The Red Bulls

COB BASRA, Iraq — Even overseas in a warzone, Soldiers are taking time to honor the brave men and women who have called the U.S. military their family. In a ceremony led by the 34th Infantry Division, Soldiers and civilians came together Nov. 11 at Contingency Operating Base Basrah to discuss what it means to be a veteran.

The event brought forth speakers from all ranks and specialties to talk about their service and the service of others.

 “Being a veteran means the times we’ve spent together, the walks to the DFAC (Dining Facility), smiling and saluting together,” said Spc. Scott Morfitt, an administrative specialist with the 34th ID S1 (personnel) shop.

 “I am constantly amazed by this great group of people who have this shared experience with me,” he said.

The unusual make-up of the people who choose to join the military was commented on repeatedly at the event.

“Veterans are ordinary people who accomplishing extraordinary things,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas Wortham, 34th ID, Division Special Troop Battalion command sergeant major. 

 The speeches touched on losses, hardships and sacrifices experienced by all Soldiers, whether they have been deployed or not.

 “If you are a service member, you are a veteran.  If you have sacrificed, you are a veteran,” said Cpt. Kristen Auge, the executive officer of the 34th‘s Network Support Company.

 “It’s all about what is in your heart,” she said.

 In his speech, Wortham called for civilians to simply enjoy their freedoms to the fullest extent possible.

  “We have all sacrificed something so the citizens of the United States can appreciate the things they have today,” he said.

The ceremony was topped off with a moment of silence and the playing of Taps to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the good of our country.

“The main focus is to take time, even during a deployment, to honor those who have served, and who continue to serve,” Wortham said.