Commander’s message to Fort: Veterans need support

By Chris Spangler

The men and women who have served in America’s military were saluted during a Veterans Day ceremony in Fort Atkinson Friday morning.

Members of the Paul Frank Florine Post 166 of the American Legion and Edwin Frohmader Post 1879 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars held a brief ceremony outside the Legion Dugout.

In keeping with Fort Atkinson tradition, the ceremony took place at 11 a.m., signifying the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month, in remembrance of the ceasefire following the signing of the armistice, ending World War I.

In his remarks, Legion Commander Joel Osmundson noted that the service of America’s veterans never truly ends. Even when they hang up their military uniforms for the last time, many still choose to protect citizens.

He shared the story of Noah Shahnavaz, who, after serving five years as a military police officer in the U.S. Army’s 591^st MP Company, returned to his home state and graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in May 2022. However, the policeman died in the line of duty when a motorist allegedly shot him during a traffic stop. He was 24.

Osmundson called Shahnavaz the embodiment of service and sacrifice. 

“He was not alone. The U.S. Justice Department estimates that 25% of law enforcement officers have a military background. Bravery and dedication to community are common among veterans,” he said.

The Legion commander noted that Veterans Day is about the approximately 19 million U.S. veterans who are alive today, as well as the millions who have preceded them since the American Revolution.

“Many serve their communities as first responders, teachers, healthcare workers or church leaders. Some are business owners, farmers, company workers or retirees,” he said. “Veterans are a diverse group represented by men and women of every economic, ethnic and religious background. They come from every state and territory but are bound by one common commitment — to defend America with their life, if called upon.”

Osmundson continued: “Military service is not for the faint of heart. Most civilian jobs do not require risk to life or limb. No other occupation subjects employees to criminal charges for disobeying their boss. Unlike members of the military, civilians can live where they want and can quit whenever they want.”

He pointed out that transitional challenges, the stress of military life and feelings of isolation all factor into a suicide rate among veterans that is more than 50% higher than that of nonveteran adults.

“The stigma of seeking help needs to end,” the commander said. “If we are going to stop suicide, it is crucial that we look at this issue much differently than prior generations. If we wait for someone to make an attempt before we reach out, there is a very good chance that it will be too late.”

Osmundson said that veterans value courage and it takes courage to ask for help. But they must be proactive.

“The bonds that we formed in the military are unlike any other. A good American Legion post fosters an environment that helps continue such bonds and create new ones,” he said. “Very few of us are trained counselors or mental health professionals. But we are capable of listening, referring and following up.”

He reported that the national crisis line still works, but help now can be called by simply dialing 9-8-8, extension 1, for veterans. 

“Most kindergartners know what 9-1-1 is for. It’s up to us to ensure that 9-8-8 becomes just as widely known. By calling 9-8-8 now, we can prevent a 9-1-1 call later,” Osmundson said, urging attendees to visit the “Be the One” website at WWW.BetheOne.org.

Homelessness is another tragic outcome that too often is connected to military service, the commander said.

“It is estimated that America has 60,000 veterans who are homeless. That is greater than the entire population of Carson City, Nevada. Though veterans comprise approximately 7% of the U.S. population, they are 11% of our nation’s homeless,” he said.

The best way to prevent a veteran from becoming homeless is to hire one, Osmundson advised.

“It’s not only good policy, but it’s smart business, for an employer who values skill, discipline and patriotism,” he said.

Osmundson noted that it is fitting that Veterans Day is observed so close to Election Day, for the veterans have preserved Americans’ constitutional rights for 246 years. 

“For many of them, this nation was worth enduring long separations from their families, missing the births of their children, freezing in sub-zero temperatures, sweating in the Sahara, sacrificing their health and, far too often, losing their lives,” he said.

“When a politician laments the cost of a veterans program, it is up to us to remind them of the cost of being a veteran,” Osmundson said. “Whether it’s exposure to burn pits or other toxin, many veterans today continue to pay a high price for their military service. It is up to us to ensure that they always have access to high quality health care and benefits reflecting the thanks of a great nation.”

He noted that 104 years ago, on Nov. 11, 1918, the guns of the world fell silent. An armistice was signed and the Great War was over. Unfortunately, it was not the “war to end all wars,” as many had hoped. 

“Veterans are not only responsible for defending this nation during time of war, but it is the imposing presence of our great military that has acted as a deterrent to would-be aggressors,” Osmundson said. “The veterans of the United States military have not only fought wars, they deserve our gratitude for preventing them.

“And while today we rejoice and honor the service of America’s veterans, we also remember the wise words of Gen. Douglas MacArthur: ‘The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace,’” he concluded. 

The ceremony also included a prayer given by Legion Chaplain Steve Leggett, the honor guard posting the colors and the firing of three volleys in memory of the fallen.

Afterward, the Fort Atkinson veterans and guests enjoyed a chili lunch inside the Legion Dugout.