When you see or hear the term Veteran, what does it mean to you? Do you think of those veterans standing tall and shouting “Rifles Up! Climb To Glory!”?

Do you think of those Veterans who are blessed with the opportunity to fly to Washington DC on an Honor Flight in order to render one last salute to their friends and comrades who gave the last full measure in World War II?

How about the Veteran living next door to you? The one who took off his or her uniform and now serves this Republic in a different capacity?

Look around you. There are more Veterans in your community than you think. They are doctors, entrepreneurs, business owners, attorneys, nurses, police officers, fire fighters, ranchers, farmers, politicians, and more. Veterans have built this country in so many ways and on so many levels.

At least 62 ski areas from Vail, to Aspen, to Sugarbush, to Copper Mountain were started by veterans of the 10th Mountain Division.

USAA, Johnson & Johnson, Verizon, and FedEx are just a few of the nationally recognized companies that were started by veterans. Other companies started by veterans include Kryptek, The Activity Group, custom home builders, landscapers, electricians, plumbers, and so much more.

Senator Bob Dole, Senator John McCain are two of the most recognized veterans who stepped into the land of politics. More recently we have Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark).

Cotton has been, from the start, an advocate for our veterans and shows no hesitation in holding this administration’s feet to the fire concerning issues of major import. Such as the Iran Deal.

In addition to Senator Cotton, the halls of Congress, state legislatures, governor mansions, and city councils have veterans taking their seat as of November 8th. They include Brian Mast, who will be representing Florida’s 8th Congressional,

Governor-elect Eric Greitens of Missouri, a retired Navy Seal,

And many more. Each in his or her way brings experience and knowledge gained from their military service to bear on the issues that we as Americans face each and every day.

Then there are those who have made their mark through writing. Authors include Medal of Honor Recipients Sal Guinta and Clint Romesha, Marcus Luttrell writing of his experiences as the “Lone Survivor,” and Chris Kyle who wrote “American Sniper,” and “American Gun.”

Veterans are also giving back. Some with outreach, others with public policy efforts, others join to help veterans cope via Project Healing Waters, and others start or get involved with helping veterans via horseback and programs such as Heroes and Horses.

So many of our readers are Veterans. Each of you is also family and/or a friend. Each one of you has given much while defending our great Republic. And after leaving the military, each one of you continues to contribute in multiple ways. We are so very thankful for all of you. We are so very thankful for the fact that you chose to serve in the Army, Marine, Navy, or Air Force; and that your defense of our freedom didn’t stop when you took off that uniform.

On this Veterans Day, we at Victory Girls salute all our Veterans. Thank You and God Bless America.