Richmond, Virginia –
Memorial Day is a holiday that honors the brave warfighters who have died while serving in the armed forces. However, it is also a time that many set aside to honor those who have retired from military service. Members of the Defense Logistics Agency community honored veterans during a Memorial Day ceremony held at the Crossings at Iron Bridge retirement home May 26.
The ceremony was sponsored by Gentiva Hospice of Petersburg as part of their “We Honor our Veterans Program.” Nany Banta, hospice specialist, explained that the program is nationwide and “is a way to show respect to the brave men and women who served this nation and the ceremony is a way to get all retirement home residents involved.”
Although the program has been in the Petersburg area for several years, this was the first time DLA members volunteered for the event.
“I had worked with Army Maj. Alex Shimabukuro before, when he was at Fort Lee, so while I was planning the ceremony for Memorial Day, I reached out for his support,” said Banta.
DLA service members, like Marine Sgt. Caitlyn Baker, responded to the call to support the event.
“I always enjoy volunteering at events like this because I have a lot of family who served before me,” said Baker. “I can see the impact ceremonies like these make on the veterans. They seem stoic and proud, but their faces light up when we give them the certificates and pin them.”
In addition to service members from DLA, Army Master Sgt. Pamela Whitlock from Fort Lee, Virginia, attended the event to assist in the ceremony.
“When I learned that this event was going to be a pining ceremony, I knew had to be there,” said Whitlock. “Instead of just reflecting on the comrades I lost in the past, I am honoring those who served and paved the way for us.”
Dr. Michael Mitchell, a retired minister, attended the event in honor of his father who served in World War II and gave the benediction for the ceremony.
“I live with parkinson's disease,” said Mitchell. “I get up every day basically preparing for battle and some days it wins and some days I win. I can relate to facing an enemy that strikes without warning and would like to see you destroyed.”
Mitchell explained that he thought about his dad who fought in World War II. His father faced a squad of enemies rushing his entrenched position. Mitchell said his dad told him of a time where his firearm jammed, and he was crouched in cover. By miraculous luck, the enemy ran past him and an explosion unjammed his weapon. He said his dad was able to escape and was the only survivor from his unit.
“My father was the toughest man I have ever known, but he didn’t share these stories with me until the last two years of his life,” said Mitchell.
Shimabukuro, DLA Aviation Army Costumer Facing Division operations officer, spoke to the group about the significance of the event.
“It’s our duty to be ambassadors and tell our stories,” said Shimabukuro. “Your journey doesn’t end with your career. The best way to promote our military is to be a good ambassador and share your story by giving back to the community. It’s our honor and privilege to be here.”