Veteran's Olympics puts focus on service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittany A. Chase
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  More than 600 Gunfighters, retirees and community volunteers watched the lighting of a flame kicking off the 26th Annual Idaho Veterans Olympics Sept. 21, in Boise, Idaho.

Gunfighters and local community members gathered to show their gratitude and support for veterans by volunteering to help make the four-hour event possible.

"This year's Veterans Olympics is a special day that allows the community, military members and veterans to participate in some fun and friendly competition," said Capt. Sarah Allen, 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron materiel management flight commander. "This allows us to strengthen our relationships with one another and grow stronger ties with the community."

The day celebrated the patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice, which was personified in the veterans at the games.

"Our veterans have missed the births of their children, wedding anniversaries and graduations," Allen said. "They have spent holidays in foreign lands, sometimes amid terrible conditions. They gave up everything for their country, for us. All we can do is remember."

While many have paid the ultimate price, more than 22 million who stood up and fought for America and its values are alive today.

"They represent the finest men and women America has to offer and for most, their time in uniform represents a defining period in their lives," Allen said. "They came to understand the price of freedom, because they could put names and faces to it. Freedom was not just an abstract concept; it was the bond of loyalty they forged with their buddies in the ranks."

This year's Veterans Olympics are in honor of the female veterans, who make up 2.5 of the 22.3 million veterans.

"The face of the veteran is changing to include many different people who have dedicated their time and lives to this country," Allen said. "That's why we remember and acknowledge all of the men and women who have served."

Like many veterans in the event, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Richard Lee Seher participated for the men and women who sacrificed their lives.

"It's very special for me to participate in the Veterans Olympics," he said. "I was a platoon sergeant in Vietnam. We lost a lot of guys but I made it out. I'm doing this for my best friend James Brian Dillard and everyone else who was not able to be here today."

Allen agreed and said she encourages all service members, both past and present, to be extremely proud of what we've done.

"Active duty military members should be especially cognizant of veterans as they have paved the way for us and provide us a legacy to live up to," Allen said. "Giving back to them by volunteering at events like the Veterans Olympics is the least we can do to repay their contribution to our nation."