HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Army Materiel Command's top leaders celebrated the service and sacrifice of others during Huntsville's celebration of Veterans Day Nov. 11.
AMC Commander Gen. Dennis L. Via, who was joined by his wife Linda and AMC Command Sergeant Major James Sims, spoke to the approximately 40 wounded veterans from around the nation and their caretakers the morning of Veterans Day.
"We never forget," Via said. "We know they've sacrificed greatly. We know that their spouses and families have sacrificed greatly, and we want them to know that we still care."
The wounded veterans were flown in by Semper Fi Community Task Force and treated to several days of celebrations in their honor. The spouses were also honored for their sacrifices in supporting their wounded loved ones.
"Whether it is a female spouse or a male spouse that supported his or her Soldier or loved one, we are just always in tremendous awe and respect for what they bring to our country, and the contributions that they make, and the sacrifices that they make day after day, year after year, in all states across this wonderful land of ours," said Linda Via.
Prior to serving as the Veterans Day parade reviewing official, Via greeted veterans like Leamon Satterfield. Satterfield, a native of Madison County, served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. He volunteered for service and celebrated his 17th birthday aboard a ship where he and his unit delivered munitions to warfighters. Satterfield served his country for 23 years before retiring at the rank of master sergeant.
"This is what Veterans Day is all about," Via said thanking the man for his service.
Via also made sure to pay special acknowledgment to Gold Star families. The term Gold Star family is a modern reference that comes from the Service Flag. The flag included a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the Armed Forces. If that loved one died, the blue star was replaced by a gold star.
The family of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Edward Goodloe was among those honored. Goodloe died on February 5, 2011 while stationed at Redstone Arsenal. He is survived by his wife and two children. A total of four families were presented with Gold Star banners during the Veterans Day breakfast.
Via once said, "Let us remember them, all of them. Let us honor their service, and let us rededicate ourselves to our sacred obligation to care for their families who have sacrificed so much for our nation. For it is they, more than any others, who understand the true price of freedom."
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