One Veteran’s Perspective of Veterans Day

Nov 12, 2021 | Business

 The war to end all wars came to a close 103 years ago. It was called Armistice Day, for the next 30 plus years until a Kansas shoe storeowner named Al King had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who served in World War I. By act of Congress, November 11th has been Veterans Day ever since.

Every American owes a debt to those who serve their country. It is a debt that cannot be repaid by simply waving a flag or slapping a magnetic sticker on their car.

There are men and women who put their lives on the line every single day to protect and defend the constitution of the United States and all who call the United States home. Regardless of your political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, or even citizenship status, you are being defended today by Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen around the world. Whether you go about a daily routine as a business leader, a professional athlete, a teacher, a civil service worker, a politician, a lawyer or even if you are a criminal, are unethical or lack integrity, the members of the U.S. Armed Forces place all of us ahead of themselves.

They deserve more. Today is a good day to recognize that obligation and resolve to do something to even the score.

For many of you, writing a check makes things simple, in which case there are many excellent programs that could really use your help. Folds of Honor, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Operation Homefront, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center and Troops First Foundation are just a few of many.

If you operate a business, think about what your company can do to demonstrate your appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Any special consideration you give would earn you the respect of all who have served. It is the right thing to do and now is the time to do it.

For most Americans, the most rewarding contribution is a donation of time. Make yourself a promise to visit a veteran’s hospital for a few hours on your day off. You will come away richer for the experience. Or call any one of numerous non-profit military support organizations and ask how you can volunteer. There are so many of worthy causes to choose from.

“I encourage you to support companies that make it part of their mission to give back to the military members and their families. If your lead a company and have not done so yet, I challenge you to stand up a military program and I am happy to help.”

Here are a few companies with strong Military programs;

– Acorns – https://get.acorns.com/military

– NortonLifeLock – https://us.norton.com/store?promocode=md

– Golf Channel – www.MilitaryTeeTimes.com

– Vail Resorts – www.epicpass.com/info/military

– 1-800-Flowers – www.1800flowers.com/MilitaryUSA

– UNTUCKit – www.untuckit.com/military

Make this Veterans Day a special one. Honor America’s Veterans with more than just words. Get involved. Our entire country will be better off when you do.

About

Kevin T.K. Sullivan, LTC, U.S. Army (Ret.) served 20 years as an Aviation Officer with the United States Army. He is president of Leading Points Corporation a company that assists businesses in establishing themselves within the military and government markets by creating programs designed to support all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, all Veterans, and all Military Family Members. Kevin continues to serve as senior executive & corporate development advisor for various startups and military charities across the country.

For further information and press inquiries, please contact him directly at sullivan@leadingpoints.com or visit www.leadingpoints.com

Leading Points Corporation

Kevin T.K. Sullivan LTC, US Army (Ret.)

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www.leadingpoints.com

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Canada – Ministers of Veterans Affairs and National Defence mark 20th anniversary of the end of Canada’s mission in East Timor

May 17, 2021 | International

Since the start of Canadian peacekeeping, few of Canada’s international peace missions over the past seven decades have taken members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) farther from home than the operation in East Timor from 1999 to 2001.

Ottawa, ON – Since the start of Canadian peacekeeping, few of Canada’s international peace missions over the past seven decades have taken members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) farther from home than the operation in East Timor from 1999 to 2001.

In 1999, when Timor tried to reassert its independence from Indonesia, the country of over one million people was ravaged by militia-led violence. Homes were burned, civilians were killed, and between 500,000 and 700,000 people were displaced.

Canada joined a UN-authorized, Australian-led multinational force to East Timor to restore peace and security, protect and support the existing UN mission in carrying out its tasks, and help humanitarian aid reach affected citizens.

The more than 650 CAF members and 15 Canadian police officers who deployed to the region filled important roles such as providing security, constructing a camp, repairing local facilities, and keeping the naval task force supplied.

Twenty years later, Canada remains grateful to the CAF members and civilian police who served in East Timor as part of Operation TOUCAN.

 

Quotes
“The mission in East Timor is among the largest in Canada’s proud peacekeeping history. As we mark 20 years since the end of Operation TOUCAN, we thank the hundreds of Canadians who went across the world and put their lives at risk to help secure peace for the Timorese.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

“Canada’s support for Timor-Leste self-determination 20 years ago helped pave the way for the democracy and freedom enjoyed by the Timorese today. To all those courageous members of the Canadian Armed Forces who deployed to East Timor, Canada’s largest mission in Asia since Korea in the early 1950s, thank you for your service.”

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

 

Associated Links
The Canadian Armed Forces in East Timor

Media Relations

Department of National Defence

Phone: 613-904-3333

mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

Daniel Minden

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of National Defence

Phone: 613-996-3100

Daniel.Minden@forces.gc.ca

Canada – Ministers of Veterans Affairs and National Defence mark 30th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War

Mar 1, 2021 | International

Today marks 30 years since the Gulf War came to an end, almost seven months after Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait. From 1990 to 1991, more than 4,000 Canadians served in the Middle East as part of the international Coalition that fought to restore freedom to the Kuwaiti people. At its peak, Canada’s contribution numbered more than 2,700 Canadian Armed Forces personnel in the region at one time.

Canada’s first military actions came at sea in August 1990, when three Canadian warships joined the Coalition fleet that would secure the waters off Iraq and occupied Kuwait. That October, Canadian CF-18 fighter aircraft were sent to the Middle East to help take control of the skies above the Gulf. Canadian medical, communications, logistical and security units would also play important support roles in the conflict.

While Canadian women had made significant contributions and sacrifices that put them in harm’s way in previous conflicts, the Gulf War was the first time female Canadian Armed Forces members served in combat trades, and they went on to play important roles on land, in the air, and at sea.

Though Canada suffered no loss of life during the Gulf War, the burdens many returned home with were heavy, and some carried them for the rest of their lives. On the 30th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War, we pay tribute to everyone who so bravely assumed the risks that came with serving in uniform in the Persian Gulf, and thank those Veterans still with us for stepping forward in defence of peace and liberty in Kuwait.

Quotes
“For those of us who were around, watching the start of Operation Desert Storm still stands out as one of those moments that will always stay with you. Thirty years later, it’s incredibly important we make sure that the generations that follow remember the contributions that thousands of Canadians made during the Gulf War. We thank them for their remarkable service today.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

“During February, we pay tribute to the thousands of Canadians who served in the Middle East during the Gulf War. The land, air and sea support they provided to the multinational coalition contributed greatly to liberation of Kuwait, and the continued Canadian presence along the Iraq-Kuwait border in support of the United Nations enabled further security in the years following the end of the war. To those who served, we are forever grateful for your service.”

The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

After Iraq invaded Kuwait, Canada joined a coalition of more than 35 countries to liberate the small Gulf nation.
More than 4,000 Canadians served in the Gulf War, helping liberate the country of Kuwait.
The Gulf War was the first conflict where Canadian women served in combat roles.