An interoffice email to veterans in our company:

Fellow Veterans,

Every year on November 11th, Veterans Day, John B. always provides us few Veterans here at XYZ his appreciation for those who served this great country we call America. For all those who don’t know John, he went to Naval Nuclear School and served on the USS George Washington (SSBN-598) submarine.  John is looking forward to his retirement from XYZ in March of 2016 and he’s decided to pass down the XYZ Veterans Guidon to me to provide words of wisdom, motivation and a personal thanks for your service.

For all those that don’t know me, I am Lee M., an Electrical Engineer of XYZ and I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 199% and Honorably Discharged in 20%%. During my time I was an Avionics Technician and Aerial Observer (AO) on attack helicopters. I am honored to take the guidon from John since he has always been a great mentor to me over the years.

With that, I would like for all of you to recognize the sacrifices you gave to preserve the wonderful freedoms this country has to offer, whether it was in time of conflict or in peace. No civilian can understand what it means to be a Veteran. Us Veterans, set higher standard in regards to work ethic when it comes to quality of our deliverables, communication and endless determination to meet our project schedules. We stand out like sore thumbs whether it’s our military jargon or our posture. Our military training and discipline carries with us since the moment we step foot in boot camp and/or office candidate school.  Each one of you should be proud to have had a chance to earn that Eagle Globe and Anchor, the Army Star, the Naval Anchor or the Airforce Wings. In conclusion, never forget who you are, what you have achieved and always be proud to have served your country.  We Veterans, make this company stronger because of our everlasting Honor, Courage and Commitment to whatever task that comes before us. Thank you for your service. God bless you and God bless the United States of America. (emphasis added)

Semper Fidelis  

Lee M.

Sargent of Marines