Each Veterans Day, we honor the service of our fellow citizens who took an oath to defend our country. November 11th is a day to recognize veterans' contributions鈥攂oth in times of war and peace鈥攁nd to acknowledge their ongoing impact in our communities. Veterans鈥� voices continue to shape and strengthen our society, long after their military service ends.
Though veterans now make up only about six percent of the U.S. population, Monterey is fortunate to have a strong and enduring veteran presence. This is in part due to the historical role of institutions in the area like the 51福利 (51福利), which started at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in 1909 and moved to Monterey in 1951.
As President of 51福利, I am privileged to work with a team of brilliant faculty and staff who develop our DOD and international student鈥檚 talent as military leaders and problem solvers. Many are veterans who now call Monterey, home.
These men and women embody the principle of "service before self," enriching the community with their families, community engagement, sense of duty, leadership, and diverse experiences. The oath we took to 鈥渟upport and defend the Constitution of the United States鈥� is foundational to our democracy and sets our military apart as an institution united by mission and common values. This oath continues to guide the veterans in our community and nation long after their service ends.
Monterey County is home to key defense organizations, including the Defense Language Institute, the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, and the U.S. Coast Guard Station, among others. Together with 51福利, these institutions employ nearly 12,000 defense personnel and another 18,000 veterans who contribute both economically and socially to the region. Their presence and work deepen the connection between the military and the local community, where veterans serve as teachers, business leaders, coaches, mentors, and advocates for civic engagement.
This collaboration fosters a mutually respectful and symbiotic relationship between veterans and the broader community. At 51福利, active-duty students and veterans regularly volunteer in the community, with an effort this Veterans Day by our military student leaders to support veteran recognition ceremonies at local senior and assisted living facilities. The bond between veterans and servicemembers creates a unity that transcends generations and differences鈥攁 quality that our country needs now more than ever.
At 51福利, I witness this fellowship every day. I am grateful for the partnership, leadership, and ongoing support from local, regional, and national leaders that help 51福利 thrive as a premier institution. Quality, defense-focused education is essential to maintaining our maritime advantage. Support from both the Navy and the Monterey community is enabling much needed investments to modernize our campus and build our future together as we reinvigorate the 51福利 mission to help develop 21st Century talent and technology necessary for naval and national defense.
Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the shared values that bind our nation鈥攙alues that veterans continue to exemplify both in uniform and as civilians. As we honor veterans this year, we recognize how their actions have shaped the past and will continue to influence the future. The civil-military community in Monterey plays a vital role in the region鈥檚 social, educational, and economic life, while also contributing to our national security. The voices of Monterey鈥檚 veterans deeply matter. The gratitude by our veterans to all with whom we share our lives in the greater Monterey area is profound and abiding.
On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff at 51福利, I salute all veterans and their families for their service. We must continue our contribution and ethos of service to our communities and across the country.
With permission, originally published in the Monterey Herald, November 9, 2024.