On November 11, 2022, Veteran’s Day was observed in the U.S., honoring all those brave women and men who have served our country. We are grateful for their dedication and sacrifice, and we honor their commitment to protecting our freedoms.
We salute you, Veterans, for your bravery and courage in the face of danger. You are an inspiration to all of us, and we are proud to call you our friends and neighbors. Thank you for your service!
When I was a little boy, one of the first veterans that I met was Verne Maynard. He was my Dad’s employer shortly after we arrived from Mexico. It didn’t occur to me until much later on just how bravely this man had served his country during World War II. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. The Bronze Star Medal is a prestigious U.S military decoration that can be awarded for acts of valor or service to our country in combat zones with distinction.
Verne was a kind-hearted man. I didn’t grow up knowing my birth grandparents until returning to Mexico as an eleven year old boy, but Verne and Joyce treated me like their grandson. Verne would dress up as the Easter bunny and Santa Claus during Easter and the Christmas holidays, appearing from out of no where it seemed to bear gifts for my sisters and me. Of course, as a young boy then, I didn’t know it was Verne under the costumes. My adoration of the season stems from those memories of childhood happiness made possible because they were so kind-hearted people who loved coming together as family.
Verne was not only a wartime hero who helped preserve America’s future in World War II, but later in his life helped someone like me – an immigrant from Mexico who later became an American CEO.
Verne and Joyce were also a big part of my support network from kindergarten to graduating from the University of Southern California. Why is a support network important for success in life? It can provide stability during difficult times, help you stay motivated, and even provide new opportunities. It did for me. I look forward to writing more about this subject matter in future blog posts.
Why is a support network important for success in life? It can provide stability during difficult times, help you stay motivated, and even provide new opportunities.
Robert Larios
Can you share a story about how your support network played an important role in your success?
Robert Larios 