Veterans Day: Honoring All Who Have Served

We take this moment to pause and honor the courage, commitment, and sacrifices of all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their unwavering dedication ensures our freedom, security, and way of life.

In honor of Veterans Day, we’re sharing stories from our employees who reflect on the veterans who have touched their lives and left a lasting impact.

FROM RENEE:

"My dad, Charles Alexander, was in the Army and served in Vietnam. This is a picture of my dad and me while he was stationed at Ft. Collins in Colorado."

FROM DONNA: 

"My Father, Sam Cochiaro, served in the Armed Forces during World War II, Korean Conflict, and the Army Air Corp Reserves for over 12 years. He was proud to serve his country and shared many stories about his experiences with his children. A few notable stories are the Normandy invasion, his time as a tech medic in Korea, and continued service with the Army Air Corp Reserves as he raised a family of 11."

"My father-in-law, Anthony Wojciechowski, served in the Armed Forces during World War II and received the Purple Heart and Silver Star from being wounded after the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. My husband was fortunate to have accompanied him on an Honor Flight to Washington DC to see all the War Memorials.

FROM MICHAEL: 

William Denver “Doc” Keaton

Army Air Forces 48th Transport Squadron

1942-1945

"My grandfather (holding my father) earned the rank of Tech 3/Sergeant as a Medic who transported injured soldiers from the battlefield. After the war, he settled in Detroit, working for an electronics company and raising a family with my grandmother Alyce, parenting two sons, Gary and Dale."

Dale Robert Keaton

1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment (Warrior Regiment), Vietnam

1968-1973

"After my uncle's service, he returned to Detroit and co-founded The Violators Motorcycle Club. Whenever I asked him what he did in the Army, he would tell me he was a cook. But at his funeral, I learned that he served in forward infantry as a combat marksman.

FROM JENNY: 

Robert ‘Bob’ Middleton

Marines – Small Arms Instructor

1953 – 1956

"Bob was a family man who had 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was born and raised in North Carolina and was known to be the ultimate storyteller – if you ever want to know where Jenny got it from! He loved spending time with his family and his favorite thing to stay at family gatherings was “I did all of this!”."

Thank you for your service.