Thank You to our Veterans

by Rick Zich
On this Veterans Day, we pause to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. To our clients who are veterans, your courage, dedication, and sacrifice have helped preserve the freedoms we all enjoy. We are deeply grateful for your service.
To all of us here at SIA, Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a moment to reflect on the extraordinary commitment made by those who wore the uniform. Whether you served in combat, supported missions abroad, or safeguarded our nation from home, your contributions have shaped our country’s history and continue to inspire future generations.
My inspiration for this Veterans Day comes from my grandfather who served from early 1943 to end of 1945 on the USS Missouri where he was a corpsman and second-class deep sea diver and honorably discharged as a second-class shipfitter. Like so many veterans, their efforts were not always known or recognized. My grandfather received the Navy Unit Commendation for outstanding duty during this time, he also received the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Philippine Defense/Liberation/Independence Ribbon, and the Philippine/Republic of Korea/Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation. I think this service helped him become the person I knew him as.
We recognize that military service often comes with personal sacrifice, time away from loved ones, physical and emotional challenges, and the weight of responsibility that few civilians will ever fully understand. Your resilience and strength are a testament to the values that make this nation great.
As a company, we are proud to serve clients who have served our country. Your discipline, leadership, and integrity enrich our community and remind us of the importance of service above self. We are committed to supporting you, not just today, but every day, with the respect and care you deserve.
Final Thoughts
To all veterans: thank you. Thank you for your bravery, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms. Today, we honor you. Tomorrow, we continue to serve you.