A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Veterans: Honoring Rob, My Family, and All Who Serve

On this Veterans Day, my heart is full of gratitude and pride as I reflect on the many men and women in my life who have served in the military — those who continue to serve and those who have already answered their final call. Today is more than just a day to honor our veterans; it’s a day to pause and recognize the sacrifices, the resilience, and the unwavering dedication of those who have given so much to protect our country and our way of life.

For me, this day holds an incredibly personal meaning, as it gives me the chance to honor my husband Rob, my sister Joann, my brother-in-law Scotty, my father-in-law Jose, my nephew Aikani, and all the members of my extended family who have served in various branches of the military. Each one of them has played a vital role in our nation’s defense, and I am deeply grateful for their service, their sacrifices, and their continued strength.

Rob: A Soldier Who Continues to Serve

At the heart of my gratitude is my husband, Rob. His service to this country has spanned 18 years, and during that time, he has answered the call in ways that few people can truly understand. Rob served in Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S. military’s efforts in Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks, and he is currently serving in Operation Inherent Resolve, the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

The challenges that Rob faced during these wars were immense, and they were not without cost. Long deployments, dangerous missions, and the emotional toll of being away from family and loved ones were just a few of the obstacles he overcame. As his wife, I’ve witnessed his dedication, his courage, and his quiet strength. It’s not always easy being the spouse of someone in the military. There are moments of fear, loneliness, and uncertainty. But through it all, Rob’s commitment to his fellow service members and to our country has never wavered.

Even though Rob has been through so much, he continues to serve today. He doesn’t do it for recognition or for accolades — he does it because he believes in the mission, in the values of duty and service, and in the importance of protecting the freedoms we hold dear. I admire him more than words can express, and I am incredibly proud of the sacrifices he has made, both in battle and in everyday life.

Rob, I love you, and I am so grateful for all that you do. Your sacrifices have made this country a safer place, and I thank you for your unwavering commitment to service.

Joann: A Proud Soldier in the Army Reserves

My sister Joann, whose service has been a powerful example of dedication and strength. As a member of the Army Reserves, Joann has balanced the demands of military service with her life as a mother, a wife, and a career woman. Like so many others in the Reserves, she has given so much of herself — often putting her country’s needs before her own.

Joann’s commitment to service is something I deeply admire. She has always carried herself with honor, integrity, and an unwavering sense of duty. I know that she has faced challenges that most people never have to experience, but she has always met them with grace and resilience. She is a true inspiration to me, and I’m so proud to call her my sister.

Joann, thank you for your service and your sacrifices. Your strength and commitment have made a difference in so many lives, including mine.

Scotty: An Army National Guard Soldier Who Continues to Serve

My brother-in-law Scotty is another example of someone who has dedicated his life to service. As a member of the Army National Guard, Scotty has always stepped up when his country called. He continues to serve today, balancing his military responsibilities with his career and family life. His commitment to duty and his loyalty to his fellow soldiers are qualities that I admire deeply.

Scotty’s role in the National Guard means that he has faced unique challenges, as he must balance his civilian life with his military service. It’s never easy, but Scotty does it with quiet strength and a sense of purpose. He’s always been there for his family, and that same sense of service extends to his military career.

Scotty, thank you for all that you do. Your sacrifices don’t go unnoticed, and I am so grateful for the dedication you show every single day.

Aikani: A Young Man Who Served in the Army Reserves

My nephew Aikani is another member of our family who has served in the Army Reserves, and I am beyond proud of him. As a young man, Aikani made the decision to serve his country, and he stepped up in ways that most people his age couldn’t even begin to understand. His service is a reminder that patriotism and commitment to duty are values that transcend generations.

Aikani has experienced the challenges of military life, and I know that his service has shaped him into the incredible young man he is today. His courage and dedication to something greater than himself are qualities that inspire me every day.

Aikani, thank you for your service. I am proud of you beyond measure, and I know that you will continue to carry the torch of service with pride and honor.

Jose: A Veteran Who Served in the Marines and Army National Guard

My father-in-law, Jose, who is no longer with us, served in both the Marines and the Army National Guard, and his legacy of service lives on in our family. Even though he is no longer here to share his stories, the lessons he taught us about duty, honor, and sacrifice continue to guide us. my father-in-law served with pride, and his commitment to his country was unwavering.

His service, like that of so many others, came at a personal cost. He faced the challenges of life, but he never let those challenges define him. Instead, he remained a source of strength for our family, teaching us the importance of resilience and the value of service to something larger than ourselves.

Dad Tony, though you are no longer with us, your legacy lives on in our hearts. Thank you for your service and for the sacrifices you made for our family and our country.

To All Veterans: A Nation’s Deepest Gratitude

Today, I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to all the men and women who have served in the military. Whether you served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or National Guard, whether in peacetime or war, your service is invaluable. You have given so much to protect the freedoms we often take for granted.

It’s not easy to be a soldier, a sailor, an airman, or a marine. The sacrifices made by our veterans, both large and small, deserve recognition every single day, not just on Veterans Day. I am honored to be able to share this moment with my family, knowing the immense sacrifices they have made to protect our country.

Reflecting on Gratitude

As we reflect today, I encourage everyone to take a moment to thank a veteran — whether they are a family member, a friend, or a stranger. Their sacrifices have shaped the country we live in, and we owe them more than we can ever repay.

To Rob, Joann, Scotty, Aikani, my father-in-law Jose, and all the veterans in my extended family and beyond: thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your courage, strength, and service will never be forgotten.

Thank you, and may we continue to honor your sacrifices every day.