On Nov. 11 in room C-113 during Learn, Colonel Adam L. Rocke shared his experience as an infantryman as well as his efforts as the director of the Soldier for Life program, which is dedicated to aiding veteran soliders and their families through both governmental and community-centered help.
“It’s a triumphant day. It’s a festival. It’s a celebration,” Rocke said of Veteran’s Day. “It’s to honor the services and the sacrifices of those heroic actions of those men and women who have served their nation.”
Rocke emphasized that not only soldiers need support and respect on Veteran’s Day, but also those who are close to them.
“Families of servicemen and women are sacrificing just as much as the servicemen and women,” Rocke said.
He also identified where a large portion of that support comes from, and lauded the current reintegration process.
“[It] is superb,” Rocke said. “UPS is a company that understands that hiring veterans is important and community service is important. There are thousands of companies out there like that.”
Some of those who chose to listen to Rocke’s speech had personal reasons for attending beyond a general appreciation of the armed forces.
“Both my grandfathers served, one in World War II and the other was a colonel in the Air Force so I felt like I should attend it in honor of them and their sacrifices,” senior Alek Langford said.
Beyond the support the Army and government give to those who serve, Rocke explained that support on a one-on-one level within the community is just as important in Solider for Life’s process.
“Thank a veteran,” Rocke said. “That goes a long way.”
The Octagon club partnered with the organization Operation Gratitude to do just that with an activity centered around writing positive letters thanking armed forces members for their service. Operation Gratitude includes these letters in each of the more than 100,000 care packages they send out to members of the armed forces each year.