By Mike Poth, FirstNet Chief Executive Officer

On Veterans Day, we at FirstNet are honored and humbled to recognize the service and sacrifice of those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. With many first responders, veterans and active-duty service members on our team, we know the courage it takes to run toward emergencies and crises as others look to us for safety and support. Below is the message I shared with FirstNet staff in recognition of Veterans Day, 2016.

In the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, the Allies forged an armistice that ended the World War I, the “Great War.” As our war-torn nation slowly returned to peacetime, President Woodrow Wilson declared that, starting in 1919, the United States would observe Armistice Day each Nov. 11. Armistice Day, he said, would be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service.”

Nearly a century later, we call Nov. 11 Veterans Day, but its purpose remains much the same. On Veterans Day, we pause to express our gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of U.S. military members, both living and dead, retired and active duty. We know it is because of their service that we can enjoy the blessings of freedom and security.

Our FirstNet vets put it better than I can, so let me share a few of their Veterans Day reflections with you:

“I was honored to be counted among those who had sacrificed their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. I would say to other veterans and first responders, ‘Thank you for your dedicated service to this great nation. Your countless sacrifices impact the lives of many on a daily basis.’”
Cheryl Wright, FirstNet Executive Assistant; Master Sergeant/E-7, U.S. Air Force (Ret.).

“When the world turns upside down, and we are faced with a horrific scenario that is beyond our control, we are fortunate that our armed forces and first responders can imagine the scenario, have prepared to deal with it, and are there to help us through the crisis as best they can.” 
Lynn Bashaw, FirstNet Director of Network Operations; Captain, U.S. Air Force (Ret.).

“Service of others, whether military or not, is an honorable and rewarding endeavor that only those who have served truly understand. That is one of the things that made me most proud to be part of the world's greatest military. To other veterans and those who serve in other capacities, I say thank you.”
Kevin Lopez, FirstNet Information Technology Specialist; Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy (Ret.).

To Cheryl, Lynn, Kevin and all FirstNet and U.S. veterans and active-duty service members, we offer our deepest gratitude for all you do to keep our nation safe and free. On Veterans Day, it is our turn to salute you.