Heineman thanks veterans during conference

Heineman headlined the list of more than 20 presenters at the CSC Veterans Awareness Conference in the Student Center. More than 170 people attended the event, which was organized and conducted by the CSC social work program’s “Communities and Organizations” class.

Heineman, a veteran himself, used the conference to express gratitude to the state’s servicemen and servicewomen of past and present, and to update the audience about Nebraska’s military programs and services for veterans.

“On Veterans Day we have the opportunity to honor the members of the United States military, and, in particular, Nebraskans who gave their lives in protecting their fellow Americans,” he said. “We remember their sacrifice and we pay tribute to all the men and women who have served in uniform during the past two centuries.”

One program he highlighted is the Heartland Honor Flight program, in which more than 1,500 Nebraska World War II veterans have been given the opportunity to visit the WWII memorial in Washington, D.C. Others he mentioned were the Nebraska State Veterans Cemetery in Alliance, which is scheduled to be opened next year, and the state’s veterans’ homes in Bellevue, Norfolk, Grand Island and Scottsbluff. Heineman planned to visit the Scottsbluff facility during his swing through western Nebraska.

He also commended the accomplishments of the Nebraska National Guard.

“The role of our National Guard, in general, is more expansive than ever before,” he said. “When many of us served, it was left to mostly to active duty to really serve this country in combat. Today we have the most integrated armed forces we’ve ever had. National Guard, Reserve, active duty, they’re all the same.”

He said more than 2,500 members of the National Guard have been sent overseas since 9/11, and that about 350 are deployed in the effort now.

“Many have gone twice, three times and in some cases four times,” he said.

He noted that the Nebraska soldiers have been awarded a wealth of medals and commendations during the War on Terror, including 70 purple hearts, 14 Bronze Star medals for valor, 247 Bronze Star medals for service, 24 Army commendation medals for valor, 350 combat action badges, 138 combat infantry badges and 13 combat medical badges.

“They never look at it from the perspective that they’re an American hero. They are, and we are proud of these men and women,” he said. “They consider it their duty to our country.”

Heineman conveyed his pride in the the way Nebraskans turn out for welcome home ceremonies for the soldiers.

“I’ve never been to one in which less than 1,000 people show up,” he said. “This is Nebraska at its best -- individuals wanting to say ‘thank you for your service.’”

Heineman said the most important action citizens can take during time of war is to support the soldiers, and to thank those who have served.

“I share with you today one of the most important things you can do, particularly as young students, thank these men and women for what they’ve done. That’s all they ask for.”

Heineman also applauded the CSC students’ efforts in organizing and conducting the conference.

“I suspect you’re finding out just how hard it is, and the challenges of putting on a conference – especially a successful one,” he said. “This is a great crowd and you should be very proud of yourselves for what you’ve done."

The class of 11 students is taught by CSC social work faculty member, Bruce Hoem.

The other keynote speaker of the conference was Peter Henry, director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Black Hills Health Care System. Breakout session topics included post-traumatic stress disorder, veterans’ benefits, family support, female veterans’ issues, education benefits and substance abuse.

The conference’s opening ceremony featured the singing of the National Anthem, presentation of colors by active military and American Indian veterans, and the unfolding of one of three U.S. flags that flew over the World Trade Center buildings on 9/11.