MILITARY MATTERS: Veterans Day - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

MILITARY MATTERS: Veterans Day

Posted: Updated:
  • NEWS

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 7:15 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:15:28 GMT
    This letter released to Muscogee County Sheriff's office employees today raised concern to many in that department, in particular pregnant woman. The document signed by Sheriff John Darr says that "all
    This letter released to Muscogee County Sheriff's office employees today raised concern to many in that department, in particular pregnant woman. The document signed by Sheriff John Darr says that "all
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 7:49 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:49:02 GMT
    The devastation you see on the television following severe weather, like the tornado that ripped through Oklahoma, may leave some children worried or confused about the images they are seeing.
    The devastation you see on the television following severe weather, like the tornado that ripped through Oklahoma, may leave some children worried or confused about the images they are seeing.
  • Thursday, May 23 2013 5:51 AM EDT2013-05-23 09:51:03 GMT
    The American Cancer Society celebrates its 100 birthday on Wednesday May 22! The organization proudly says they have been leading the way to transform cancer from deadly to treatable for a century. On
    The American Cancer Society celebrates its 100 birthday on Wednesday May 22! The organization proudly says they have been leading the way to transform cancer from deadly to treatable for a century. On
FORT BENNING, GA (WTVM) -

Veteran's Day means different things to different people. 

For retired Col. Ralph Puckett, it's an opportunity to tell the military story.  Not his story, although Puckett's heroic actions as a U.S. Army Ranger in Korea and Vietnam are legend.

He instead holds the words of General Dwight Eisenhower close to his heart.

"He said humility must always be the portion of any individual whose acclaim was earned by the blood of his soldiers. They're the ones who carried me on their shoulders. I would be nothing without them."

For Toni Gross and her daughter Natalie, this is their second Veteran's Day without their loved one.

Gross' only son Frank was killed in Afghanistan in July of last year. Mother and daughter were here for Monday's paver dedication along the Heritage Walk at thight e National Infantry Museum.

‘It's hard to come here", said Gross. "There are a lot of wonderful memories that are evoked here at the National Infantry Museum. My son's still alive when I come here, in my heart and in my spirit."

Gross now volunteers with the USO at the Tampa International Airport. She's found it's a way to honor her son's memory. 

Active duty soldiers were also giving back, as Ft. Benning troops paid their respects to World War Two veterans. The men and their families had come to the museum by bus from Dothan, Ala. 

Yes, different things to different people. 

Copyright 2012 WTVM. All rights reserved.