Saluting Local Military Superheroes

GySgt David R Bond and GySgt Deborah A Bond

US Marine Corps

My Mother and Step Father are my military heros. They sacrificed many things throughout the years to ensure my sister and I were always taken care of and never had to go without the essentials. I love them both so much and even though I know I will never be able to repay them for those sacrifice's, at least I can make sure everyone else knows how awesome they are.

Bill Thruman

Larry Skowronski Jr.

U.S. Navy

My dad, Larry Skowronski Jr., is my superhero because he is an awesome father and grandpa. He was in the Navy for six years before turning Navy civilian, where he worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard for more than 30 years. When he retired, he was a nuclear mechanical inspector. He loves this country and proudly hangs the American flag in the front yard. He is always there for you when called upon. I just want to show how awesome he is.

Henry Wagner

U.S. Navy

PO1 Henry Wagner has sacrificed so much for his family through the years — missed sleep, missed birthdays and holidays and even missed the birth of his son. However, he never lets any of this stop him from making sure his children know they are loved. It’s all for them and their future. Ashley Wagner

Sheriff Josh A. Wyche Sr.

U.S. Marines

My uncle, Sheriff Josh A. Wyche Sr., is a hero in many aspects. He served his country well and now he is serving Southampton County and the City of Franklin well. My uncle loves his family and his community. He takes serving the citizens and taking care of his family very seriously. Sheriff Wyche stands for honesty and integrity. The youth and seniors of our community are a big part of his heart. He takes pride in caring for our seniors and being a positive role model to our youth. He is very serious about supporting our youth and the various schools throughout the community. LaQuita Wyche

Amy Turner Barnes

U.S. Air Force

Amy Turner Barnes is a disabled veteran who lives in Boykins. She suffers from service related RA. Even though she’s in constant pain, she always has time for anyone with a need. She has the biggest heart and that’s what makes her a superhero. I have seen her help complete strangers when she had a need. She’s honest as the day is long, and you can always count on her to give you the truth. That’s a very rare quality these days. Proud to call her my superhero friend.

A Veterans Day tribute

Top left, James K Lewis Sr., top right, Tonya L. Lewis (deceased) bottom left, James K. Lewis Jr., and bottom right, Tyree D. Lewis

U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves

My Superheroes are my family, James K Lewis Sr., Tonya L. Lewis (deceased), James K. Lewis Jr. and Tyree D. Lewis. Having met my wife in the U.S. Army on active duty, we grew together for 33 years until her death. Along the way we had three sons. Two (shown here) followed our military footsteps and joined the U.S. Army Reserves. With both going to the war and serving our country honorably. As a proud father I’m glad to have them as my Superheroes who gained the powers of family tradition, duty, honor and country. Our greatest strength is our strong family bond.

Dr. E. Bruce Heilman

U.S. Marines

“ Motorcycle Man” Dr. E. Bruce Heilman is a true superhero in my military life. Dr. Heilman left high school at 17 and joined the Marines to fight in the Pacific during WWII. He graduated with a doctorate and became president of Meredith College and then president of University of Richmond. Family man, Marine, educator and spokesperson for the “greatest generation” traveling the U.S. on his Harley representing Gold Star Families and the “Spirit of 45.” He was and is still a military hero. Robert Christie

Saluting Local Military Superheroes

Nicholas Hess

U.S. Navy

Nicholas Hess is our superhero because he has worked tirelessly to build a new business while simultaneously serving in the military. His positive, “can do” attitude creates an uplifting and fun atmosphere.

Nick strives for excellence in all areas of his life, is a multi-tasker and can calculate numbers in his mind like a whiz. He is the guy who is constantly trying to help out friends and strangers and make connections between people who need each other.

“Work hard, play hard” is his mantra.

Life with Nick is a wild, rewarding and loving ride.

Julie Hess

Travis Swartz

U.S. Navy

Our son, Travis Swartz, a 2018 Smithfield High graduate, wasn’t always the easiest. As a typical teenager he gave us and those who knew him, never ending moments of “what are you doing” and moments of pride too, receiving his Eagle Scout and always stopping to help anyone he saw. He never met a stranger. Putting his military career on hold serving two years as a guardsman with elite training and inspections. Today he is honoring the military as soldiers are laid to rest as a ceremonial guardsman at Arlington Cemetery, along with escorting dignitaries and even the President in and around DC. Chris and Heidi Swartz

Jonathan Alexander Riegle

U.S. Air Force

This special guy, Jonathan Alexander Riegle, is my son in law. A terrific Air Force Raptor Pilot stationed in Alaska. He is very dedicated to his country, family and community. Alex is a loving, Christian man .

A Veterans Day tribute

American Legion Rider Chapter 88 Suffolk

U.S. Navy, U.S. Airforce, U.S. Marines, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army

American Legion Riders from Legion Post 88 Nansemond Suffolk. Each has served and represents every branch of military service. They continue to give back in the form of service to the community and veterans.

Robert Christie

Colin Christie

U.S. Navy

My dad, Chief Petty Officer Colin Christie, served his country prior to WWII in the North Atlantic on a destroyer and was redeployed after Pearl Harbor to the Pacific for four years. He was responsible for setting up the first five swift boats in Vietnam. He served for 26 years. He is one of six generations of veterans in the Christie family.

Quinton Blakley Sr.

U.S. Coast Guard

My husband, Quinton Blakley Sr., is an awesome husband and father. He was in the Coast Guard for just more than nine years and missed many holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries, but that didn’t keep him from loving and being there for his family when he was home any less. He works many hours now to make sure that his family has what they need and do not go without. He loves his country and his family very much and would do anything for anyone in the blink of an eye. If he sees someone in trouble, he’ll be the first to come to their assistance.

2022 Veterans Day message

BY THE AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

The service of America’s veterans never truly ends. Even when they hang up their military uniforms for the last time, many still choose to protect us.

Noah Shahnavaz was one of them. After serving five years as a military police officer in the U.S. Army’s 591st MP Company, Noah returned to his home state and graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in May 2022.

As he drove past a restaurant last summer in Elwood, Indiana, he noticed an artist painting a large American Flag mural covering the exterior of the building. Noah exited his patrol car and complimented the painter for his patriotic rendering. The two briefly conversed. The artist, Theodore Winters, thanked Noah for his military service. They then went about their business.

A few hours later, Noah was tragically killed in the line of duty when a motorist allegedly shot him during a traffic stop. End of watch for Noah Shahnavaz was July 31, 2022. He was 24.

After hearing the news about Noah, Theodore immediately recalled their conversation and decided the mural would be dedicated to the fallen hero and veteran who gave everything to his community and country.

Noah Shahnavaz was the embodiment of service and sacrifice.

He was not alone. The U.S. Justice Department estimates that 25 percent of law enforcement officers have a military background. Bravery and dedication to community are common among veterans.

Today is a day to honor all of the men and women who served in the U.S. military.

It is about the approximately 19 million U.S. veterans who are still with us today and the millions who have preceded them since the American Revolution.

Many serve their communities as first responders, teachers, health care workers or church leaders. Some are business owners, farmers, company workers or retirees.

Veterans are a diverse group represented by men and women of every economic, ethnic and religious background. They come from every state and territory but are bound by one common commitment – to defend America with their life if called upon.

From fighting terrorism, defeating fascism and liberating slaves, veterans have a record of remarkable accomplishment throughout our nation’s history.

Military service is not for the faint of heart. Most civilian jobs do not require risk to life or limb. No other occupation subjects employees to criminal charges for disobeying their boss. Unlike members of the military, civilians can live where they want and can quit whenever they want.

Transitional challenges, the stress of military life and feelings of isolation all factor into a suicide rate among veterans that is more than 50 percent higher than that of nonveteran adults. The stigma of seeking help needs to end. If we are going to stop suicide, it is crucial that we look at this issue much differently than prior generations. If we wait for someone to make an attempt before we reach out, there is a very good chance that it will be too late.

How to show your support for veterans

Supporting veterans is a worthy endeavor at any time of year, though such efforts tend to be more prominent in November. Veterans Day is celebrated annually on Nov. 11 in honor of the millions of individuals across the United States who are military veterans. The day coincides with holidays such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other countries and also honor military veterans.

There's no denying that veterans need the support of the people whose freedoms they protect. According to a 2021 study from researchers at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, the percentage of veterans with disabilities is significantly higher among post-9/11 veterans (40%) than it was with veterans from previous eras (25% for Gulf War I veterans and 13% for veterans of previous wars). Veterans can benefit from support legislated by elected officials in Washington, D.C., but there's also many things ordinary citizens can do to show how much they appreciate the sacrifices veterans and their families have made and will make in the years to come. • Visit wounded veterans. The United States Census Bureau reports that more than one-third of the nearly 3.8 million men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces since September 2001 have a service-connected disability. Many of these individuals are fighting to overcome physical injuries sustained while on active duty. Individuals who want to show their support for veterans can contact their local VA facility to arrange a visit to wounded veterans. Such visits can lift veterans' spirits and reassure them that their sacrifices are both acknowledged and appreciated.

• Support legislation that supports veterans. Though it might seem like a no-brainer, legislation to support veterans often faces an uphill battle to get passed. By supporting legislation that ensures veterans get the support they need, individuals can send a message to veterans that they haven't been forgotten and that the very democratic principles they fought to protect are alive and well. Citizens can write letters to their elected officials, urging them to support veteranfriendly legislation, and raise awareness of bills and laws through social media. • Help raise awareness about homeless veterans. Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that about 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. But that figure doesn't tell the whole story, as the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans notes that, over the course of a year, roughly twice that many veterans experience homelessness. The NCHV believes that programs to assist homeless veterans should focus on helping them reach a point where they can obtain and sustain gainful employment. In addition, the NCHV feels that the most effective programs are community-based, nonprofit, "veterans helping veterans" groups. Individuals can offer their support to such groups through financial donations or other means so they can continue to ensure no veteran sleeps on the street.

Veterans Day is a time to show veterans that their service and sacrifices are not taken for granted. Visiting wounded veterans and supporting efforts to ensure veterans get what they need to live full, healthy and happy lives is a great way to send the message that veterans are appreciated.