Veterans Day is celebrated every Nov. 11. It honors anyone who has served in any branch of the U.S. military–Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard–celebrating their patriotism and sacrifice. They put their lives on the line to protect the country.

Security Supervisor Ronald Rehmel served in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps from 1983-1989. 

“The best memories were not just the two years I lived in Nuremberg Germany, but  being involved in something much bigger than being a young man from Indiana. It also was one part of the living portion of the history of our country and of the US Army. This helped me have the courage for my career and serve our school community every day,” Rehmel said. 

Military personnel endure a lot, including some hard challenges, while they’re enlisted. Not everyone faces the same thing, but being a part of one of the branches is a unique experience. 

“The challenges of the military are not just the physical portions, but the separation from those you love and knowing that you just can’t pack a bag and go home. The stress of being a part of a team or leading a team that you are responsible for from day to day. I served during the Cold War, so it would be different from those who serve today,” Rehmel said.

Veterans Day can mean many different things to people. However most would agree that it is an important day to honor those who served this country.

“Veterans Day is a day for me to remember those that I served with and those who served and the families of those who served in the past and present, and the day to day sacrifices they make so that we can wake up under the beautiful flag of freedom that flies at the front of this building. The sacrifices are great for some and they need to be recognized for those,” Rehmel said.