DUANE SHERRILL Editor

Service, sacrifice and the enduring bonds of family took center stage Wednesday as Tullahoma honored the men and women who have worn the nation’s uniform during its annual Veterans Day salute at the South Jackson Performing Arts Center.

The ceremony featured Col. Wayne Dirkes, commander of Arnold Engineering Development Complex, and retired Maj. Gen. Tommy Baker, Tennessee’s commissioner of Veterans Services, who reflected on the meaning of military service and the importance of preserving its legacy.

For Dirkes, the meaning of service can be summed up in three words: selflessness, subordination and sacrifice.

He explained that military service requires placing the needs of others above personal interests, following lawful authority and accepting sacrifices that extend well beyond the battlefield.

Dirkes, 47, reflected on his 25 years in uniform, including the hardships of military life and the toll frequent relocations take on families. His own family moved 17 times before his daughter reached her 18th birthday.

He pointed to the Air Force motto of “service before self” as an example of the commitment expected of those who serve.

Dirkes also discussed AEDC’s mission of developing and testing defense technologies designed to deter conflicts or give American forces the advantages needed to win while minimizing casualties.

He noted that much of the work performed at Arnold today will benefit future generations of service members.

Dirkes also reminded veterans of services available at Arnold Air Force Base, including legal assistance, recreational facilities and shopping privileges for eligible veterans.

He highlighted the new Veterans Affairs clinic at Arnold, which has the capacity to serve approximately 3,000 veterans and provides primary care, laboratory services, telehealth and selected specialty services.

Baker brought a personal perspective to the ceremony, reflecting on the habits, values and family traditions that connect generations of military veterans.

He drew smiles from the audience while describing the ability of veterans to sleep almost anywhere, eat practically anything and arrive early for appointments.

In military life, he joked, being 10 minutes early can still be considered cutting it close.

Beyond those familiar habits, Baker said military service instills teamwork, accountability and a commitment to something greater than oneself.

He noted that fewer than 1% of Americans serve in the military, making the sacrifices of those who volunteer — and their families — especially significant.

Baker shared a family story illustrating how military service connects generations. During World War II, his grandfather carried a tracing of his young son’s hand in his wallet while serving in Europe. Baker recently continued that tradition by tracing the hands of his now 83-year-old father and his 3-year-old grandson. The keepsakes symbolize a family legacy that includes his grandfather’s service, Baker’s military career and his son, who enlisted 18 years ago.

Baker also paid special tribute to Vietnam veterans, crediting them with helping ensure later generations of American troops received the welcome home many Vietnam veterans were denied. He recalled entering military service in 1980 alongside veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars and witnessing the lasting influence of their experiences. Their efforts, he said, helped shape the recognition given to troops returning from Desert Shield, Desert Storm and later conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Looking toward the future, Baker pointed to the student honor guard participating in Wednesday’s ceremony as an example of the importance of passing military traditions and appreciation for veterans to younger generations.

Both speakers emphasized that military service extends beyond time spent in uniform, representing a lifelong commitment to duty, family and country.

The event also featured musical performances by the THS Chamber Singers, the Bel-Aire 5^th grade class choir, THS Brass Ensemble and the Armed Forces Medley by Lloyd Smith. Jon Gray did the reading of the final roll call and Javier Fletcher concluded the event with the playing of ‘Taps’.

Prior to the ceremony, veterans were out in the morning traveling to all the schools for Tullahoma City Schools seventh annual Tribute Train. At each stop, students and faculty stood outside and cheered on the veterans and thanked them for their services.