Jeanne Sexton-Brown

November 11 is a great day to spend with our Veterans at the North Dakota Veterans Home (NDVH). The men and women of our Armed Forces have been through so much and they are so appreciative of everything that is done for them.

On Tuesday, November 11 the NDVH was almost electric with the excitement of special guests who came to show the Veterans the respect they so richly deserved.

Jim Simons, AFA (Air and Space Force Association), Minot, came to spend the day with the Veterans and their family and friends. He brought with him letters from the North Dakota Congressional Delegation as well as a check to present to Dane Grebel, Administrator.

“AFA advocates for the Air Force, when the Space Force was added, we took them on as well,” said Simons. “Throughout the year we do a number of events on and around base in Minot.”

They do such things as the Annual Awards Banquet, Commander’s Choice Awards, presenting plaques to service members or groups. They sponsor the Retiree Golf Tournament, and provide dinner once a month for the spouses of those deployed. They provide Military Appreciation certificates for free popcorn and pop at Hockey and Basketball games for UND and MSU.

AFA is a volunteer organization. Simons has held many positions with the group. He is currently the AFA State President and Vice Chair for Field Operations.

AFA provides many programs and opportunities to show their support for the Air Force.

“Any member of the Military can be a member of AFA,” said Simons, himself an Army Ranger. “Offering support is what we do.”

The Color Guard was on hand to present the colors at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month to commemorate the Armistice which brought the end to World War I on November 11, 1919, which became the start of Veterans Day in the United States. A day to remember and honor all Veterans. The Color Guard gave a volley of three rounds for the 21 Gun Salute with residents wrapped in red, white and blue afghans and blankets to ward off the chill of the North Dakota day.

Joel Heitkamp, radio broadcaster and friend of the NDVH, was on hand to interview a number of the Veterans and Staff of the facility. His Podcast News and Views with Joel Heitkamp, can be heard on KFGO.

Simons spent the day, with the Veterans, enjoying a steak meal with the men in their home dining room before moving on to the main event of the day, the program in Town Hall at 1 p.m.

Simons greeted the residents who gathered in the Town Hall. He read letters from Senator John Hoeven, Senator Kevin Cramer as well as Representative Julie Fedorchak. All three of the delegates expressed their gratitude for the unwavering commitment to our country. As Fedorchak ended her letter of thanks with, “Yesterday, today and always.”

Following the letters, Simons called on Administrator Grebel to come forward and receive a check for $400 from the AFA.

The Jamestown Drum and Bugle Corp, founded 65 years ago by Donnie Altringer, who still performs with the group once again performed for the Veterans. Always stirring is the performance of a medley of military songs representing each branch. The Veterans recognized their songs and celebrated with fist pumps in the air and those who could stand to honor their branch of the military did so.

The afternoon program ended with pie and ice cream served by the Administrator and staff to residents and guests.

For the Veterans, the greatest gift they could be given is time. Those who took the time to show up and visit with them; to share a meal; listen to a story; and acknowledge their sacrifices.

AFA did just that with the presence of Jim Simons, who makes the journey from Minot to Lisbon every year on the 11th day of the 11th month to show the appreciation of a grateful nation.