Today is Veterans Day!

Gratitude is our watchword

Today is November 11, 2020 we celebrate Veterans Day!   I urge you to share some semblance of gratitude with the military veterans in your life

 The best thing about serving in the greatest Army on the planet for 27 years, 11 months, and 11 days is the men and women I had the honor to meet. 

I loved serving and I love them. The crazy thing I've noticed over the past few years is the distance that's seeped into the nooks and crannies of relationships because of so much foolishness associated with how we view the world. 

REAL TALK
Whether you wear a mask or don't believe they are effective, I still value our time together. Whether you support Trump or Biden, I still value our time together. Whether we served together when I was a private or a cadet in ROTC at the University of Southern Mississippi or somewhere along my military timeline; I value our time together. 

The point is I'm grateful to have served and I value each of you.

If you're receiving this note and we've not served together in the military, I ask that you reach out to a military veteran and simply say, "Thanks for your service."

Enjoy your day; whether you served 3 months or 30 plus years! Happy Veterans Day; November 11, 2020! I'm grateful for your service. 

My perspective of service, sacrifice, and love of country was solidified as a second lieutenant, while serving under the leadership of Tom Owens. He was my Battalion Commander during the Gulf War in Saudi Arabia while I served at my first duty station.   

He taught by example how to lead with integrity and conviction. He was the leader I needed at that time. I love him for what he demonstrated to me, the other lieutenants, and the rest of the members of the 18th Personnel and Administrative Battalion, 18th Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 

The critical lessons I learned from Tom Owens I carried into my opportunity to serve as the  battalion commander for the 15th Personnel Services Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX as we served in Baghdad, Iraq. 

Although Veterans Day is focused on honoring the service of the men and women who served and Memorial Day is focused on the men and women who died, at every opportunity I share the stories of the two Soldiers who died during our unit's deployment to Iraq. They are gone, but not forgotten.  

Much love and Much respect!

Colonel Retired Angela M. Odom, US Army

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