CAP employs many military veterans and on Veterans Day, we are proud to share thoughts from a few of our veterans on what this day means to them and why they chose to serve our country.
Marcus Etsitty
E-4: Corporal, US Marine Corps, 6 years of service
Instrumentation & Control Electrician, 1 year at CAP
To me, Veterans Day means a time of reflection and of thanks. A reminder of things we often take for granted, like our freedom and oneness of American pride. I am grateful for all others that have served and continue to serve our great nation. Those who have answered the call of duty when all others either couldn’t or wouldn’t. Veterans Day is a time of remembrance and it’s a time of honor.
The reason I enlisted was that my father, who is also a Marine veteran, was drafted during the Vietnam War. Growing up, I saw how disciplined and professional he carried himself both at home and among others. His example inspired me to walk in his footsteps. I wanted to help make a difference in service and be an inspiration as well to my children. My older brothers who served also in the Army were great motivations to join the Marine Corps. I looked to protect and defend our great country, the United States of America.
Darrin Francom
Lieutenant (O-3), US Navy, 6 ½ years of service
Assistant General Manager, 20 years at CAP
For me, Veterans Day is a time to reflect upon and remember the proud women and men that I served with and the longstanding relationships that we forged. It was a wonderful experience and Veterans Day helps me reflect on that time.
The Navy offered me significant responsibility, leadership, and adventure at a young age, as compared to other options I was looking at after college. I am not sure that I fully understood what I was getting into and the impact it would have on my life at that time.
Randy Gates
E-4, US Marine Corps, 5 years served
Plant Electrician, 1 month at CAP
Veterans Day to me is a day to remember the sacrifices, especially the ultimate sacrifice, veterans made to ensure we can live in a free and democratic United States. The driving force for me to serve in the Military was mainly to serve my country and to learn a trade.
Derek Gross
GMG2 (SW) (E5), US Navy (USS ANZIO (CG-68)), 4 years, 10 months
Senior Electrical Engineer, 10 years at CAP
I always think about the people who were lost during my enlistment; we lost an F14 Tomcat off the coast of North Carolina due to a collision.
The main driving force for me joining the military was to escape the life in a very small town and see the world. I had no clue that we would be at war six months into my enlistment. I was able to visit the site of the allied landing in Italy on my deployment; I never knew there were cemeteries with fields of gravestones for both allied and axis sides at many places in Europe. This had specific importance to me as my grandfather was an Army scout under General Marshall and briefly under General Paton during the campaign to liberate France. He was wounded in the leg from a mortar shell that hit a tree he was under during a German counterattack; his helmet and leather liner saved his life by capturing a piece of shrapnel that would have hit him in the back of the head. He did make a full recovery.
Ryan Johnson
Lieutenant, US Navy, 6 years
Engineering Manager, 14 years at CAP
Veterans Day is special to me in that we can reflect on the major sacrifices that made possible all the comforts, security, and freedom we enjoy today. These did not come to us by chance but were fought for and earned by those dedicated to a cause bigger than themselves.
I joined the military because of an internal sense of responsibility and desire to be part of something bigger. The opportunities to be challenged, to grow, and to be part of a disciplined team also influenced my decision to join the Navy.
Julie Mazo
SPC (E-4), US Army, 6 years of service
Human Resources Assistant, 2 years at CAP
For me, Veteran’s Day is more than the free food and recognition, but rather a day to reflect. I acknowledge the sacrifice and selflessness of those who served prior, alongside with me, and after me and appreciate the experiences provided to me. I chose to serve because it was an opportunity that I needed at the time.
Jeff Russeau
Electrician’s Mate Second Class (E-5), US Navy, 6 years served
Maintenance Engineer, 3 years at CAP
For me, Veterans Day is a day to remember all of our brothers and sisters in arms, a day to pay respect to the fallen, and a day to celebrate our current active-duty sailors and soldiers and all that they sacrifice for their country. I chose to join the military because I wanted to serve my country.
Jake Sandmeyer
Lieutenant Colonel, US Marine Corps, 18 and currently serving
Technical Writer, Less than 1 year at CAP
I think Veterans Day is a time to show appreciation for our country, our military, and our great people; to honor those who have served or who are currently serving in the military and to show appreciation for their faithfulness, sacrifices, and hard work. It’s also an opportunity to honor spouses, children, and other family and members of the community who have stood by and supported military service members during both times of hardship and victory.
I decided to serve in the military because during the years after 9/11, when I joined, I recognized the unparalleled excellence of our military and the people who serve in it, that it was something so much bigger and better than myself, and I had to be a part of that and work alongside those amazing people.
Wilberto Sierra
SSG (E-6), US Army, 12 years of service,
Network Security Administrator, 3 years at CAP
Veterans Day for me is a day we celebrate, remember, and thank all the veterans. It is a day where we all take the time to recognize the sacrifice that a lot of veterans have given for this country, especially those who were injured while serving.
Since I was a kid, I always wanted to serve the citizens by either being a law enforcement officer or joining the military. The events on 9/11, were the driving force for me to join the military; I wanted to speak out for those who died or were injured and hold accountable those involved in that horrific event.
Joe Turnbough
EN5/Engineman 2nd class, US Navy, 5 years of service
Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor, 15 years at CAP
Veterans Day is a day that I get to share with so many other Americans that took the same oath. I know our country isn’t perfect, but our military helps ensure the freedom we all enjoy. I am prouder of my service today, then when I was serving.
When I graduated from high school, I knew college wasn’t for me. I had friends who enlisted and after the recruiter visited my school, I knew that is where I wanted to go. My only regret was not staying in the Reserves so I could have worn the same uniform alongside my daughter when she served.
On Veterans Day and every day, thank you to CAP’s veterans and all those who serve our country.
