Veterans Day reminds us that the men and women who served this country are also our neighbors. At Cornerstone Caregiving in Florence, some are also clients. This November, four of them shared memories of their service and what they hope younger generations will remember.
Thomas Freeman: A Legacy Worth Remembering
Thomas Freeman served in the United States Air Force and in the Vietnam War. His service took him to England and Turkey, and one of his most memorable responsibilities was guarding the Looking Glass aircraft in Omaha, Nebraska. He is most proud of the time he spent serving his country and the experiences he gained along the way, and says his service taught him responsibility and dedication. He wants the younger generation “to remember the legacy of all our veterans who have served and the sacrifices they made for their country.”
Toby Britt: A Friendship That Never Fell Silent
Toby Britt served in both the Air Force and the Navy. He remembers going overseas to the Mediterranean, and being able to travel to many foreign countries is what he is proudest of. In the Navy, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60), he met David Randell, who became his best friend and has called him ever since. Serving, Toby says, taught him to be a kinder person. His message to young people: “It is a great joy to serve your country.” He believes military service should be required of young people.
Bobby Giddy: Outdoors, Overseas, and Trusted
Bobby Giddy worked in artillery survey, a job that kept him outside much of the time, and he loved it. His proudest memory from those years is a personal one: his first child was born in Germany. He also remembers when Colonel DuBose recommended him for a top secret security clearance. Service taught Bobby to respect all military personnel, no matter the branch, because “we are all fighting for the same thing.” His message to the younger generation is that if they are called on, they should serve their country.
Jo A. Pacello: Standing in the Gap
Jo A. Pacello, currently Cornerstone’s only female veteran client, served in the Air Force. Basic training was tough, she says, but she learned a lot, loved seeing Colorado, and is proudest of the perseverance it built in her. In the military, she found that age and race don’t matter. “You become brothers and sisters,” she says. Her most special day came while she was working in the tower, when a fireman below came to her rescue and became her lifelong partner. Her message to the younger generation: every veteran gave freely and stood in the gap for their country and its freedom, and those serving today would do it again.
Caring for Those Who Cared for Us
Cornerstone Caregiving proudly serves veterans through a fully funded VA program that provides quality care in the comfort of home. The Florence team serves Colbert and Lauderdale counties and offers free in-home assessments. Call (256) 554-9633 or email florenceal@cornerstonecaregiving.com to learn more.
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