Julia Gusse

By Julia Gusse

With all the talk, opinions and debate in regards to “taking a knee” and offending or disrespecting our veterans, in my opinion this is all a faux defense of veterans. All active duty/military veterans, swore that “I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” regardless of how people wish to invoke those rights.

In working with our vets, I can guarantee you that many of our former military men and women are indifferent to this debate. A veteran in crisis contemplating suicide (20 veterans commit suicide on a daily basis), the vet that is haunted by MST (Military Sexual Trauma), the vet that cannot find a job after serving his/her country, or one that is homeless and looking for his/her next place to eat/sleep; none of them are thinking about the NFL players that took a knee. I find that our veterans have bigger concerns and I ask that if you truly want to honor our veterans, get involved and show your support.

Our Maricopa American Legion Auxiliary Unit #133 has been working diligently to hold Maricopa’s first Veterans Day Parade at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11. For more information visit http://alpost133az.org then click Auxiliary. We are looking for community groups to participate in the parade and volunteers. Please show our veterans your support, bring your friends, your kids and enjoy this community event.

The Maricopa American Legion Post #133 will also be holding our annual Veterans Run and pancake breakfast (Unit #133) on Nov. 4. For more information visit http://alpost133az.org then click Vet Run 2017. Funds raised from this event will benefit our local veterans.

Lastly, the City of Maricopa’s Veterans Committee will be holding a series of events addressing the issues that most affect our local veterans. Please stay involved and show your support.

Julia Gusse is an Air Force veteran, a member of American Legion Unit 133 and a member of the Maricopa City Council.

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