Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the men and women who answered our nation’s call to serve. It is also a chance to recognize those who continue that commitment today as proud members of the Forest Service, bringing their leadership, experience and dedication and capturing the spirit of our core values of service to the American people, ourselves and each other.

This observance is especially meaningful to me as a veteran. Before joining the Forest Service, I served in the U.S. Air Force after being commissioned through the ROTC program. Like many veterans across our agency, I know that service is more than a profession. It’s a commitment that becomes part of who you are.

That spirit is reflected in our Veterans Day theme, From service to service. More than 13% of the Forest Service workforce, approximately 4,200 employees, are veterans who chose to continue serving their country through civil service. They work in every corner of our agency as firefighters, law enforcement officers, scientists, engineers, recreation specialists, communicators and administrators. Their leadership contributions strengthen our organization every day.

This year, we invited our veterans to share photos and videos highlighting their journeys from military service to the Forest Service. The response was overwhelming. Colleagues from across the country submitted inspiring stories and images that showcase the depth of talent, experience and commitment represented by veterans throughout our workforce. We plan to highlight those stories on social media beginning tomorrow.

The enthusiastic response reinforced something we already know: Honoring veterans is not limited to a single day in November. Throughout the year, we are committed to sharing stories of Forest Service veterans and recognizing the lasting impact they have on our agency, our communities and the public lands we are entrusted to steward.

If you were unable to participate in the initial call for submissions, we welcome additional contributions. Please follow the instructions at the end of this page.

Veterans understand the importance of teamwork, mission focus, sacrifice and service before self. Every veteran took an oath to put their country first. They swore to defend our nation, support one another through hardship, and conduct themselves honorably. I am grateful for the thousands of veterans who have chosen to bring those values and qualities to the Forest Service and help carry our mission forward.

This Veterans Day, please join me in thanking our veteran employees for both their military service and their continued service to the American people.

Instructions for submitting additional photos

Each photo should be of you today, in your current uniform or work attire, holding a photo of yourself during your military service. Short videos are also welcome and should briefly describe what brought you to the Forest Service and what experiences you carry forward from your time in uniform.

Photos and videos can be submitted to the Office of Communication using this submission form.

Editor's Note: Provide feedback about this column, submit questions or suggest topics for future columns through the FS-Employee Feedback inbox.