Honoring Our Veterans

Honoring Our Veterans

Posted on October 30, 2024 by John Brush

Veterans Day, observed annually on Nov. 11, is a day dedicated to honoring all military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. It is more than just a holiday - it's a day dedicated to showing gratitude and appreciation to those who have given their all in service to our country.

Veterans Day has its origins in Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Originally, the day honored the end of the "war to end all wars," but after the sacrifices made in World War II and the Korean War, Congress officially changed the name to Veterans Day in 1954.

Bryan Lynch, Santee Cooper's Director of Environmental Services, spent nine years in the United States Navy as a Machinist Mate and Engineering/Laboratory Technician (MM/ELT) aboard submarines. He was stationed up and down the Eastern Seaboard, and his position included performing/supervising work on reactor and steam systems, including mechanical maintenance, operations, chemistry and radiological controls.

"My time serving in the Navy was about ensuring the safety and success of crew and mission, which required precision, resilience and strong commitment, while working in some of the most challenging environments," said Lynch. "I am grateful for the discipline, skills and experience I gained from my service, which provided a firm foundation for my career at Santee Cooper."

Lynch says he came out of the service a much better man then when he went in, but unfortunately for too many of our veterans, that is not the case.

"For me, Veterans Day is time to honor those who sacrificed much and express gratitude in a meaningful way by helping to care for those vets in our community or partnering with organizations that work with vets with physical and mental trauma," said Lynch. "In short, Veterans Day reminds me that freedom is not free; it has cost so many so much."

Geoff Penland, Director of State and Federal Government Relations, currently serves as the State Judge Advocate for the South Carolina National Guard and as the Staff Judge Advocate for the South Carolina Army National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters. The Judge Advocate team consists of 28 attorneys and 14 paralegals, with a variety of civilian careers, who also serve as soldiers in brigades and commands in the state to include Infantry, Signal, Field Artillery, Air and Missile Defense, Aviation and Combat Engineers.

For Penland, who has served for 24 years and currently holds rank of Colonel, Veterans Day "is a day to appreciate the service that men and women in uniform offer to protect America's freedom and security."

Robert Kirk, Commercial Energy Service Senior Engineer, served four years in the United States Navy as an Aviation Electrician Third Class. He was stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, while also serving in Attack Squadron 36 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. He was deployed to Operation Desert Storm, as well as Operation Deny Flight.

"Veterans Day to me is taking a few moments to thank those members of the military, past and present, for allowing us as Americans to do what we want to do, and at the end of the day, sleep peacefully at night," said Kirk.

Overall, Santee Cooper employs over 100 veterans.

This Veterans Day, let's take a moment to express our gratitude to the brave men and women who have served. Whether through a simple thank you or an act of kindness, let's honor our veterans and acknowledge the tremendous sacrifices they have made for our county.