Veterans Day November 11th 2016: This week on the HUB of New Mexico and FGGAM Newsmaker of the week I interview Air Force Veteran Joe Rowe, pictured at top. In this picture Joe is receiving the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award in 1991. Joe lives in Albuquerque, NM. At the present time Joe’s son, Lt. James Corbett Rowe serves in the U.S. Navy Before we go any further I want to share with you a statement by NM Congressman Steve Pearce:
“Today, we honor our nation’s veterans, individuals who epitomize valor, bravery, and courage. Our service heritage in New Mexico is profound – through the decades, our soldiers have braved the front lines. From Bataan to Operation Inherent Resolve, New Mexicans have served around the world. It is only thanks to the sacrifices of veterans that we have the ability to come together today, in freedom, prosperity, and remembrance.
“This year, I was fortunate enough to make good on a promise I made at my high school reunion. I vowed to pay homage to those who gave more than I did, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of others. I ventured on a solo flight around the world, traveling through many of the places I saw during my time in Vietnam. The driving force behind this quest kept me going through the long flight hours, the seemingly endless nights, and the ever present fear. That force was the memory of the friends, classmates, loved ones I’ve known who never made it home, but instead gave all of themselves so that we may be here today. I came to find on my flight that the sentiment of honoring our fallen heroes resonated with every walk of life, gender, religion, nationality – as honoring their memory is bigger than each of us.
“And so this Veterans Day feels unique, more present than past, as the memories of fallen patriots feel new all over again. But this experience has only intensified my pride in our nation, the heroes who protect it, and those who have fallen in that mission. And we must also thank the loved ones of those who serve, for their sacrifices often go unrecognized. While the success of the nation rests on our soldiers, the families at home keep this country together with their own two hands.
“Our men and women in uniform exemplify the best of our nation, embodying valiance, courage, and bravery. Please join me in thanking our veterans, remembering those not with us, and praying of those still serving our nation overseas,” said Pearce.
Please now listen to our interview with Joe Rowe.