From calls on nation to honor vets' sacrifice

With the temperature just above freezing and a chill west wind causing flags to snap briskly beneath a cloudless sky, a small crowd of mostly aging veterans and their families gathered on the Nodaway County Courthouse lawn Wednesday in tribute to those who have served — and who currently serve — in the United States armed forces.

The year's Veterans Day keynote speaker was retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey D. From, Maryville, a Northwest Missouri State University ROTC alumnus who spent more than 25 years in uniform before retiring in 2008.

While serving as an Army officer, From carried out assignments in connection with the U.S.-led 2003 invasion of Iraq known as Operation Iraqi Freedom, in which a coalition of troops from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Poland and other countries toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein.

During his remarks, From recalled his early days in the military and remarked on the "kindred spirit" shared by veterans linked by common experience and love of country. He also spoke to the "emotional pain and scars" borne by veterans forced to endure the violence, suffering and loss of combat and long deployments overseas.

From called on his audience never to forget the men and women who, while serving their country, "sacrifice everything for the greater good," and urged all Americans to honor those who have died by living lives based on honor and integrity.

"We need to live," From said, "live to be the best possible example for the generations that follow."

While many gathered on the west side of the courthouse Monday were bundled up in parkas, stocking caps and other winter gear, one ramrod-straight veteran stood saluting during the sounding of Taps while wearing only a light jacket and slacks, a pair of black leather gloves and an American Legion cap.

The man was Lloyd Poff, currently the commander of American Legion Post 260 in Stanberry.

Poff, a mechanic by trade, was a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1990 when he was deployed to Saudi Arabia to work on airplanes during Operation Desert Storm, a UN-sanctioned armed response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.

"I was 47 when I became a veteran," said the trim, gray-haired Poff, smiling from behind his military-style sunglasses. "It was quite an experience. I remember it really well."