Thank a veteran every day, Chicago
This Veterans Day, we Chicagoans should thank all veterans for the sacrifices they've made to defend and protect the freedoms we enjoy.
The smallest gestures — like picking up the phone to call a relative or friend who has served our country or donating to an organization that focuses on helping servicemen and women — can be so powerful. And we are lucky here to have many opportunities to honor and show our support for the warriors who've served our country.
Here in Chicago, we can attend our Veterans Day Ceremony or visit the city's renowned Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, which is unlike any other museum in the United States. It showcases not just military artifacts, but actually provides a glimpse into soldiers' combat experience.
The city also is unveiling a series of events slated for June 2011 as part of a 25th-anniversary celebration for the 1986 Chicago Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade. I mention it to illustrate an important point: Why wait? Let's honor veterans throughout the year. These servicemen and women need our help and honor and celebration every day. The sacrifices they've made can never be repaid in just one day.
It is especially important for these returning personnel to know how grateful we are right now. It is no secret that many Americans are suffering in a slow economy with record levels of unemployment. But did you know that on any night in the U.S., approximately 107,000 veterans are homeless?
And considering that around 1.5 million other veterans are considered to be at risk for homelessness, it's clear the need to support service members, veterans and their families has never been greater than it is today.
More than 2 million servicemen and women have helped defend our country since 9/11, and many of them are now struggling to adjust to civilian life, to support their families. Many are even finding it difficult to stay in their homes.
I am one of the very lucky ones. After returning from five years of duty in the U.S. Army, serving in Panama, Korea and Kuwait, I was able to re-enter the work force, eventually earning my MBA at Northwestern, and landing at Sears Holdings. I love my job, but one of my favorite aspects of it is when I get to show my appreciation for the men and women who have served or are serving our country in the armed services. Luckily for me, I get that opportunity pretty often. Through its Heroes at Home program and holiday Wish Registry, Sears activates several initiatives that help servicemen and women, and it's one of the reasons I'm most proud to represent the company. There are many other ways to help those who have served our country, too, such as volunteering at or donating clothing to a veteran's shelter during the holidays.
It really hits home for me when I'm able to help honor the brave warriors who have protected and fought for the freedoms we all enjoy in this country. I think of the brave soldiers I served with, especially those who saved my life when my Humvee rolled over during night operations. Unless you have been on the front line yourself, you cannot imagine the levels of bravery and fortitude that engaging in combat requires.
It's an experience that stays with you all your life; both the good the closeness and respect and camaraderie that develops with your brothers and sisters in arms and the bad the horrors of war are well documented and affect each individual soldier differently.
Just think of how much good one person can do, and thank a veteran today. And tomorrow. And the next. Make every day a Veteran's Day.
• Tom Aiello, of Wheaton, is division vice president of public relations for Sears Holdings in Hoffman Estates. He is a U.S. Army veteran and graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.