To those who serve

Editor’s Note: In observance of Veterans Day on November 11, the following is a compilation of writings from retired Army Master Sgt. Jeff Gafford, brother of Jennifer Nanney, special projects editor for The Stand.

You never know who or what will influence you, or who will cross your path. All are God’s gifts to guide you through life. I was blessed with so many such gifts that it would be impossible to mention them all, but some of the most impactful ones came into my life during my 22 years of military service. Those experiences and fellow soldiers, I will never forget.

To support and defend
For more than 200 years, men and women – regardless of their politics and social status – have been putting on the uniforms of our American military. Some were called on by our nation; some volunteered. Many returned home in a confined space, draped by our country’s flag.
Members of my family – including my dad, my sons, and numerous uncles and cousins – have served in various branches of the U.S. military. Four of my uncles served in combat: One survived WWII; one did not. One survived Vietnam, and one survived WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
After 20-plus years of serving around the world, I have reunited with long-lost college friends and made new friends. But other friends’ names are carved in stone: Jakob Nommensen III – training accident in India, 1995; Maj. Cole Hogan – the Pentagon, 9/11/01; Staff Sgt. Nate Chapman – first American soldier killed by enemy combatants in the War in Afghanistan, 2002; my teammate and friend Dave Ploch – he never left the fight and lost the battle from within, 2026.
In my time of service, I recall shaking the president’s hand twice, chatting with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and serving with small teams of young men tasked with moving mountains, never doubting their own success. One thing I will always have in common with them is that we are all veterans. It was the greatest honor for me to serve, and I would do it all over again.

To cherish at home
Behind every good soldier is an even better family who is pushing the soldier, keeping the faith, and fighting on the homefront. Thoughts of veterans must also include their families.
Throughout my own military career, my wife and kids endured the missed special occasions, not to mention all the other sacrifices they made.
I also think of Denise Burditis, wife of my brother-in-arms, Tony. After enduring the challenges of being a military wife, her earthly life ended at the hands of a sniper (Las Vegas, 2017).

To appreciate and thank
So, for the day of remembrance, on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month – I say a heartfelt thank you:
To all my veteran brothers and sisters, past and present … in honor of those who served and those lost, never to return.
To the few who served and are owed so much by so many.
To the members of my own family who served.
To my brothers and sisters of all branches who served before me, as well as those I had the pleasure of serving alongside.
To those who are in harm’s way today … and those who continue to struggle with the demons of war after the fight. (Come home soon.)
And to my brothers of the Special Forces Regiment … DOL.*

*De Oppresso Liber – “to free the oppressed” – motto of the U.S. Army Special Forces