Heroic, brave, deserving, and humbling.

As we honor Veterans Day, here are four stories involving our service members from the last year to match those four words. 

Heroic: The Sergeant from Cedar Hill who dedicated his life to protecting our country. Sergeant First Class William B. Woods enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and later enlisted in the United States Army where he attended the Special Forces Qualification Course and served honorably. Sergeant Woods sustained wounds while conducting a mounted patrol in Afghanistan and passed away in Germany as a result of his injuries. Now, his heroism will be forever displayed at the Cedar Hill Post Office which was rightfully dedicated the “Sergeant First Class William B. Woods, Jr. Post Office” on October 2^nd.

Brave: The hardworking, family-devoted, New Yorker who enlisted in the United States Army during World War I. On August 7 – 9, 1918 in France, Sergeant Shemin repeatedly crossed in front of enemy machine gun and rifle fire to rescue fellow soldiers, and after all of the officers in his platoon had become casualties; he took command until he was wounded. While Sergeant Shemin was awarded the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross in his lifetime, his daughter, Elsie, a former resident of Labadie, never stopped working to get her father the Medal of Honor that he deserved. After years of hard-work and never backing down, Elsie traveled to Washington where the Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously and I stood proudly looking on as one of her life’s great works was finally fulfilled.

Deserving: Earlier this year, Congress passed and the president signed into law legislation to allow all veterans in America to receive an identification card so there is proof of military service. Prior to this, the Veterans Administration only offered identification cards to those who had served at least two years in the Armed Forces or those who received medical care for a service-connected disability. However, that left a large group of veterans who served our nation with no easy way to prove their military service. With this legislation now signed into law, there is now a simple way to prove veteran status these individuals so much deserve.

Humbling: It is a great honor to attend Honor Flights at the World War II Memorial in Washington when veterans of the 3^rd District come and visit the memorial that was built in their honor. It is moving to hear veterans remembering those who fell by their side and their perspective on life as it is so evident they appreciate every single day.

While I was proud to be personally involved with these four stories, there are countless service members and veterans in our country who too often do not get the recognition they deserve.  As we remember Veterans Day, please keep these heroes in mind. On behalf of the people of Missouri’s 3^rd District, I want to thank all of the men and women who have or continue to selflessly put on the uniform to serve our country while looking for nothing in return. I want you to know that you have the complete support and gratitude from a nation of thankful Americans.