The terrible tragedy at Fort Hood today has made me once again look with awe upon our heroic Veterans. Those who have served and continue to serve, provide us with liberties and freedoms which, more often than not, are taken for granted instead of cherished and treasured as should be the case. Veteran's Day will be Nov. 11th & offers a chance to say thank you to those who have served.

During WWII over one million African Americans served in the Armed Forces. Most served in segregated non-combat units and 708 were killed in combat related battles. Mr. Oliver Vincent Shields from Chillicothe was one of only 2500 African American soldiers who volunteered and chosen in 1944 to integrate the military infantry units. General Eisenhower gave the okay during the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Shields landed at Normandy Beach on D-Day and served in the 14th Armored Division (known as the "Liberators") and fought in the 19th Armored Infantry Battalion C alongside white soldiers in Europe.

In 2007 he was selected by the American Battle Monuments Commission (a federal agency of the Executive Branch) to be included in the "Voices of Soldiers", an interactive database at the Normandy American Cemetery Visitor Center. The Center is located in Colleville-Sur-Mar, France, above Omaha Beach and receives over one million visitors a year.

After his discharge, Mr. Shields spent the rest of his career working for the federal government for different agencies. He served as Director of civil Rights for the Federal Highway Commission. He was also active in the NAACP, serving as President of both the Chillicothe branch and the state branch. He worked with then-attorney Thurgood Marshall in working to integrate the local municipal swimming pool. In July of this year, Mr. Shields was recognized at the 100th NAACP Convention, with the unanimous passage of a resolution recognizing his contributions to his country, state and local community.

We have many veterans here in Saline County with similar compelling stories. It is because of the veteran that we were able to go vote yesterday; it is a sad commentary to see how few take the time. At a time when we hear such words as hero, role model, idol used to describe singers, actors, and sports figures; maybe it is time to rethink our priorities. I would much rather see our children describe their teachers, parents, nurses and farmers in such glowing terms. But it all begins with the Veterans... Without their service we may not have the need for hero's and role models...without their dedication and sacrifices we would not be living in the greatest nation in the history of the world.

Happy Veteran's Day....To all that Served & Continue to Serve...Thank you & God Bless.