By Brad H., Director of Community and Staff Engagement
My family and I have lived in Noblesville for more than 25 years. Just a few years ago, a couple moved in behind us, and over time, we’ve gotten to know them fairly well. As our friendship grew, we learned something about the husband that gave us a much deeper appreciation for the man he is and the life he has lived. He has served five tours during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as postwar.
Before moving forward, I’d encourage you to pause for a moment and really think about that. Five tours. Five times he left his home, his family, and the life he knew to serve our country in some of the most dangerous places in the world. Five times his family had to watch him leave, knowing that he would be thousands of miles away and that his safety could never be guaranteed. Five times they had to find a way to carry on with everyday life while someone they loved was serving in harm’s way.
We often hear statistics about the number of military deployments, the number of service members who have served overseas, or the number of years our nation has been at war. Those numbers are important, but they can sometimes make the human cost of military service difficult to fully comprehend. Behind every deployment is a person. Behind every service member is a family, a circle of friends, and a community that feels their absence. There are spouses who shoulder extra responsibilities, families who celebrate birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and other milestones through phone calls or video chats rather than in person.
My family and I have only known this neighbor since his fifth overseas tour, but we witnessed firsthand how difficult that period was for him and his family. He was gone for a year, and it was especially challenging as the situation in the Middle East became increasingly volatile. The uncertainty was difficult. When news reports described escalating tensions and dangerous developments overseas, those stories were no longer simply headlines to us. They involved someone we knew, someone who lived just beyond our backyard, someone whose family was waiting and worrying while he served far from home.
It is one thing to hear about conflict on the other side of the world. It is another thing entirely when you know someone who is there. You begin to think differently about the people behind those headlines. You think about the risks they face, the difficult decisions they may have to make, the exhaustion they endure, and the emotional weight they carry. You also think about the people back home who must live with the uncertainty of not knowing what tomorrow might bring.
But there is something else about this neighbor that makes his story even more remarkable. After serving our nation overseas, he continues to serve others here at home through his work as a local police officer. His commitment to service did not end when he returned from the military. He continues to put himself in a position where he helps protect others and contributes to the safety of our communities.
When I consider his life, I see someone whose actions demonstrate a profound commitment to something larger than himself. He has willingly accepted responsibilities and risks that most of us will never face. He has given years of his life to protect our nation, and he continues to devote himself to serving others in our own communities. His story reminds me that service is not simply a job or a title. It is a willingness to put the needs and well-being of others ahead of your own comfort, convenience, and, at times, personal safety.
Of course, my neighbor’s story is just one example. Across our country, veterans have served in different branches of the military, in different conflicts, and under vastly different circumstances. Some served during wartime overseas. Others spent years preparing for the possibility of conflict, standing watch, maintaining equipment, providing medical care, transporting supplies, or supporting the missions that allow our military to function. Some returned home to a grateful community. Others came home to a country that struggled to understand their experiences.
This Veterans Day, I hope we will do more than simply thank a veteran. I hope we will take a moment to consider what that service truly means. Not only to the person who wore the uniform, but also to the family that waited, worried, and sacrificed alongside them.
Veterans Day Letter-Writing Stations
This Veterans Day, take a moment to show your appreciation for those who have served our country. On Wednesday, November 11, stop by the lobby at either the Noblesville or Fishers Library to write a letter of thanks to a veteran. Letters will be sent to Hugs for Soldiers. A few heartfelt words can go a long way in reminding our veterans that their service and sacrifices are valued and appreciated.
Local Veterans Day Ceremonies
Fishers
Wednesday, November 11 | 11 a.m. | Theater at Fishers Municipal Center | Free
Join the City of Fishers and the Fishers Armed Services Commission in honoring local veterans and their families during the annual ceremony.
Noblesville
Wednesday, November 11 | 11 a.m. | West side of the Historic Hamilton County Courthouse (Downtown Noblesville) | Free
The 2026 Veterans Day Ceremony in Noblesville is hosted in partnership with local veteran groups, including Frank Huntzinger Noblesville American Legion Post 45 and VFW Post 6246 (Ralph Lehr).