As Rotarians, we take service very seriously and hold it above all else. United States Veterans take this commitment to the next level and make sacrifices like no others. We have had many Veterans in our Club over the years, and each has continued their dedication to the greater good through their membership in Rotary. This week we honored their service and that of all veterans at our Tuesday meeting.

 

Our very own Bob Anthony regaled our members with stories from his days in the U.S. Army. Bob shared that he was fortunate to serve in a time of peace following the end of WWII. He was inspired to enlist when he went to college and found that he was one of only three in the class of 130 who had not served in the military. He immediately went to the local Army office to join and was stationed on the west coast in September 1946, ultimately serving in Hawaii and on board an Army ship for 28 months. Bob shared a lot of good memories including stories about the relationships he made and how he served as a clerk and trainer, teaching military law. He shared how he spent his time on the ship traveling the Pacific to retrieve military equipment and the bodies of fallen soldiers so  they could be identified and receive a proper burial. While at sea, he and his fellow soldiers received a hero’s welcome by many of the locals on the various islands and countries they visited. Bob returned to California for discharge on December 22. His discharge was expedited with a few other soldiers so that they could be reunited with their families for the holidays. Bob was able to surprise his family back in Buffalo on Christmas Day with his return.

 

 

Following Bob’s talk, we heard from Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Kim Emerling, Director of Veteran Services for the city of Salem. CSM Emerling enlisted in the Army right out of high school, joining the Special Operations Command, which was a new initiative at the times. Following his return from five and a half years of active service, he joined the reserve and then Military Intelligence. CSM Emerling has had a remarkable career in the military and recognized there are good and challenging times, and he tried to make the best of all situations. His service shaped him for his role as the Director of Veteran Services. His job as director is to make sure veterans are able to connect with all of the benefits and resources they are entitled to while helping them network with each other and the community. He shared that the best part of his day is listening to veterans’ stories and helping them give voice to their experiences as it is important to recognize the sacrifice, whether veterans served in good times or bad, every day of the year.