The American Spirit
The Armed Forces represent an incredible alignment of talent and skills. Our legacy began many years ago in 1775 when in the course of a single year, three branches rose up to defend a young nation in what would be remembered as “The Revolutionary War”.
The Continental Army was the first to take a stand, followed by The Continental Navy and the youngest of them all: The Continental Marines. These were demobilized after The Treaty of Paris but later were resurrected into permanent stations followed by The Coast Guard in 1915 and The Air Force in 1947. The Space Force entered the picture 72 years later, our youngest branch with the greatest potential for adventure.
Our veterans have given the best years of their lives serving our nation.
A sincere hope is that you might be able to see beyond the parade rest, war-weathered appearance, and military uniform.
That no different than with a child you truthfully love, you may notice someone familiar reflected in those eyes.
You.
The American Legacy
The Army: Firstborn child of Uncle Sam, masters of terrain warfare, these represent the largest and oldest branch of the US Military. This branch set the tone for the rest.
The Navy: Secondborn and highly favored in all things aquatic, these Sailors embody The Perfect Will of The Ocean. Overseeing the waters surrounding this country are some of the bravest men and women you will ever meet.
The Marines: Amphibious and uniquely empowered to fight hard battles, these highly trained Warriors represent the infinite potential of a single talent or skill pushed to its limits. Give them many, and there is nothing they can’t achieve.
The Air Force: This branch rose from The Army and became a global force to acknowledge. Overseeing intelligence and dominating the skies, these Airmen fear nothing and evolve at an accelerated rate that can’t be predicted. The brainchild of many breakthroughs within their Father and Mother Branch: The Army. This force was birthed through the events of WWI and WWII.
The Coast Guard: They keep big businesses and other organizations safely out of The U.S. Navy’s way when important things are taking place for the military and its civilians on the coasts. Understanding that The Navy have responsibility over the waters surrounding this country, you could understand the impossibility of such an endeavor. These humble Warriors represent The Navy’s greatest ally in times of need and oversee the coasts securing The Navy’s safe passage back home.
A protective and supportive younger sibling force to a bigger picture of The American Dream, where the military have a humble inclusion to hard conversations. Any time you see a Navy Veteran, you are seeing a Big Brother or Sister Branch Member of The Coast Guard.
The Space Force: Our newest and most exciting family member yet, these Guardians oversee warfare related to space where our Air Force has no authority. These represent our transition as a country into a new modern age.
The Bigger Picture
Every dream in this country, as well as every audience member who might watch this dream come true or fade away, has been touched by a veteran.
That isn’t to isolate veteran causes as more important than the joys or tragedies of any other citizen. This is to say who we are when it least matters to us or anyone else, is important beyond words that could describe it.
When you support our veterans, it isn’t just about helping the homeless or making sure an elderly veteran has support systems in place few consider important until it was needed years ago. It’s a personal investment towards an unpredictable future, where veterans are not considered in ways easy to dismiss as important.
We must provide military members in the service as well as retired veterans with stronger support systems. Taking strength for granted is no better than taking kindness for weakness, and to expect veterans to thrive beyond the service simply because they are strong is short-sighted and undeveloped. Veterans need occasional fellowship and activities to participate in that serve a purpose honoring each scar and unforgettable memory.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that France was our first ally? Mysteriously this friendship has stood every test of time in spite of great challenges.
This statue represents the beginnings of a brotherhood unlike any other. A gift from France acknowledging our country to the world.
The Challenge: How would Americans support their veterans when dealing with foreigners or immigrants who have been kind to us, shown us humble respect, and worked hard so that America prospers?
Honoring Military Excellence
If you knew who this man was, you would be amazed! Over 100 years old, this man standing next to SOV WILCO owner Natalie Butler helped change the course of World War 2. A Big Brother and Protector.
World War II: The Witness
During World War II only 10 U.S. divisions had integrated combat companies. This Warrior, quite literally, was a Historical Figure.
To see the wisdom in his eyes clearly, one would first be required to understand the setting of his childhood. This legendary military veteran was born shortly in the aftermath of WWI which saw a death toll of over 16 million. It was also the womb of great American Legends such as The Harlem Hellfighters and The 158th Infantry Bushmasters! There were only 4 African American regiments in the U.S. Military at the onset of this pivotal shift in history. At the end of WWI, the military had formed two Black combat units in 1917, the 92nd and 93rd Divisions. Although the odds were stacked against these Soldiers, these American Warriors exceeded all expectations. Did you know that it was the 93rd Division that played a pivotal role in forging the love and friendship between The USA and France that led to our being gifted The Statue of Liberty?
The 158th Infantry Bushmasters: The National Guard’s Gift to World History.
Did you know Latino American Warriors were just as important to winning WWII as the African American Soldiers?
“No greater fighting combat team has ever deployed for battle,” General Douglas McArthur
WWI ended in 1918, and WWII began shortly after in 1939, placing the man you see standing next to SOV WILCO owner Natalie Butler in a terrifying place to be the young patriot that he was. Love and hope for his military family, as well as the citizens that made America great helped him to take a mighty stand. Serving in the Armed Forces granted him the opportunity to become something he otherwise wouldn’t have imagined possible. You are the evidence.
The events of the war saw nearly all of the world’s countries gripped by fear and tragedy. The causes of this risen Goliath were the spiritually poetic unresolved conflicts of the past. These along with other conflicts and issues created the birthing place of a new mountain to overcome. In spite of it all America took a stand. Although the Soldiers that rose up are easily admired, it was the citizens that encouraged them through the trials that can’t be dismissed for their part in keeping hope alive.
“A group of Black men enlisting in the United States Army Air Corps in March 1941. They were assigned to the 99th Pursuit Squadron in Illinois; this was the first time The Army Air Corps opened its enlistment to African Americans.“-History.com
Have you ever heard of Edward A. Carter (1916-1963)? The African Americans of the past were well adept at developing difficult new skill sets. A necessity of the time. This King was raised in India and China! A sharp mind that had a unique gift in linguistics. He was fluent in Hindi, Mandarin, and German. To say he was the most remarkable of his fellow Soldiers would diminish the true reality of the Armed Forces. Yes, Iron Butt marched valiantly beside some of the most striking veterans you could ever know.
They fought a fight that seemed beyond hope. A new search for cultural identity was forged in the fires of war and tragedies that shook the nations. These mighty overcomers contributed more than their lives and legacies, they helped to restore The American Spirit to a country eager to receive it in the form of their sons and daughters coming home safe. They found great restoration in this full commitment while also being present in difficult decisions, with civilian lives at stake across the sea in the dark forests of Germany. Not only that, but they found new respect and admiration for the Miracles on the Battlefield hidden within people they were grateful to call brother and sister with such pride and patriotic conviction.
Many cultural aspects of an emerging and worthy World Power were transfigured into greater heights with Executive Order 8802 a decision that shook the nations and caused powerful enemies to feel the first traces of fear carried in the wind…This decision gave birth to something new. As different parts of the world became involved in a struggle for power and the historical narrative, Amazing Grace siezed a humble victory that further strengthened hope for the next generation to come.
Did you know it was The 761st Tank Battalion that helped liberate The Jews from Buchenwald? Iron Butt also fought righteously alongside The Tuskegee Airmen. These were the first African American military pilots ever, and they were internationally renowned for their service during World War II. Their success in supporting their leaderships navigate difficult decisions brought new hope for all their comrades. Goliath fell. The past was set free, and redemptive grace swept the nations as every stone, chain, and weapon fell along with him.
Iron Butt passed away in Staunton, VA in 2022 having witnessed over 100 years of American History. There was no parade given to his memory, though it wouldn’t have done him justice. His honored memory as it stands, is a gift that came at a high price for the next generations of Veterans and Civilians: The Grace to Overcome. In life, his eyes could inspire a memory, intense and lit with anticipation. His brothers and sisters were flawed and imperfect, yet somehow through trials and the favor of The American Spirit, they were transformed into Tales of Legend. Key threads in the very fabric of American History.
SOV WILCO owner Natalie Butler had three separate opportunities to witness of the man and learn from his story. It is not easy to be a leader, and his colleagues were among the greatest: The Harlem Hellfighters, The 158th Infantry Bushmasters, and many others. Their perspective on the audiences she might encounter of those children, and their parents, was encouraging as these Honorable Veterans witnessed the leaderships of this inspiring country grow up.
It is easy to take for granted the changes in the world since the time he performed his last parade rest, big and small. A man who can overcome heavy sacrifices and endure with nobility, not needing to be recognized, this marks the defining characteristic of The American Spirit.
You don’t have to be Iron Butt to get back up when life finds you horizontal staring at the stars. The courage of The Harlem Hellfighters was never required of you to face new obstacles and perform well undistracted. Although life has its challenges, the perspective we have is a blessing from great men and women: The Grace to Overcome.
The only question befitting a conclusion to this life-changing event: What makes YOU proud to be an American? Beyond what is easy to see.
Our Buffalo Soldier “Iron Butt” righteously rose with The Great Eagles in the Sky to join Our Father’s side during the year 2022. His legacy of a humble nation lives on through all the Americans we see today. Have you ever looked in the mirror and seen the legacies that shaped the pleasant memories of your youth? Perhaps you still possess that iconic patriotic glow but The American Spirit doesn’t fly as high or courageously as it once did. This is the time for restoration. Everyone’s story is unique and incomparable, how this is so undeniably true only God could say. His grace is the undisturbed and unknowable mystery of every citizen. What is easy to understand is what was immortalized in heaven boldly before this world: Grace. We are referring to The Amazing Grace we have in this country to overcome. Whether poverty, sticks and stones, fear, or humbling thoughts of the future.
Meet His Coworkers
Edward A. Carter was one of seven Black Americans to receive the award for service in World War II. Charity Adams was a member of the Women’s Army Corps in the 6888th Division, the largest unit of Black women to serve overseas during the war.
African Americans & Latinos served honorably in overcoming uniquely unpredictable oppositions. Witnessing challenging sights, and wrestling with new concepts of identity.
- The Army Mule mascot Jackson is a gift from Colonel Gonzalez Bingham who was inspired by his father who served under Ulysses S. Grant. This animal saved his father’s life and that of many others providing many resources to troops and requiring very little for itself. The true spirit of an Army Veteran. When the military began to compete at West Point this was naturally chosen and well-received. The Army Latin motto is “This We’ll Defend” first coined in The American Revolution of 1778.
- The Navy Goat mascot Bill is jokingly mentioned as “borrowed” from the backyard of a West Point faculty member by a Navy fan and dragged off to the first Army-Navy game played at West Point. This amazing animal has had a great impact on Naval history and has been a part of many voyages at sea. If you look up Rear Adm. Robley D. Evans’s account aboard The Shenandoah you will be delighted to note our Sailors never had a dull moment with these creatures around in the 1870s. The use of a goat as their mascot actually began in 1893 with El Cid the Goat, named after the famed Castilian general. Eventually, they settled on the name “Bill” in reference to Billy Goats Gruff. The Navy Latin motto is unofficially “Non Sibi Sed Patriae” meaning “Not Self, but Country” paying tribute to the amazing courage of these Soldiers to oversee and command a uniquely unpredictable force of nature.
- The Marines Bulldog mascot Chesty is a glass raised to difficult times. The Corps adopted The Bulldog as its mascot after World War I. According to the stories told, the Marines fought so memorably in The Battle of Belleau Wood that Germans had begun to call them “Teufel Hunden” after The Devil Dogs from Bavarian Legends. The nickname stuck, long story short. Marines have inspired myths and folklore for generations, and the reason why is easy to see. The Marines’ Latin motto is “Semper Fidelis” or “Always Faithful”, to God first and Country.
- The Coast Guard Bear mascot was born in 1926 when the Academy selected the Black Bear as its mascot. Bears are bold and tenacious, attributes befitting the Coast Guard and its Warriors. Objee the Bear (These veterans are clearly not afraid of bears) was adopted and ate in the cadet wardroom, even showering with cadets. After a few decades, they let this tradition of adopting bears go, for the safety of the bears of course. The Coast Guard’s Latin motto is “Semper Paratus” meaning “Always Ready” referring to the day and night unique unpredictable challenges this branch and its diverse Soldiers face to support their Military Brothers and Sisters abroad and at home. These represent an encouraging presence in hard times.
- The Air Force Falcon mascot was chosen as the Cadet Wing mascot on Sept. 25, 1955, as they believed it best characterized the combat role of the Air Force. Aurora was a falcon that lived 23 years as the face of the Air Force, the longest-serving mascot in 65 years. She passed away in 2019. The Air Force’s Latin motto is “Aim High … Fly-Fight-Win” serving as a call to action. Where actions speak louder than words, it’s a promise for an eloquent response.
The treasure trove of the south
The Shenandoah Valley is not just home to World War Heroes and countless retired Veterans. This is a sanctuary and there is a peace in these hills that surpasses all understanding. It’s a bustling hub of every network you could imagine. Organizations and Businesses centered around the community and its children, as well as a home for refugee communities such as the recently liberated East African country: Eritrea.
If you are a true Marvel fan you will recognize this specific area most popularly for its well-known connection to Wakanda. The honorable and noble King T’Challa if he had lived to see this day, without question, would be proud of the humble overcomers that have made The Shenandoah Valley their home.
Currently, new programs and alliances are being made between many businesses and non-profits to provide greater resources and increase the impact of The Shenandoah Valley on not just Virginia, but our nation as a whole.
Soldiers in The Valley
The Shenandoah Valley was the site of more than 300 combat engagements including over 20 battles. Over 5 campaigns were waged here including Stonewall Jackson’s 1862 Campaign, which kept Southern hopes alive, and Philip Sheridan’s 1864 Campaign which was a critical victory that gave birth to Modern Day America.
This region also represents one of the boldest and most inspiring moments in African American History. Without the integration of minority Soldiers fighting for their freedom it is not possible to say America today would still exist. This fact resides in every home, and the victorious cries of these American Veterans echo through The Shenandoah Valley to this day. The Land of Victory.
Military Children have little representation in American Culture. Understanding that this sacrifice is for a bigger picture, it becomes easier. Their search for identity is uniquely hopeful, and they are encouraged in humility. Follow the link for more information.
Did you know that our veterans selflessly help to create new lives for refugee families with every sacrifice?
Considering our humble beginnings, when you see these young communities, you see the heart of what makes us proud to be Americans.
American citizens local and nationwide can look here and see hope.
IN CONCLUSION
If you struggle with finding your patriotism, that small spark of The American Spirit, we can’t make the decision for you. We can, however, help you see what you once did not. To err is human, and with the wrong counsel at the wrong time, our errors can become self-destructive decisions, philosophies, and ways of living. We have no intention of “fixing” what God created, we simply provide an encouraging presence towards His next revelation.
Do you feel encouraged? Whether to do better, to forget and let go, or simply forgive and face whatever challenges the next day brings you are important. You deserve to be free, to set new boundaries around your life and the work before you. It is easy to be distracted by the past, just witness how that shaped a major world conflict. To learn from it is without a doubt a deep blessing that brings life to difficult situations.
We are here to reshape office culture and company morale. Deepen the connections between Veterans, Businesses, and The Community. This movement has been years in the making, and we are now witnessing a new dawn. The catalyst to our being welcomed in places impossible to reach and be heard our beloved Brothers and Sisters, was you.
Touch a life today. One donation is all it takes.
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SOV WILCO: Support Our Veterans
Welcome to SOV WILCO, a military centered non-profit organization bringing awareness to Veteran issues in America while uplifting its citizens.
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SOV WILCO is a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit
“I was young, and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken”