Our program last week honored all Veterans for Veteran’s Day. Also honored were all current members of the Armed Forces of America. Our speaker was Lieutenant Colonel Aubrey Ashford, Commander of the 842nd Transportation Battalion. This unit overseas the loading and unloading of military equipment for the number one strategic port in the nation, the Port of Beaumont.

LTC Ashford began by pointing out that not only is this port number one in the nation, but it is also the number one strategic port in the world. His battalion, with the headquarters located here in Beaumont, is responsible for the strategic deployment of military equipment to locations all over the world from four ports located in the gulf region – Beaumont, Port Arthur, Corpus Christi and Gulfport, MS. He said that this effort is supported by active-duty servicemen, reserves and civilians. He thanked us for our support of his battalion and the work they do. While the normal size of a battalion is 100 members, his battalion is only sixty strong, but that is because in many instances, the civilians who work with them have been onsite for many years, have more expertise in the operation of the facility and less turnover, so their service is critical to this effort.

He then went on to recognize the valor, sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who have served and still do serve our country in the armed forces of our country. He quoted President George Bush, who said “Veteran’s Day is a time to reflect on the tremendous contributions of our service members, past and present. “Our veterans have given so much to protect our nation and uphold the values and freedom of democracy.”

He went on to say the military is very diverse, made up of people with various talents, knowledge, and capabilities. In the military, the members learn discipline, leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. These qualities make them an asset to any organization or community they join. He said that veterans can demonstrate the value of honor, duty and loyalty. He very much appreciates anyone who hires veterans, saying they are making an investment in their organization and in the veterans themselves.

LTC Ashford said that he and his wife, who was in attendance, lived on military bases his entire career until they moved to Beaumont. He said they and their children love it here.

The quote I heard today that we really need to keep in mind about our service men and women not just on Veteran’s Day, but all the time is, “All have given some, some have given all.”