Veterans share their story at Delaware State Fair
Armed Forces Day
DELAWARE – Wednesday, July 24th, was Armed Forces Day at the Fair. This is a time to thank military personnel who are put their country before themselves. So many veterans have risked their lives to make ours better.
Valor, Vietnam, and Veterans, whether it be air, land or water, military men and women have laid it all on the line risking their lives and many, just want a simple thank you, or job opportunities. The scarifies that have been made on behalf of the county are unimaginable and at times, can even be unbearable says 75-year-old Air Force Vietnam Vet Juan Rodriguez.
He and his wife work here at Karen’s Korner, and say hiring veterans is way to give back to those who have given so much. “First of all, it scared the heck out of me, because you’re exposed to so much danger.. You know you’re exposed to so much danger almost immediately….. Putting your life in danger, it’s something that, well, I responded to the need… When you hire a vet, you get the best bet. That means that you get a trained individual who is going to be honest with your business.”
Not all veterans served in Vietnam, but they still have a story to tell like 76-year-old Air Force Veteran Fred Wolf. He and his wife help run the business that has been passed down since the 1980’s. “I would do it again, it was an honor in our family. My uncles, my dad, everybody went to the military, my grandsons at West Point right now. so It’s an honor to serve our country. ”
The former sergeant says that by hiring former veterans you get people who are disciplined and organized, and you help them out too. He says the treatment of Veterans hasn’t always been good, but he appreciates how the country has come around. “Most of the military men have good retirements now, but they want something to do, and they still need something to do… There was a political thing going on so they spit at us and called us baby killers. That was not fun. But now, every single day, I have people come up, shake my hand and thank me. everyday.”
Juan says that despite what he’s been through he’s proud to say he served his county “People recognize and thank me for my service, and my response was it was honor and my duty, and now I’ve changed it to, you were worth it.”
Fred and Juan agree that military owned and operated businesses gives an opportunity for veterans to get back in the world and contribute to society like they always have. They encourage everyone to find a way to support your local veterans.
