Appreciation for Our Veterans

“The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment.”Judd Gregg

Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace, dead or alive; though it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices. The holiday evolved as an official holiday to commemorate veterans at the end of World War I. It has had various dates through the years but has settled on November 11 as the recurring date. 11/11/1918 at 11:00 AM was the time and date of the original armistice ending that war.

Anderson Dahlen has contributed to or been involved with various organizations for Veterans over the years:

• VFW Mid-Winter Conference Program – held by Veterans of Foreign Wars – Department of Minnesota
• Buying checks from Deluxe Checks – Portion of costs go to wounded warriors
• Minnesota Softball Military Appreciation – Proceeds go to service dogs and other specialties needed from Veterans
• Vietnam Veterans Organization Books
• Veterans Day Organization Books

Patti Rowert is an Accountant at Anderson Dahlen. Her father served in Vietnam. She is very supportive and actively involved with some local Veteran’s groups, and was able to give us some fascinating insights. Veteran’s Books are organized by individual chapters of organizations such as VFW or VVA. Local stories, upcoming events, and other information are circulated on a quarterly and/or annual basis. Advertising space is offered to businesses and individuals, and the proceeds fund the efforts of the local chapters. MN has numerous chapters all working on behalf of our Veterans. VVA.org says they will collect almost anything to help a Veteran in need.

Anderson Dahlen also has quite a few employees that are Veterans! One of these is Doug Johnson, who’s been an employee for 30 years. Here is a bit of input from his perspective:

When did you serve and what was your position?

Doug: “I served in Vietnam from May 30th 1970 – May 31st 1971. I also served in the air force from November 1969 – August 1973. I worked with ammunitions such as rockets and bombs.”

Is there anything you’d like to share about your experiences in that time?

Doug: “You know, it was all such an experience. My dad told me “What you go through in Vietnam or the military is something you’re never going to forget. It’ll stay with you forever.” I never really listened to him, until I came back. I could remember every date, what we did, the reason why we did it when in reality I can’t even remember certain birthday dates!”

What was one of the most positive lessons you learned going through your experience?

Doug: “I’ve learned so many lessons within my time there. I learned to grow up quicker, I gained more knowledge about world issues because firsthand, you were there! I learned discipline and the right way to do things correctly the first time. The air force taught me to pick things up faster. I thought overall, it made a better person out of me.”

We have also had some employees decide to serve, including one who went into the air force and decided to be there fulltime. That individual is still serving today!

It was very interesting to learn that we have a number of Veterans that work at our company. And very encouraging that a number of our employees actively support Veterans through various organizations. This demonstrates that people value and respect the individuals who put their lives on hold for us, for our families, and for our country. Let’s all take time this Veteran’s Day to honor those who serve our country, and thank those who protect the freedoms we enjoy.