Every Nov. 11, communities across our nation come together to recognize the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is a time to honor their service, reflect on their sacrifices and express our appreciation for everything they have given our country.
But I’ve always believed that honoring our veterans should extend beyond one day in November.
It’s about what we do for them the other 364 days of the year.
After serving 25 years in the United States Army, I understand that military service becomes part of who you are. The friendships, experiences, challenges and sacrifices stay with you long after you take off the uniform.
When I became Shawano County’s veterans service officer in March, I came into the position with a simple goal: to make a positive difference in the lives of our veterans and their families.
That means more than assisting with disability claims or navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs. While those services are incredibly important, I believe our responsibility also includes helping veterans feel connected, valued and supported within their communities.
On Oct. 22, we hosted our inaugural Veterans Connect breakfast at the Farm Inn on Main in Shawano. Thanks to the generosity of Twig’s Beverage and the hospitality of the Farm Inn on Main, more than 50 veterans gathered for a morning of breakfast, coffee and conversation.
What made that morning special wasn’t a presentation or anything said from the front of the room. It was watching veterans from different generations and military backgrounds sitting together, sharing stories, laughing and enjoying one another’s company.
That’s exactly why we created Veterans Connect.
We often talk about the challenges veterans experience after military service, but sometimes we overlook something as simple as the loss of camaraderie. That sense of belonging and connection doesn’t always come easily once someone leaves the military.
Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to make a difference in someone’s life.
As we move forward, our office remains committed to strengthening the services available to the approximately 2,800 veterans living throughout Shawano County. We’re expanding outreach into our rural communities, working to improve transportation access to medical appointments and continuing to build partnerships that benefit our veterans and their families.
Whether it’s assisting a veteran with a disability claim, helping a surviving spouse understand their benefits, connecting someone with emergency assistance or simply being there to answer a question, our goal is to make sure veterans know they have someone in their corner.
None of these efforts happen without the support of our community. Our local businesses, veterans organizations, community partners and residents all play an important role in making Shawano County a place where veterans know they are appreciated and supported.
This Veterans Day, I encourage everyone to attend a ceremony, fly the American flag and thank a veteran for their service. But I also encourage you to reach out to a veteran you haven’t spoken with in a while. Invite them to coffee, ask how they’re doing, and take the time to listen.
For our veterans and their families, I want you to know that the Shawano County Veterans Service Office is here for you. Whether you served four years or 40, whether you deployed overseas or served here at home, your service matters.
I am proud to serve as your county veterans service officer, and I’m equally proud of the team we have in place and the work we’re doing for our veteran community.
Because honoring our veterans isn’t simply about remembering their service. It’s about making sure they know their community hasn’t forgotten them.
And sometimes, that begins with one conversation.
Zachary A. Zuehlsdorf is the Shawano County veterans service officer. His office is in the Shawano County Courthouse, 311 N. Main St., Shawano. He can be reached at 715-526-9183.
