Each November reminds me of one of my favorite and most exciting memories and adventures, those as a Vietnam veteran.

Forty-eight years ago, at 21 years of age, I was a helicopter aircraft commander and U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer in the Vietnam War during the Tet Offensive of 1968.

It was a profoundly impactful experience that in many ways prepared me to take on the many leadership challenges and opportunities that have unfolded in life for me.

In addition to flying 1,300 hours of combat missions during 1967-68, I was the assistant civic actions officer in the nearby town of Soc Trang in the Mekong Delta.

We assisted a hospital, an orphanage, and a Chieu Hoi (POW camp). Veterans in war often do so much more than just their military-related assignments. We provided medicine, clothes, food, and physical work in the city of Soc Trang.

There are many veterans in society today quietly leading civilian lives and contributing after their service. I am honored to be among them.

I am very proud of my military service even though the war was not popular and gained little in most Americans’ eyes in the end.

I am thankful to my country for the GI Bill that funded my college education. I served alongside some of the most courageous, intelligent, disciplined and caring people I have ever met. They literally laid down their lives for the mission and their friends.

This month, and today, we stop and remember that freedom is not free. It comes at a very significant price paid by a few for the many.

My hope is for many blessings in 2016 for you, for the City of Langley, and in a special way for its veterans in this month that includes Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving.