I love Veterans Day. I love that we take a moment to pause, and remember to show gratitude to all those who step forward for our country. And I am humbled that we have so many awesome Veterans in the Jobcase community!

I always sneak a peak of my sleeping kids before bed and before leaving for work in the morn. I am blessed with healthy, wonderful daughters. And they sleep without burden – its awesome. They know they are safe, they know they are free, they know their world in the morning will be same as the night before and that it is a world of open opportunity for them. I love watching them grow with the confidence of this freedom and security. But I confess there was a time that I thought they may not have this. I confess that I was shook by those towers falling.

On the morning of 9-11 as I held extra tight to my toddler daughters, secretly brushing away tears knowing friends died, knowing the world was changing, knowing how many family’s were so deeply changed forever – my confidence wavered. For a few months as people were afraid to travel, to go to NYC, to think about the next shoe to drop - I thought these burdens would be the new norm for my daughters generation. But then something awesome happened. You volunteered, millions of others did too. Our country unified, stepped up as we always have for generations, and did what we needed to do.

Presidents and politicians aren’t always going to get it ‘right’. Left and right can reasonably disagree. But one thing the world knows that is constant is that Americans like you will always step up to defend. And, there are no warriors on earth as dangerous as an American military. “No better friend, no worse enemy!” And from this, comes not just the defense of our freedom. But freedom from the terrorism. Terrorists continue –but we are NOT terrified. At all. Why? Because we know you were there. We know your brothers and sisters in arms are there now. And we know that if more are needed, more will step forward.

I don’t presume to understand all the sacrifices that you endured. I have friends whose marriages did not survive the distance of time and geography that service demands. I know that some wounds go beyond battlefield. But I suppose I don't really “know”, because I haven’t walked that path. But that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate it. It doesn’t mean that I, my family, my company – don’t know how we benefit from it.

So please know these words aren’t hallow on this day. They are among the most sincere words I have ever spoken or written: “Thank you for your service”.

And- please know that those of us working at Jobcase are inspired by this service to keep making this platform better for all Veterans. Transition to private sector can be challenging and doesn’t end with the first job. I hope you take full advantage of tools to make succeeding in work easier and a community or people that help each other every day with whatever questions, challenges, advice or moral support that’s needed.

Enjoy your day, Veteran Jobcaser. You earned it. And please know that when you hear those words “thank you for your service” – they are not hallow. They are not automatic. They are deeply felt, and you are deeply valued.