an uncle die while serving in World War Two," said attendee Cheryl Ramberg. "Today was a touching service and great tribute to the men and women who have served the country."

Many of the individuals in attendance seemed to agree that the services were a nice way to give back to the local community of veterans.

"It's important to remember that not all of the veterans can be here to be recognized today," said Giles before presenting the nursing home resident veterans with certificates. "That is what it cost to have our freedom today."