NEVER Alone NEVER Forgotten

Nico Salinas
Mar 18, 2019
2 min read

I hope everybody is having a wonderful day thus far and continues to do so!

A lot of people in this world are always willing and wanting to make a difference. As for me I am one of them myself and if you are checking out this organization I am sure you are too. I love the pure bliss you receive out of lending a hand. My father always told me " If you wanna get somewhere you gotta start somewhere" and it has truly stuck with me.

One of the biggest differences I have ever made is appreciating our veterans. Every time I see a veteran I am sure to tell them I appreciate their service. We sometimes talk and I get to listen the stories these men and women have gone through while I can hardly even begin to imagine it. A simple thank you can always go a long way. Even something as small as that can put a smile on ones face and help them know they are not forgotten and never alone. Next time you get the chance shake their hands and watch the glory and pride they have in their eyes when you do so.

I had the pleasure of meeting a gentlemen by the name of Terri who fought in the Korean War. As he told me some of his stories you could see sorrow in his eyes. Being a touchy subject I didn't pester him with a bunch of questions, but I did ask him "if there is anything you can do to make a difference for our other veterans what would you tell them? What would you do?" As he looked at me with eyes glossed over I instantly got a knot in my throat. He stares at me in silence for a minute as he gathers himself together well enough to tell me... " I would make sure they know they are not alone. I would reassure them that they have support and that there is always somebody there for them. I sometimes feel forgotten about. Now days, todays youth has no understanding on how the world works and why we shed blood for our country. Those are my brothers and sisters out there. All they need is America to remind them we are there for them."

I shake his hand and give him a hug as he is ready to leave. I had a hard time not shedding a tear and so I did as well as Mr. Terri did. He smiles and tells me "thank you" and I have yet to see him since.

If you want to make a difference its as easy as a hand shake and a thank you. Remind our veterans that they aren't forgotten and let our active duty know they have our support. Make the difference. Support them. Veterans day isn't just one day a year, Its everyday.