DALLAS - Seventy-three post-9/11 veterans were honored Saturday by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their service to the nation and for beginning a civilian life of service by getting their hands dirty in a Dallas beautification project for The Mission Continues organization.
The project capped three days of workshops hosted by the St. Louis, Mo.-based nonprofit group The Mission Continues, which believes that through service these veterans can inspire other civilians to volunteer in their hometowns. The 73, from all service branches, were named Mission Continues Fellows at the ceremonies held beside the Trinity River near downtown Dallas, and they committed themselves to intensive volunteer work back home.
"I stand before you honored and privileged to be part of such a meaningful ceremony filled with citizen-soldiers who are willing and dedicated to continue their mission of service in their local communities," said Lt. Col. Carl S. Oelschig, USACE Fort Worth District. "As we near another Veterans Day, we are reminded once again of the sacrifice made by so many veterans including the post-9/11 veterans seated here today."
"You put on the uniform to serve the nation. You placed yourself in danger, serving with honor under difficult circumstances to keep our nation free," said Oelschig. "But your service is never over. You are a soldier for life - a citizen-soldier."
The Mission Continues Fellowship Program challenges veterans to translate their military experiences and training into civilian skill sets, gaining valuable work experience and pursuing a post-fellowship goal of a full-time job or higher education. A typical fellowship covers 26 weeks, during which the fellow serves his or her community through a local nonprofit organization. The Army alone transitions 130,000 soldiers a year into civilian life.
As part of the New Fellow Orientation weekend, the fellows worked together to clear brush, landscape and plant trees along the Santa Fe Trestle Trail in the Dallas Floodway. Other volunteers who worked with the city of Dallas included the Texas Trees Foundation, Groundwork Dallas and Southwest Airlines, the weekend's official sponsor.
"We in the active duty military community stand foursquare behind you," said Oelschig. "We are committed to your lifelong success by ensuring you are reconnected with jobs, with education and with the healthcare you need."
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