By Sarah Gilley, Campus News Editor
On Nov. 11, we all come together to honor and celebrate our veterans. Saint Leo University has a long military heritage, dating all the way back to 1973 when Saint Leo first recognized military personnel and their families as an important part of the student community. From here it only expanded, with Saint Leo being named one of largest committed educational providers to the U.S. military.
With this in mind, The Lions’ Pride Media Group wanted to shine light on a couple of veterans who call Saint Leo their home, as well as show our appreciation for all that they have done for us and our country.
Christopher Haley, a Marine veteran and a sophomore majoring in biology, enlightened us on what being a veteran means to him.
“Being a veteran to me means you have a unique perspective of America and the diverse people that make it what it is,” said Haley. “It makes you appreciate democracy more, and helps you recognize just how fragile it is.”
After being out of the Marines for about a year now, Haley decided to return to the Marine Corps through the reserves program and continue to serve his country. On Veterans Day, Haley will be starting his journey in the reserves as well as celebrating the Marine Corps’ 247th birthday on Nov. 10. He is excited to serve again, even if it is in more of a limited capacity than being active duty.
Cole Washko, an Air Force veteran studying English with a specialization in professional writing, shared the story of why he joined the Air Force and the impact it had on him.
“I wanted to join the military to serve my country and learn new skills that would set me up to become a well-rounded individual. Also, I desired the memories and adventures that so many veterans have talked about before me,” Washko said. “The most impactful memory I have from the military is when I was about to graduate from basic training, and we had a general speak to our flight graduating class.”
Washko continued by explaining how you should strive to leave the “military better than you found it” in hopes of also becoming a better person than you were before you joined. The general that spoke to Washko’s graduating class finished his speech by giving a quote by Pope John XXIII, and this quote stuck with Washko, as he has it tattooed on his left forearm.
Veterans Day is a day to celebrate, honor, and thank those who have served in the armed forces as well as those who have been killed in the wars they so bravely fought in for our country.
If you know someone who is a veteran, make sure to thank them on not only Veterans Day, Nov. 11, but every day. Make sure to honor those who fought for our freedom as well as those who have died for us. God bless America!
