The transition from military to civilian life isn’t easy, but in a community filled with fellow Navy comrades, Oak Harbor is a good place to be.
Many of the community’s members, both young and old, know what it’s like to return from war or to have a spouse, brother, sister, mother or father who served their country.
Sometimes their duty takes them into a culture unlike the one we know that’s filled with work, school and everyday errands. Instead, service men and women learn to live on ships, fly aircraft and deal with different sights and sounds brought on by international conflicts.
The stigma of asking for help is too much for some veterans, who try to handle the transition on their own. According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, there are more than 23 million living U.S. veterans and there are services and organizations out there that can help.
“The military has come a great distance in that regard,” Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik said of the improvements on veteran services and support.
The weight falls on more than just the service men and women, said the mayor, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
“It’s a heavy load on their family, especially for children. It makes a big difference in their lives,” Slowik said.
Veterans Day is a time to honor service men and women, as well as their families. “Spouses take just as much pride as the service members do with their association,” the mayor noted.
Slowik will speak at a Veterans Day celebration Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge.
Capt. Gerral David, commanding officer, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, will also speak at the celebration of sacrifices made by veterans.
Kerry Allen of the Elks Lodge encourages people to arrive early. In past years, the popular event has drawn over 200 people, she said.
“It gets to standing room only,” she said. “It is our pleasure and our honor to have the Veterans Day event at the Elks Lodge.”
Coupeville will also honor veterans on Nov. 11 at the Coupeville Courthouse flag plaza at noon, where veterans representing each branch of the military will participate in a flag ceremony.
“It’s wonderful to stop and appreciate our safety and security,” Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard said. “It’s important to commemorate our veterans.”
