11/11/2024
About 13 1/2 years ago, I was traveling back to Okinawa from the United States when I received word of the horrific earthquake and Tsunami that hit the Tohuku region and Northern Japan. The area was devastated, and the loss incredible in many of the coastal communities. A few years later as I was on my third assignment in Japan I was visiting a base and was told the story of an unsung hero of the responding units trying to help the people hardest hit. A young Airmen, I don't recall her name or her job, but at that time, leadership came to learn she was fluent in Japanese. She was asked to fly on helicopters with our teams working in the area and decipher the distress signs painted on rooftops as well as translate for those in need of assistance to team members. It was not her job, but for her, that was a non-factor. Help was needed and she could provide it. Its that simple. Throughout my 30 years in the Air Force, I met many service members from all branches, who sacrificed comfort, who sacrificed their own safety, and who placed service above self in more ways than I can describe. And more often than not, there was little fanfare for their effort. I am so honored and blessed to have served among these heros all across the globe. To those who have served and are currently serving, I thank you for service and I can't describe how much I appreciate your work protecting my family and this great Nation. It's the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 2024. Happy Veteran's Day to you and may God Bless you and your family not only on this day and at this hour, but each and every day!
James Laurent
Terri Larson Laurent
Erin Christine
Cody Laurent
