“While we can never do enough to show gratitude to our nation’s defenders, we can always do a little more.” – Gary Sinise, Actor.
As Volunteer Coordinator at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, I want to show my gratitude to the veterans in our volunteer family. I have always held great respect for all veterans. I was closely raised by my grandfather Hubert who served as a marine in Vietnam. My best friend Don joined the Marine Corps after the terror attacks on September 11, 2001. Both men were a major influence on my life, and through them, I have learned to always respect our country’s service men and women.
Veterans Day is a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Now, I may be biased, but I think the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is supported by some of the greatest men and women who are always willing to serve and sacrifice for the common good and who love our country as much as they love country music. While working with them, I have come to learn that many of our volunteers have also served in the United States Military. So, on this Veteran’s Day weekend, I want to show my gratitude by sharing a little bit about the service history some of our veteran volunteers!
Harvey Anderson served for 22 years in the United States Navy on active duty as a Naval Aviator. Harvey said that his time in the Navy taught him, “we are a team and that I need to take care of and support those service members under my command.” He also shared that his most enduring and long-lasting friendships were formed and cultivated in the US Navy.
Bill Wright served for six years with the Air National Guard.
Z Cannon served for 21 years active duty with the United States Army, and 25 years after that working for the Veterans Affairs.
Richard Horner served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970. Richard’s time with the Army taught him patience, discipline, respect, and caution.
Joe Moore served for 27 years in the United States Marine Corps. He was on active duty for 20 years and then spent seven years in the Reserves. Joe says his military service made him cherish the freedoms this country has that many take for granted in this country.
Cindi Sommers served in the United States Navy from 1977-1983. Cindi said everything she learned in the Navy has greatly influenced her life. She left for boot camp just two months after she graduated from high school. However, she claims that the best part of her naval career is that she met her husband (of 46 years!) while they were both in electronics training in Memphis.
The opportunity to sit down with our veteran volunteers and learn a little more about them has probably been one of my favorite things I have done as Volunteer Coordinator so far. I am glad to have had this chance to honor them for their service to our country. These men and women have made great contributions not only to the museum as dedicated volunteers but also to our country as defenders of the nation.
Myrissa Pierce is the Assistant Museum Manager and Volunteer Coordinator at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. She’s also a full time Graduate Student at The University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner!), and loves all things Disney, Marvel, Anime, Taylor Swift, music, her dog, and her five cats.