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What’s a veteran?

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Contributed by: Bob Steinle on 11/7/2007

The clerk at the Circle K convenience store and gas station in Highlands Ranch shook her head and answered "no" in response to my question, "You know what a Veteran is, don't you?" I almost broke into tears right on the spot!

I'm on the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument committee. Actually, I'm one of the few Veterans on the committee and for the last 12 months it has been an honor for me to serve with those working to raise $200,000 needed for construction. The Monument's location will be on the south side of the Highlands Ranch Library in Civic Green Park.

Hoping that Circle K would help, I was there to place two donation jars decorated with red, white and blue bunting so that their customers could drop in spare change to assist in our fund raising efforts.

"Veteran" is simply defined as a former member of the armed forces. But to millions of those who served in our country's military forces before me and to millions who have served since, Veteran means much, much more. "Duty, Honor, Country." These powerful words have and continue to enjoy a special place in the minds and lives of currently-serving and Veteran military men and women. To many, they have been the difference between life and death.
As I've gotten older and especially after 9-11, my military service has become more important in my life and in the lives of several of my friends who are also Veterans.

I asked them to help me by answering the question, "What does it mean, being a Veteran?"

"I did my part to reinforce the very foundation upon which this country was built. If we didn't maintain and support an active military, we would still be run by England," said Vietnam Veteran Bud Glass, Navy, of Littleton.

"An unselfish obligation, for the continuation of freedom and democracy," said Vietnam Veteran Bill Miller, Navy, of Monument.

"Being a Veteran is an honor and a privilege. It means I have given back to my country which I love and I do not take my freedom for granted," said Vietnam Veteran Bill Zollars, Army, of Highlands Ranch.

"It means I helped the heroes keep our country what it is. I am not one, nor will ever be a hero, but I know a lot of them, and have served with them. It was an honor to know them, to be trusted by them, and to be counted on to do my part. My greatest fear was not being able to do my part in any mission - to fail my fellow Marines. I didn't fail, and for that I am proud," said Gulf War Veteran David Wunder, Marine, of Jacksonville, NC.

"I am proud of what I did. Whatever tasks I was given, I tried to accomplish them with pride. Veterans make our country what it is today," said Vietnam Veteran Larry Mitchell, Army, of Phoenix, Ariz.

"Pride. I take pride in my service to our country. There is no higher calling than to serve others. To serve in circumstances where the sacrifices are significant is particularly fulfilling. Honor. It was an honor for me to wear the uniform of our country and to think of all who so capably wore it before," said Vietnam Veteran Terry Nolan, Navy, of Highlands Ranch.

"The finest group of people I've ever been around. I have unbelievable respect and trust for all I served with," said Korean War-era Veteran Jerry McGuire, Marine, of Littleton, 10 days after open heart surgery.

I haven't checked to see if Circle K has our jars out. Hopefully, they can raise at least $200, the minimum cost for a Veteran's Dedication Tile at our Veterans Monument. However, as we approach Nov. 11, Veterans Day, I would offer an answer to the question, "What is the value of a Veteran's service?" Priceless!

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Steinle
Highlands Ranch
Army Vietnam Veteran

Editor's note: Click here to read more about the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument and Veterans Day events in Douglas County.

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