As Veterans Day approaches, I pause to reflect on what it means to wear the uniform of the United States. For me, service has always been more than a calling — it has been part of my family’s story and my own journey as an American.
My Abuelo, Cuauhtemoc Chavez, was born in Mexico and legally earned his American citizenship through military service during World War II. He joined the U.S. Army in 1943 as a teenager and fought for Patton’s 3rd Army. He was wounded twice, once in 1944 and again in 1945, and was awarded the Purple Heart for both these injuries. His sacrifice taught me at a young age that being an American is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility.
My paternal grandfather, Greg Evans, was a career naval aviator who ultimately commanded one of the largest squadrons on the East Coast. He reiterated the same lessons: love your country and never forget the privilege of being an American. He gave me my love of flying and emphasized the importance of taking care of your troops.
My grandparents’ service instilled in me that loving our country means being willing to protect and sacrifice for it. When I joined the Army, Grandpa Evans administered my oath. I went on to serve 12 years — including a combat deployment to the Middle East as a part of the Global War on Terror during Operation Enduring Freedom, and in the Colorado Army National Guard as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. Each day I served alongside men and women who put their lives on the line for our nation.
In a time when our country often feels divided, our veterans remind us that teamwork and sacrifice are not abstract ideals.
I later came home to wear a different uniform – that of a police officer in my home state. Whether it was in a combat zone abroad or on the streets of Colorado, I saw that success is not just about the individual. Wearing the uniform alongside your brothers and sisters creates an understanding that you are a part of something bigger than yourself.
That unity, service, and mission first mindset is what Veterans Day means to me. It is a day to honor those who placed country above self, and a reminder for each of us to daily live out those values. In a time when our country often feels divided, our veterans remind us that teamwork and sacrifice are not abstract ideals. They are lived values that unite America and ensure our leadership on the global stage.
Now as a congressman representing Colorado’s 8th District, I continue to carry those virtues with me. Serving in Congress is not about titles or politics. It is about working as a team with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to secure America’s shared future. When we come together with purpose we can achieve extraordinary things.
One of my proudest efforts in Congress has been the Benefits that Endure for Lifetimes of Service (BELOS) Act – named in honor of Marc Belo, a fellow veteran, aviation legend, and my friend who I had the great honor of serving with until his untimely passing. Veterans and their families will tell you that service to the nation takes many forms. However, that means sacrifice takes many forms too. The BELOS Act honors our nation’s fallen heroes and their loved ones by expanding free lifetime access to National Parks to the families of veterans who pass away from a service-related illness or accident – patriots like Marc.
For me, Veterans Day is not just about looking back. It’s about recommitting ourselves to the future — to make sure the next generation of service members knows their country has their back, and to ensure veterans and their families receive the care, the respect, and the opportunities they have rightfully earned.
Every year, I mark this day with my family, my fellow veterans, and my community, sharing the stories and memories that remind us why our service matters. Every year I am reminded of the same truth: our veterans never let America down. As a veteran and now member of Congress, I must ensure our country does the same.
On this Veterans Day, let’s remember that the freedoms we enjoy were secured by ordinary Americans who paid an extraordinary price.
Gabe Evans represents the 8th District of Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served 12 years in the U.S. Army, where he completed a combat deployment to the Middle East and served in Operation Enduring Freedom, ultimately reaching the rank of Captain. He later served in the Colorado Army National Guard, where he was a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot and company commander responding to wildfires and search and rescues.