Veterans Day (November 11) is a time when America honors those who have served our country with courage and commitment. For me, it’s not just saying a simple thank you, but it’s appreciating my loved ones who served.
It Started with Great Grandfather in World War II
During the 1930s and 1940s, Black Americans who served in World War II faced systemic racism. This included segregation, being housed in separate facilities, and having limited leadership opportunities. The Jim Crow laws in the South were still in effect, which led to violence and discrimination from white civilians and even fellow servicemen. Many Black soldiers would write letters to organizations like the NAACP expressing that they felt safer while stationed overseas than they did at military bases in the Southern U.S.
My great-grandfather, Jimmie Staples, was born and raised in Crawford, Mississippi, on June 20, 1920. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a truck driver and longshoreman for five years. From April 1944 to June 1945, he worked tirelessly loading and unloading cargo from ships, and then he was deployed into active service. He was honorably discharged in January 1946 at the age of 26. During his time in service, Staples earned three medals: The American Theater of Operations (ATO) medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations (APTO) medal, and the World War II Victory medal.
Three Great Uncles and One Aunt who Served in Vietnam
The 1960s were a historic time in American history, both good and bad occurred, such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the March on Washington, the tragic deaths of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X, and the Vietnam War. While the fight against racism was gaining momentum, discrimination never left.
My great-aunt Sarah Minor served in the U.S. Army Women’s Corps in 1966 as a clerk for the U.S. Pentagon. My great Uncle Thomas Kimble Jr. joined the military in 1967 as a combat engineer and served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant in Vietnam. My great uncle Larry Nelson served in the U.S. Coast Guard, and his brother Robert served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer.
A Father Who Served in the Gulf War
The late 1980s and 90s were marked by global conflict from tensions in the Middle East and Europe to the fall of the Berlin Wall and wars involving Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Inspired by his uncle Thomas, my father, Terrence Williams Sr., served in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer and truck driver from 1989 to 1995. My father served in the Gulf War, Panama, and during the Berlin Wall era. Just like my great-grandfather, my father was honorably discharged.
Inspired by Heroes
Growing up around veterans and hearing both horrific and heroic stories about my family’s service has been incredibly impactful. For example, my father built bridges for our troops to cross, but if the enemy attempted to use them, the bridges would collapse. Stories like these are not only fascinating but deeply inspiring. I’ve always said I come from a line of heroes. They are the reason I have access to education, freedom of speech, and the ability to speak out and stand up for what’s right.
The way I show my appreciation is by telling their stories and continuing to speak out and acknowledge what’s happening in our country. I take action by voting, peacefully protesting for human rights, and using my voice. When my family protected me, I learned to speak out for them.
To all our active duty service members and veterans, thank you for your service. If you are having thoughts of suicide, please dial 988 for the veteran crisis line and press 1. You can also reach them via text at 838255 or chat online with a VA responder; services are available 24/7. At MATC’s Downtown Campus, the Veterans Resource Center is also available. Their office is in S201, hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., their email is [email protected] or call (414)-297-6835.
