In this special Veterans Day issue, we’re honored to feature the veterans of Sugar Mill Pond and share their unique stories of service. Through their words, we gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and the sacrifices they made for our country. As you read their stories, take a moment to reflect on the service and dedication of these remarkable individuals. And if you see them around the neighborhood, be sure to thank them for their service.

Which branch of the military did you serve in, and what was your role?

Army

Can you share a memorable experience from your time in the service?

Watching my patient take his first step with his prosthesis.

What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?

A chance to honor those who served.

How did your military service impact your life after returning to civilian life?

It made me appreciate my health.

What advice would you give to young people considering joining the military today?

Be committed.

Which branch of the military did you serve in, and what was your role?

United States Marine Corps

Can you share a memorable experience from your time in the service?

In 2004, 2nd Marines were sent to Haiti due to a civilian uprising and taking over the local government. While conducting forward surveillance and landing my unit came across a family with an infant that was literally starving. All the aid that was slated for the people of Haiti was being stolen by local militias. I held and fed the starving infant from food we had on us. I’ll never forget that moment and it always weighs on my heart. Although the child passed away, I will never forget that feeling of desperation from the family to care for their children.

What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?

Veterans Day is the definition of love and putting others first with no benefit to oneself. All who came before, are serving now, and future service members are here to serve others.

How did your military service impact your life after returning to civilian life?

I feel that I can accomplish ANYTHING. I am where I am because of that time in my life.

What advice would you give to young people considering joining the military today?

Don’t volunteer for the money, its not what or why you serve. Join to help and learn to become a servant leader. Be humble.

Which branch of the military did you serve in, and what was your role?

US Army-Specialist, combat Engineering Battalion

Can you share a memorable experience from your time in the service?

I made lifelong friends serving in Operation Desert Storm.

What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?

Service to country.

How did your military service impact your life after returning to civilian life?

The GI Bill put me through college and allowed me to earn an Aviation Degree from La Tech University.

What advice would you give to young people considering joining the military today?

Be sure that’s what you want to do because it’s an enormous commitment, but can also be very rewarding and meaningful throughout your entire life.

Which branch of the military did you serve in, and what was your role?

US Army.  Infantry Captain, Helicopter Pilot Vietnam.    

Can you share a memorable experience from your time in the service?

As an Infantry Captain I flew flight leader in helicopters (Hueys) for the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam, taking the flights in and out of the LZs (landing zones).

What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?

A day we can honor everyone that wore the uniform regardless of their branch of service.

How did your military service impact your life after returning to civilian life?

In the Army I knew I loved to fly. After my active duty I joined PHI and flew in support of the offshore oil industry for nearly 30 years. I was able to fly in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Somalia, and Ghana West Africa. After 10,000+ flight hours in helicopters I'm now happily retired.

What advice would you give to young people considering joining the military today?

The military is not for everyone. However, it is a great way to train for an occupation. Do research on each branch of service and pick the training you’re interested in.

Which branch of the military did you serve in, and what was your role?

Army initially; the recruiter got me. I joined back in the day when there weren’t really bonuses, and there was a critical skill MOS that offered a bonus which I thought was like offering me a car at the time. I went in as a Diesel Mechanic. I was told I could change my job when I got to my permanent duty station and I learned quickly that you can’t depend on a recruiter to tell you the truth. I ended up only doing that for a couple of years and the rest of the time I did personnel.

Can you share a memorable experience from your time in the service?

I got a Western Union mail gram while I was on leave, right before Christmas in 1990. It is exactly like you see in the movies. Somebody knocks on your door and hands you an envelope from Western Union. I thought somebody was sending me money! I opened it up and was greatly disappointed to see deployment orders for then Operation Desert Shield (which became Operation Desert Storm). That was a memorable day, and the months that followed were rough. It was the largest female deployment in US history and females were serving in direct combat support for the first time. 

After I got off of active duty, I joined the California Army National Guard. I was called up for the Los Angeles Riots, many wildfires and floods. 

After all of that, I would say one of the most memorable experiences I had in the military, was while I was serving in the California Army National Guard. I got a phone call on September 11, 2001. It was still pretty early in the morning in California. I watched the second plane hit the tower and I still had it in my mind that maybe it was a Y2K computer glitch finally catching up and causing these planes to go on auto-pilot or something. It did not occur to me that it was a terrorist attack until I got the phone call. I was to report on September 12, 2001. By then I was doing personnel and our mission was to prepare troops to deploy. I was thankful to be on the other side of it at that time. 

What made it so very memorable was the unity, camaraderie, and downright support that was everywhere. I had never felt our country so cohesive, united, and supportive in fighting a common enemy. There was a firm belief that our military was going to protect our country. Everywhere we went, people were thanking us, offering to pay for our meals, our gas, giving us gifts, and were just downright so appreciative that we were serving. Growing up, seeing how troops were treated after the Vietnam conflict, this really stood out as a stark contrast. It was historical.

What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?

There’s no camaraderie like people have in the military. Veterans Day for me personally is about thanking my lifelong friends and fellow service members. I trusted the people I served with, with my life and I am so thankful for them. It is a day where I reach out and show my appreciation. I never think of it being about me, although the discounts and free lunches are nice.

How did your military service impact your life after returning to civilian life?

Returning to civilian life was not easy. We actually had a week of classes when we out-processed called, “Adjusting to Civilian Life”. After a while, things fall into place and in retrospect, I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without having served. I was the controller for a law/lobby firm in Sacramento for 15 years. When one of the founding partners was retiring after 40 years, he told me that he did not realize what an asset veterans were. He said, had he known, he would have veterans at the top of the list. That was probably the biggest compliment I have ever received. I told him that no civilian job would ever be as hard as what I had done in the military, so I always came to work with that in mind.

What advice would you give to young people considering joining the military today?

If you are diligent, ambitious, and studious, join one of the academies!  You will get a free, prestigious education, unlike any other. They create leaders. 

I think the Coast Guard is underrated and a great option to look into.

My strongest piece of advice when considering joining the military would be to consider a job that would translate well to the civilian world. Even if you are looking at just doing it for money to go to college, a translatable job will enable you to have a living wage while you finish school.

Which branch of the military did you serve in, and what was your role?

Army, E5, Squad Leader

Can you share a memorable experience from your time in the service?

During my combat tour in Iraq in 2004-2005, one of the most memorable and

meaningful experiences involved interacting with the local children. Despite the harsh

conditions and the uncertainty that surrounded us, we often encountered children who

were in need of basic necessities like food, water, and medical supplies. On one

occasion, my team and I were able to distribute much-needed supplies to a group of

children in a village. Seeing the smiles on their faces, even in the middle of a conflict

zone, reminded me of the humanity we were all fighting for. Those moments, brief as

they were, made a lasting impression. They reinforced that our presence wasn’t just

about military objectives, but also about making a positive difference in the lives of the

local people, especially the children. It’s a memory that has stayed with me and

continues to inspire me.

What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?

Veterans Day is a time of reflection for me. It’s an opportunity to remember the

sacrifices made by my fellow service members, both past and present. For me, it’s not

just a holiday but a day to honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of those who

have worn the uniform. It reminds me of the friends I served with, the challenges we

faced, and the lives we continue to honor. It’s also a reminder to carry forward the

values I learned in the military: duty, honor, and service.

How did your military service impact your life after returning to civilian life?

Returning to civilian life was both challenging and transformative. The military instilled in

me a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and adaptability, which I carry with me in

everything I do. However, adjusting to life outside of that structured environment took

time. I found that the skills I developed—resilience, teamwork, and decision-making

under pressure—have been invaluable in my personal and professional life. My service

also gave me a new perspective on what it means to persevere through difficult times.

What advice would you give to young people considering joining the military today?

To anyone considering joining the military, I would say this: it’s a life-changing decision

that will test you in ways you can’t imagine. But if you’re willing to commit, it will also

build your character, give you lifelong friendships, and teach you lessons that will serve

you well in every aspect of life. Be prepared for hard work, but also be open to the personal growth that comes with it. The military isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to

something greater than yourself.

Which branch of the military did you serve in, and what was your role?

Naval Officer

Can you share a memorable experience from your time in the service?

Conducting a memorial at sea for sailors lost during the Battle of Midway during a deep ocean survey operation in which we found the USS Yorktown and four Japanese aircraft carriers.

What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?

It's a day to reflect on the privilege of serving our country with my fellow veterans

How did your military service impact your life after returning to civilian life?

I've missed the bonds and camaraderie of the naval service, something that simply doesn't exist in civilian life.

What advice would you give to young people considering joining the military today?

It will be the greatest challenge and most rewarding experience of your life.