Wisconsin Army National Guard Brigadier General Joni Mathews drew upon her nearly 30 years of military service to deliver a message of self-determination and worth to Lakeland Union High School students and staff gathered Friday for the ninth annual Veteran’s Day program.
She also urged everyone to reflect on the sacrifices veterans have made for our country, saying she wasn’t just talking about time spent away from family or schooling, or the missed birthdays:
“But also talking about those who lost friends, who lost eyesight, who lost hearing, who lost their lives to defend our country.And there are also those who have body aches and pains for their years in service.“And there are those who have the illness that is not so visible, who have been hurt by what they have seen, or what they have lived through. It’s difficult to imagine what our lives would be like if not for the willingness of our veterans to stand up and answer our nation’s call in hours of need.Ultimately, it is the veteran that has secured our way of life, our liberty, our security, and our prosperity.”
The Lac du Flambeau Native American said she grew up with lighter skin and hair color than her siblings and cousins and wishing she looked like somebody else. However, as she matured she learned what truly matters is what is inside a person.
