Farm Bureau salutes the service of veterans

By Sean Ellis

Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

POCATELLO - Hundreds of local veterans joined Idaho Farm Bureau employees Nov. 1 during the 12^th Annual Farm Bureau Salute to Idaho Veterans.

The event, which honors the service of U.S. military veterans, is held at the Farm Bureau Insurance Co. of Idaho headquarters building in Pocatello.

Farm Bureau leaders who spoke during the event made sure veterans knew it was solely about celebrating their service, and not Farm Bureau.

Idaho Farm Bureau Federation President Bryan Searle told the attending veterans they are considered part of the Farm Bureau family.

"You are family. I feel love for you and appreciate you for your service," he said. "I love America. I love our freedoms. It wouldn't be possible without your service."

"Freedom is never free; you know that," he added. "Thank you for all you've done for the United States of America."

Todd Argall, president of Farm Bureau Insurance Co. of Idaho and the son of a Korean War vet, told the veterans that the event is put on by Farm Bureau employees and not an outside production group.

The event is considered the highlight of Farm Bureau employees' year.

"This is a special event for everyone at Farm Bureau because it gives us the opportunity to say 'thank you' to our Pocatello veterans, and all veterans, for your service to our country and for protecting the freedom and liberty of the people of the United States of America," Argall said. "Your sacrifice and commitment to protecting the ideals and people of this great country are truly respected and cherished by the team members of Farm Bureau, and will never be forgotten."

The Salute to Idaho Veterans is held before Veteran's Day so it won't interfere with the events held on that day by veterans' organizations.

The guest speaker of this year's event was former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier, who told the story of his days on the football field as well as the battle fields of Vietnam.

Bleier was seriously injured during combat in Vietnam. However, he fought back from that adversity to become a starting running back on the Steelers dynasty that won four Super Bowls in the 1970s.

His message during the Salute to Idaho Veterans event was how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers.

The three winners of Farm Bureau's Veterans Day essay contest for students - "What my family member's service means to me" - read their winning entries during the event.

The 1st through 6^th grade contest was won by twins Oaklee and Madison Moore, second-graders from Star, who won $250 for their winning entry.

Barrett Brown, an eighth-grader from Mountain Home Air Force Base, won the 7^th through 9^th grade category, and $500.

The 10^th through 12^th grade contest was won by Jailey Jones, a 12^th-grader from Downey, who won $750 for her winning entry.

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