My open letter to ISPA Technology's employees on Veterans' Day.

Team-

I have to be honest, as a veteran I have always found it awkward when someone thanks me for my service. It really never felt like something I needed a thank you for-- so I send this email knowing that most of our veterans will read this and maybe think "you don't need to say thank you." But I also have to admit, as my time away from the service has increased (going on 6 years in March) I have started to feel this desire to thank service members and especially veterans that served well before my time (the gentleman at the BX with the 'Korean War Veteran Hat'), because I recognize how important their service is to the fabric of our country. A society with people dedicated to service. 

I'm writing this to you all because in some way everyone who is on this team is a veteran. We haven't all served in uniform, but all of you work every day to help the men and women in uniform, and as a veteran I want you to know that means something and I am grateful for it. Thank you.

For those veterans on the ISPA staff, you have a special honor of being part of the 1% of American citizens who have served in the US military and I want you to know, from the bottom of our hearts as the ISPA leadership team, thank you. We are honored by your presence and your professionalism on a daily basis. We are better everyday for having the opportunity to work with you.

I hope many of you are getting to enjoy the day off, I just have one request. One day over the next week, look a team member in the eye who is either a veteran, or part of the greater family that supports our veterans and say thank you to them, because what they do, and what you do, truly matters.

Mike

V/R
Michael C. Grochol