THANK YOU Veterans!

November 11th is Veterans Day. Veterans Day pays tribute to all American Veterans, primarily living veterans, who served our country during war or peacetime. Back in 1919 after the end of Warld War I it was known as “Armistice Day”.  Veterans Day became a national holiday in 1938.

Here in Sheridan Wyoming we have a special connection with Veterans.  Fort Mackenzie has sat high on a hill overlooking Sheridan since 1898 as a U.S. Army outpost named for Colonel Ranald Mackenzie.  It was abandoned in 1918, then resurrected in 1922 as a Veterans hospital specializing in neuropsychiatric conditions. The Sheridan VA Health Care System serves Veterans from throughout the Rocky Mtn. Region as a mental health and primary care center. The doctors, staff and their families are integral members of our Sheridan community https://www.va.gov/sheridan-health-care/

VOA Northern Rockies (Volunteers of America) is a Faith based, non-profit organization in Sheridan (and other locations).   Providing life skills training, education opportunities, transportation, case management, etc.   I had the opportunity recently to tour their brand new “Freedom Hall” facility that provides transitional housing for 11 Veterans in Sheridan. Operating 24 hours a day with a full kitchen, dining room, laundry, computers, conference room, picnic tables, horseshoe pit etc. What a Blessing is the VOA, the facility and especially the commitment of the staff there. Find out more https://www.voanr.org/we-are-voa/

Our own Sheridan College (NWCCD) is committed to Student Veterans.  With a Veterans Center and a Veterans Advisor (Sam Draznin, himself a USMC Veteran) offering many resources. Student Veterans get an assist with  admissions, enrollment, financial aid, benefits, etc. The SVA (Student Veterans of America) promotes the general welfare of our student Veterans and there to support their academic and career success. https://www.sheridan.edu/services/veteran-services/#:~:text=Sheridan%20College%20offers%20a%20number,support%20academic%20and%20career%20success.

There are other Veteran services here I’m sure, these are just the ones that I am aware of.  Please share these links with any Veteran you know, or the family of one, that may need these services.

I did not serve, but I have family that has and is serving currently.  So I am somewhat aware of the level of commitment and sacrifice it takes.  I thank God that I can only imagine the toll that has taken on some of our Veterans. Though it seems inadequate, I say thank you Veterans.