Guest Column: Let us never forget to appreciate our military

The North Augusta Star

May 29, 2018

Joe Wilson mug 2017

As May marks Military Appreciation Month, we are especially reminded to honor and support all of our men and women in uniform who voluntarily risk their lives so that we as a country may achieve peace through strength.

As the appreciative son of a Flying Tiger who served in India and China, a grateful father of four sons who have all served in the military overseas, and as a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserve and Guard, I know firsthand the selfless commitment of our troops, veterans and military families.

South Carolina’s Second Congressional District is home to many in the military community. These mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and friends deserve a heartfelt thanks for all they do to protect our nation.

I am honored to serve the Second District, which includes the Army base at Fort Jackson in the Midlands, where we welcome new recruits from all 50 states and four U.S. territories.

Fort Jackson is the largest Initial Entry Training Center in the U.S. Army, training more than 50 percent of the Army’s Basic Combat Training load and over 60 percent of the women entering the Army each year. Fort Jackson’s primary mission is training thousands of disciplined and motivated service members.

Fort Jackson has been successfully training solders since June 2, 1917, and the standard of training is second to none. The level of instruction and hands-on experience these recruits are required to go through is wide ranging and prepares them for the tough jobs for which they have so bravely volunteered.

The positive impact of Fort Jackson extends beyond the active-duty soldiers, by employing nearly 3,500 civilians, providing services for over 46,000 retirees and their family members, and contributing $2.3 billion annually to the local economy.

Each time I have the privilege of meeting our soldiers, at Fort Jackson and across the district, I am always impressed and grateful for the professionalism of our troops and their leadership. The tremendous work they do on behalf of American families’ shows just how important it is that we continue to support their efforts.

According to a new study by WalletHub, South Carolina has been named the fifth friendliest state in the country for military retirees, and the fifth state with the most veterans per capita. The same study also showed that South Carolina is in first place for businesses owned by veterans. I am thankful to see veterans succeeding in South Carolina, and I will continue to make them a top priority.

I am grateful to recognize our nation’s two million soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, National Guardsmen and Reservists. These brave Americans voluntarily put their lives on the line so that you and I can live in peace and freedom by promoting peace through strength.

During National Military Appreciation Month, and every month, let us never forget those who have gone before us to make our way of life possible, and let us honor and support those heroes who stand on the frontlines defending our nation.

Read the story here.

Posted in News