FORT CARSON, Colo. – Since 1954, Veterans Day has been America’s designated day to express gratitude and pay tribute to the millions of Americans who have served in the United States military over the years, both in regards to those who we remember in the past and those who remain to share the stories of their service. It is a day to particularly honor the brave men and women whose days of military service are behind them.
On November 9, 2019, ‘Stagecoach’ Soldiers of 68th Combat Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division participated as one of 50 organizations, which included the Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard, 4th Infantry Division Band as well as several Veterans organizations, service members, and local and state community groups at the Pueblo Chieftains Veterans Day Parade at Pueblo, Colorado.
“There is a lot of pride, that’s why I volunteered for this particular parade,” said Staff Sgt. Sergio P. Salinas, a petroleum supply sergeant assigned to 59th Quartermaster Company, 68th CSSB.
Altogether, 25 Soldiers from 68th CSSB participated in the event to represent their respective units and Fort Carson as a whole. Most of the battalion’s NCOs had been involved in numerous other parades in the past in honor of Veterans Day.
“I did one a couple of years ago when I was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, and when this opportunity came up it was a no-brainer, I just volunteered for it,” said Staff Sgt. Nyenwe Nmegbu, a petroleum supply sergeant assigned to 59th QM, 68th CSSB, 4th SB.
In anticipation of the event, the Soldiers went through the necessary preparations so they would be ready to represent their units with dignity.
“The Soldiers were on time, uniforms were up to standard, and everyone did a good job and there weren’t any issues at all,” Nmegbu said.
Both the NCOs and Soldiers were eager to participate in the event.
“Five of them work with me, and I’ve been their platoon sergeant,” Salinas said. “They actually volunteered to come with me.” Salinas said. “All I wanted to show was some kind of pride (to the Soldiers), and I wanted them to feel by the end of this parade that they had done something worthwhile and nothing they were forced to do.”
Overall, Veterans Day has deep personal meaning to those who took part in the event.
“It’s very important to me personally because it’s a sign of respect,” Nmegbu said. “I, myself, enlisted specifically because of 9/11, so anything that has to do with the military is very near and dear to my heart. When opportunities like this come up, it’s not even a question of do I want to do it, I instantly just volunteer for it.”
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