‘Their Sacrifice Means So Much’: Students Reflect on Veterans Day 

The military way of life is more than just putting on a uniform. Men and women from around the country take an oath to protect our country, freedoms and more — sacrificing their lives for the bigger picture. It is not a job for the weak — long hours, deployments, missed family moments and more all come with serving the country.

As Veterans Day draws near, several UA student veterans and military dependents share what the day means to them, and its significance.

Preston Smith, Retired Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force

Smith, 25, is a freshman majoring in finance at the Capstone. He enlisted into the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17, serving six years.

“Veterans Day means a lot to me. We sacrifice so much for our country, from time with our families, personal freedoms and our health. We volunteer to serve our country, our community and the bigger picture. I would do it all over again; serving my country meant more to me than anything else. It’s a choice, but it’s worth it.”

Tristen Daniel, Retired U.S. Navy

Mobile native Daniel always wanted to serve his country. Daniel separated from the U.S. Navy in March 2021 after serving for six years. He is a sophomore at UA, majoring in nursing. Having completed field medical training battalion after basic training, Daniel was a greenside corpsman working in several areas of the world, such as Bahrain, where he was deployed for a humanitarian mission at a hospital.

“We are one team, one unit, one mission. I miss it, and I’d serve again if I could. Veterans Day means even more since I separated from the military.”

Jake Harrell, U.S. Navy dependent

Harrell, a junior at UA, was born into a family of service. His father enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1994, serving 27 years before retiring in 2020. Harrell moved around often as a child and settled near Annapolis, Maryland. His father’s service opened Harrell up to new perspectives, friendships and the military child camaraderie.

“I’m so grateful for all my father has done for me and my family. One day, I hope to repay him with adventures without sacrifice.”

Gracie Hudson, U.S. Air Force dependent

With two parents who served in the military, Hudson is forever thankful for their service. Her mom served for nine years, while her father served for nearly 23 years. The chemical engineering major said Veterans Day is always a special day for her.

“I always get emotional — and I am not an emotional person usually — because it pulls on your heart. Their sacrifice means so much more than we know.”

Tiffany Laurie, Separated Staff Sergeant U.S. Air Force, Staff Sergeant  Air National Guard

Growing up in a multi-generational military family, Laurie always knew she’d go on to serve her country — it was just a matter of which branch. Her grandfather is a retired U.S. airman who served during the Vietnam War. Following him, Laurie enlisted in 2013 in the U.S. Air Force, serving six years. She is still active in the Air National Guard while working toward her double major in political science and history.

“Veterans Day holds a special place in my heart. We’re not only recognizing the service of our veterans, but we’re also learning more about our veterans. I celebrate my grandfather’s service. He helped me get to where I am.”