As we prepare to honor Veterans Day 2024, I want to pause to express my gratitude to every veteran in our AFL family and beyond. Today, we honor the profound courage and unwavering commitment of those who have donned the uniform and dedicated their lives to something greater than themselves—protecting our nation, our freedoms, and our future.

Veterans Day reminds us of the impact and legacy of service, a legacy that lives on not only in those who have served but in each of us who benefit from the freedoms secured by their sacrifices. It’s a day for all of us to reflect on the values that drive us forward—integrity, honor, and a commitment to doing what’s right.

To our veterans: your experiences and resilience set an example for us every day. Whether in moments of crisis or calm, you’ve brought your dedication, skills, and strength to AFL, making us a stronger, more resilient team. We are continually inspired by the adaptability, discipline, and teamwork you embody—qualities that don’t simply contribute to our success; they shape our culture.

In gratitude, AFL has made it a priority to create an environment that truly values and supports veterans and their unique skills. Our Veterans Initiative, led by our very own Eric Adkins, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, is our commitment to this goal, focusing on making AFL a place where veterans can thrive—professionally and personally. We are proud to welcome new veteran talent, build opportunities that translate military skills into career growth, and provide flexibility for those who continue to serve.

For those of us who have not served, I encourage us to reach out, learn, and listen to the stories of service around us. Veterans are often humble in their heroism, and we owe it to them to express our thanks, not only today but every day. Small gestures matter—whether it’s offering a word of thanks, extending a hand in friendship, or helping a veteran feel recognized and appreciated.

So, on this Veterans Day, let us honor the sacrifices of our veteran colleagues and recommit to the values they exemplify. Each day, in ways big and small, we can strive to live up to the legacy they have entrusted to us and work to make AFL a place where their contributions are celebrated and respected.

Thank you, veterans, for the freedoms you’ve secured and for the invaluable contributions you continue to make here at AFL. Your service strengthens us all.