A heartfelt thank you from the CBH team

MOSES LAKE — The only reason the team at the Columbia Basin Herald can do our jobs is because of the dedication of veterans who have protected our Constitutional freedoms for well over 200 years. Freedoms like the First Amendment, which guarantees a free press. We thank all of our local veterans for their contributions to preserving our freedoms and their hard work after their service to ensure the Columbia Basin is a wonderful place to live.  

The messages below are presented with gratitude and awareness of everything you’ve done for us.  

I would like to thank all of our local veterans for their service and their sacrifices to our country. Because of all of you, we are able to live with the freedoms that we experience every day, and for that I am grateful. — Bob Richardson, Regional General Manager/Publisher  

Thank you to all of my fellow veterans for your dedication to serving our nation. I am especially appreciative of the generations of veterans who came before me and laid the foundation for the growth and experiences I had while serving. — R. Hans “Rob” Miller, Managing Editor  

Today, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Thank you, veterans, for your service, sacrifice and strength. I salute you! — Dana Moreno, Marketing & Audience Development Director  

Thank you to all of the Veterans and their families for the sacrifices made. Please know how much you are appreciated! — Laurie Herbert, Multimedia Marketing Strategist  

Happy Veterans Day! Thank you for your service and everything you’ve done for our country. — Heather Boen, Circulation Customer Service Representative 

My dad was an Army veteran; my brother served on the USS Ranger. My uncle Jack was part of the expeditionary force, as it was called, that fought its way across Western Europe in 1944-45. My paternal grandfather fought on the Western Front in World War I. They did not, and my brother does not, talk much about their years in the military except for a few humorous stories, mostly about things going awry. (To hear my uncle Jack tell it, the U.S. Army in Europe basically spent most of its time playing cards from June ‘44 to May ‘45.)   

And yet. While Dad and my brother did not serve in combat, it was still serious business, and they knew it. Dad was in Korea in the immediate aftermath of the Japanese withdrawal from the peninsula and saw the misery war left in its wake. My grandfather and uncle were there when it happened. Anyone who studies the first half of the 20th Century can trace the downward spiral as some countries went completely out of their minds.   

The crazies might’ve done even more damage than they did had they not encountered the U.S. military and guys like my grandfather in 1917-18 and my uncle in 1944-45. The postwar wreckage was dumped into the lap of guys like my dad. My brother was at sea as the Soviet Union wobbled and fell. Since then, I’ve known guys who responded after Sept. 11, people who are serving now, and it’s still serious business. My humble thanks to them all. — Cheryl Schweizer, Senior Reporter  

George Orwell is reputed to have said, “People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” I never served in the military myself, and perhaps for that reason, I’m a little in awe of those who did. Those who volunteer to place their bodies between their country and danger, whether or not they’re actually called on to, can hold their heads up high in the proudest of company. My hat is off today to those “rough men” (and women) who did what I and so many others did not. — Joel Martin, Senior Reporter  

As Veterans Day approaches, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. Their courage, sacrifice and commitment to protecting our freedoms deserve our deepest gratitude — not just today, but every day. The impact of their service extends far beyond the battlefield, shaping families, communities and the very fabric of our nation. 

Yet, the challenges veterans face doesn’t end when their service does. Transitioning to civilian life can be difficult, and it’s our responsibility to support them in meaningful ways — by advocating for better policies, supporting veteran-owned businesses, volunteering and simply listening. Let's set an example of sincere appreciation, ensuring that every veteran knows their service is valued every day of the year. As Americans, we carry the responsibility of honoring our veterans through tangible, meaningful actions.  

To all veterans: Thank you and may your path be filled with healing and beauty. — Nance Beston, Reporter  

Happy Veteran's Day to all who served! Your commitment, selflessness and bravery are deeply appreciated and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. — Blaze Griffith-Steele, Multimedia Marketing Strategist  

Today and every day, I’m grateful for the brave men and women who have served our country. Your courage, sacrifice and love for community inspire us all. Thank you for protecting the freedoms we cherish. — Jeannie Austin, Multimedia Marketing Strategist  

Thank you, Veterans — for your courage, sacrifice and love of your country. We honor you today and every day.  — Bonnie Grace, Multimedia Marketing Strategist 

With respect, honor and gratitude, we are profoundly grateful for the strength and sacrifices you have made to keep us safe and free. Thank you, veterans. — Tonya Cook, Receptionist and Legal Advertising Specialist 

Thank you to all of our veterans who have served our country over the years and continue to work hard to try and make our country a better place. The sacrifices that you have made for our country are something that we all appreciate and should never be forgotten. I hope all our veterans enjoy their holiday and for any that are struggling, just know that we are all here for you. — Caleb Perez, Reporter  

Thank you, veterans, for your selfless service to our country. Because of you we get to enjoy the liberties that we have today. Thank you! — Mike Maynards, Sports Reporter