In the United States, we set aside two distinct days to honor those who have served in our military. Memorial Day is the day we recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military. Veterans Day is our opportunity to celebrate and thank those who served honorably and returned to build their lives as our fellow citizens.
Veterans Day, for me, is a time to reflect on the Privilege, Service, and Sacrifice of Veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Our Veterans entered the military from different places and experiences, but they each know what a privilege it was to protect and represent the United States at home and abroad. They each volunteered to serve their nation. And they and their families all sacrificed something during their time in the military.
I spent 20 years on active duty as a pilot in the United States Navy and loved every minute of it. It was my childhood dream to fly helicopters and fighter jets, and it was an honor to do so in the defense of our nation. Each day, I marveled at the privilege of working with my superiors, peers, and subordinates, every single one a volunteer. It’s one of those things that can be hard to understand if you haven’t experienced it.
I spent 20 years on active duty as a pilot in the United States Navy and loved every minute of it.
As the Air Boss on the USS Ronald Reagan, I was responsible for over 500 of the ship’s youngest Sailors, many just out of high school. Watching them quickly and safely move aircraft around a crowded aircraft carrier flight deck could amaze, inspire, and enrage me all at once. I was amazed at their skill in taxiing an aircraft so close to the deck that its nose was over the water; I was inspired by their positive attitude after 12 hours of grueling work on a hot flight deck, and I was enraged at the occasional Sailor who would violate safety rules by walking too close to a jet intake.
I think of the “service” part of military service as the work each Veteran did to plan, train for, and accomplish their assigned mission, at home or abroad, in peace or war. For most, it meant long, hard, and ultimately satisfying days. Flying helicopters and fighter jets was fun, but there were hours of preparation and debriefings before and after each mission. The time in between was spent on the necessary (but seemingly endless) inspections, reports, and maintenance work required to keep our aircraft flying and taking care of the young Sailors who made it all happen.
Our service members make sacrifices for the privilege of service, and no two sacrifices are the same. Some paid the price in combat just short of those who we celebrate on Memorial Day, suffering debilitating physical and mental wounds they will carry for life. Others, like me, lost friends in combat and training mishaps. Every Veteran sacrificed time away from their families and loved ones that they can never get back. But it was the unwavering support of their families and loved ones that enabled our Veterans to experience the privilege, service, and sacrifice of being in the armed forces in the first place.
So, on this Veterans Day, you will find me with my wife and children, enjoying the privileges and freedoms our Veterans defended and making up for some of the precious time I lost with them while standing the watch.
Jake Ellzey represents the 6th District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who rose to the rank of Commander, he served as a fighter pilot and completed his service as the Air Boss on the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier. In his 20 years of service, he was deployed nine times, including to Afghanistan and Iraq, and served five combat tours, four by air and one by ground with Seal Team 5.