Veteran's Day/The Need for Defense Spending

Posted by Gary O'Rielly 
on Nov 11, 2013
 
A day set aside to honor the men and women who have so faithfully served and protected this country by keeping us Out Of Harms Way. On November 8th, we continued our series about the American military. Our guest speaker was Vice Admiral Staser Holcomb Retired. The Admiral grew up in Seattle graduating from Roosevelt High School. He attended the United States Naval Academy and served in the Navy for 36 years. A carrier pilot flying from 18 different aircraft carriers.  He Commanded a carrier squadron, was the Executive Officer of the USS Saratoga and Commanded the Guam, an amphibious assault ship which was part of a Carrier Group One and the US Seventh Fleet. He served at various times in the Pentagon, working with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, staff of the Secretary of the Navy and the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. As a expert in Defense planning, programming and budgeting. He served as Senior Military Assistant to two Secretaries of Defense. After retiring he became the senior executive at USAA in San Antonio, Texas. The Admiral and his wife Joanne moved to Edmonds in 1997 and has been active in Rotary, church and many other volunteer activities.
 

In 1926, the United States Congress officially recognized the end of WWI and passed a concurrent resolution on June 4th to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11th and inviting the people of the Untied States to observe the day in schools, churches or other suitable places which was the start of celebrating Veteran's Day. On May 13, 1938 Congress approved the 11th of November in each year as a legal holiday and was known as Armistice Day a day set aside to honor veterans of WWI. In 1954, after WWII the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938, striking Armistice Day and inserting Veteran's Day to honor Veterans of all wars.

Admiral Holcomb mentioned the importance of funding the military. The President has made no declaration about funding the military. He commented that their is still some unfinished business that needs to be addressed and that the current status quo surrounding Washington has to end. Russia has produced 100 million AK 47 rifles and cyber war has been going on for sometime now. Terrorism is still active and the Administration has been reluctant to address this issue. So today, November 11th we honor the men and women of the military, past and present who have so dutifully fought to protect our country from aggression both foreign and domestic. Remember, when in the presence of a member of the military, thank them for their service. A kind gesture, speaks volumes.  Thank you Admiral Holcomb for your service and dedication to the United States.