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Huron Daily Tribune

2025 Veterans and Valor

A Salute to our local Veterans

A Special Supplement to

2025 Veterans and Valor

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Dennis Janowiak U.S. Navy

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Huron Daily Tribune

2025 Veterans and Valor

Charles Spires My husband served in the Army from 1995-2012. He served in the Iraq war, Afghanistan war, Gulf War & Desert Storm. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. I would like to honor him because he gave so selflessly, risking his very life to protect us in turbulent times. In my book, that makes him a hero. And heroes should be honored :)

Curtis Riley Carter USN Yeoman 2nd Class 1943-1945 Pacific Theatre

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Robert “Bob” Zurek

Walter F. Karsmarski

U.S. Army Corporal Korea, 1950-1952

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WWII-Staff Sergeant 1944-1946 Purple Heart Recipient

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2025 Veterans and Valor

FAQ about Veterans Day Each November, millions of people recognize the service and sacrifice of military veterans on Veterans Day. Initially commemorated as Armistice Day but renamed Veterans Day in the United States in 1954, the holiday is a federal holiday throughout the country. The first Armistice Day was observed in 1919. Despite that lengthy history, the general public may still have questions about Veterans Day.

When is Veterans Day observed?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11, regardless of which day of the week that happens to be. In 2024, Veterans Day is Monday, November 11.

Why is November 11 so significant?

November 11 is a significant day in world history because it marks the signing of the armistice between the Allies of World War I and Germany at 5:45 a.m. on November 11, 1918. Though the formal peace treaty, the Treaty of Versailles, was not signed until 1919 and hostilities between the sides continued for hours after the armistice was signed, the day is still viewed as the end of World War I.

What distinguishes Veterans Day from Memorial Day? The VA notes that Veterans Day honors all

those individuals who served honorably in the miliary during both wartime and peacetime. Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who lost their lives in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

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William Fitzpatrick Served in WWII 1942

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What is the significance of red poppies?

Red poppies are ubiquitous on Memorial Day, but they’re also visible on Veterans Day. Though it’s not taboo to wear red poppies on Veterans Day, it’s a tradition that aligns more with Memorial Day. That’s because the poppies are typically worn to honor fallen military personnel. A 1915 poem written by a Canadian Lieutenant Colonel named John McCrae referred to the fields of poppies growing around the graves of World War I soldiers in Flanders.

Do other countries honor their military veterans?

Many countries across the globe honor their military veterans, and many do so on November 11 as well. For example, Canadians and Australians observe Remembrance Day in honor of their nation’s respective veterans on November 11. Great Britain observes Remembrance Day on the Sunday nearest to November 11. Veterans Day is a day to honor and commemorate the brave men and women who have honorably served in the U.S. military during wartime and peacetime.

Jason James After returning to the civilian world and realizing how difficult it is at times to cope with PTSD and the stressors from active duty, Jason started a non profit to help himself and others with coping. He runs Frontiers Edge Outdoors, a small local non profit focused on getting veterans into the outdoors to help cope with PTSD. He has made it his mission to assist other veterans in continuing the camaraderie that comes with being in the military.

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2025 Veterans and Valor

Duane Ertman My dad is an honorable man who served as a Marine. He is the most kindhearted and loving man I know. He is my hero!

Ronald Damm U.S. Army Sergeant E-5, Vietnam In service from 1968-1970

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Michael D. McGee

Aaron Park

Mike over the last 35 years has been involved in Community organizations. He serves as Commander of the American Legion Post. Served as President of the Lions Club. Former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Mike has served as chairman of the White Cane Drive, Poppy Drive, and Tootsie Roll Drive. At the age of 85, Mike continues to spent many hours of volunteering and giving his time and energy to serve his Community.

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For serving in the U.S. Navy as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer from 1999 to 2021. Navy, O5, 1999-2021

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2025 Veterans and Valor

Huron Daily Tribune

Phil Nichols

CM Sgt Michael S Majestic

Sergeant Philip Nichols proudly served in the United States Army for 19 months as a member of the 9th Infantry Division, deployed to Vietnam. During his service, he demonstrated exceptional courage, leadership, and an unwavering sense of duty, earning distinction as a highly decorated soldier. Among his many honors are the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, multiple Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, and several unit and marksmanship citations. After returning home, Phil earned his degree from Western Michigan University in 1975 and continued a life defined by service and community involvement. A former Cass City VFW Post Commander, he remains actively engaged in local veterans’ events, parades, and school assemblies. He helps line Main Street with American flags for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Veterans Day, and is often seen at VFW spaghetti dinners supporting his fellow veterans. Phil is also a loyal supporter of Cass City Public Schools. He builds genuine relationships with students and is a regular at sporting events, cheering on local athletes. Through his kindness, humility, and lifelong dedication to others, Sergeant Philip Nichols continues to exemplify what it means to serve, both in uniform and at home in his community.

Air Force (Ret) 37 yrs 9 months Hometown: Kinde Michigan

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MSG Robert Corriveau US Army Master Sergeant (Ret) 20 years, 1 month

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2025 Veterans and Valor

How to show your support for Veterans

Dylan Lang Army Specialist 2014-2018

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Supporting veterans is a worthy endeavor at any time of year, though such efforts tend to be more prominent in November. Veterans Day is celebrated annually on November 11 in honor of the millions of individuals across the United States who are military veterans. The day coincides with holidays such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other countries and also honor military veterans. There’s no denying that veterans need the support of the people whose freedoms they protect. According to a 2021 study from researchers at Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, the percentage of veterans with disabilities is significantly higher among post-9/11 veterans (40 percent) than it was with veterans from previous eras (25 percent for Gulf War I veterans and 13 percent for veterans of previous wars). Veterans can benefit from support legislated by elected officials in Washington, D.C., but there’s also many things ordinary citizens can do to show how much they appreciate the sacrifices veterans and their families have made and will make in the years to come.

legislation to support veterans often faces an uphill battle to get passed. By supporting legislation that ensures veterans get the support they need, individuals can send a message to veterans that they haven’t been forgotten and that the very democratic principles they fought to protect are alive and well. Citizens can write letters to their elected officials, urging them to support veteran-friendly legislation, and raise awareness of bills and laws through social media.

• Help raise awareness about homeless veterans. Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that approximately 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. But that figure doesn’t tell the whole story, as the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans notes that, over the course of a year, roughly twice that many veterans experience homelessness. The NCHV believes that programs to assist homeless veterans should focus on helping them reach a point where they can obtain and sustain gainful employment. In addition, the NCHV feels that the most effective programs are community-based, nonprofit, “veterans helping veterans” groups. Individuals can offer their support to such groups through financial donations or other means so they can continue to ensure no veteran sleeps on the street.

Katie Geiger

• Visit wounded veterans.

The United States Census Bureau reports that more than one-third of the nearly 3.8 million men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces since September 2001 have a service-connected disability. Many of these individuals are fighting to overcome physical injuries sustained while on active duty. Individuals who want to show their support for veterans can contact their local VA facility to arrange a visit to wounded veterans. Such visits can lift veterans’ spirits and reassure them that their sacrifices are both acknowledged and appreciated.

She is an inspiration to others, and as a mental health counselor, she changes lives for the better Veterans Day is a time to show veterans every day. Katie Geiger She is an inspiration to others, and as a mental health counselor, she changes lives for the better every day.