by Airman 1st Class Brittany A. Chase
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
9/27/2013 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- More
than 600 Gunfighters, retirees and community volunteers watched the
lighting of a flame kicking off the 26th Annual Idaho Veterans Olympics
Sept. 21, in Boise, Idaho.
Gunfighters and local community members gathered to show their gratitude
and support for veterans by volunteering to help make the four-hour
event possible.
"This year's Veterans Olympics is a special day that allows the
community, military members and veterans to participate in some fun and
friendly competition," said Capt. Sarah Allen, 366th Logistics Readiness
Squadron materiel management flight commander. "This allows us to
strengthen our relationships with one another and grow stronger ties
with the community."
The day celebrated the patriotism, love of country and willingness to
serve and sacrifice, which was personified in the veterans at the games.
"Our veterans have missed the births of their children, wedding
anniversaries and graduations," Allen said. "They have spent holidays in
foreign lands, sometimes amid terrible conditions. They gave up
everything for their country, for us. All we can do is remember."
While many have paid the ultimate price, more than 22 million who stood
up and fought for America and its values are alive today.
"They represent the finest men and women America has to offer and for
most, their time in uniform represents a defining period in their
lives," Allen said. "They came to understand the price of freedom,
because they could put names and faces to it. Freedom was not just an
abstract concept; it was the bond of loyalty they forged with their
buddies in the ranks."
This year's Veterans Olympics are in honor of the female veterans, who make up 2.5 of the 22.3 million veterans.
"The face of the veteran is changing to include many different people
who have dedicated their time and lives to this country," Allen said.
"That's why we remember and acknowledge all of the men and women who
have served."
Like many veterans in the event, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Richard Lee Seher
participated for the men and women who sacrificed their lives.
"It's very special for me to participate in the Veterans Olympics,"
Seher said. "I was a platoon sergeant in Vietnam. We lost a lot of guys
but I made it out. I'm doing this for my best friend James Brian Dillard
and everyone else who was not able to be here today."
Allen agreed and said he encourages all service members, both past and present, to be extremely proud of what we've done.
"Active duty military members should be especially cognizant of veterans
as they have paved the way for us and provide us a legacy to live up
to," Allen said. "Giving back to them by volunteering at events like the
Veterans Olympics is the least we can do to repay their contribution to
our nation."
Friday, September 27, 2013
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