Oconus Veterans Association

10/28/2026

NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY

October 28th sets aside National First Responders Day to honor the men and women who act quickly when an emergency is at hand.

First responders dedicate their lives to save lives. They are the people who run toward a crisis while the rest of the world flees. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 4.6 million career and volunteer first responders support the communities where they live. They are firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics, and 911 operators. In an emergency, they're the first on the scene. These dedicated professionals answer the call when a crisis arises, often putting their own lives on the line.

Serving as a national day of gratitude, we pay tribute to their endless hours and around the clock service provided to their communities. As one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, the day also pays tribute to the fallen first responders. According to the CDC, 97 firefighters and 155 police officers die each year in the line of duty. Additionally, their rate of occupational injury is higher than the national average. Often, the very people saving lives are our neighbors, friends and family members. And their families know the price they pay for their dedication to the job.

And even though they are an integral part of our communities, their sacrifices go beyond the hours they work. They face high stress, often daily. The trauma they see wears on them both mentally and physically. Many experience Post Traumatic Stress. Long periods away from family add stress to their relationships, too.

National First Responders Day is also a call for action. First responders deserve our support. Through resources and awareness, first responders can live healthier more productive lives and pass their knowledge and skills on to the next generation of first responders, too.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY

The day provides you with an opportunity to recognize a first responder in your life. You might be surprised at how many you know. If their service is voluntary, you may only know about their day job. Offer to treat them to their favorite beverage or buy their next meal. Be supportive of their family, too. More importantly, support programs that improve services to first responders. Connect with a first responder who came to your rescue and thank them. Let them know you appreciate their dedication and sacrifice.

NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY HISTORY

In 2019, the United States Senate passed a resolution designating October 28th as National First Responders Day to honor the men and women putting their lives on the line. Additionally, many states have proclaimed October 28th as National First Responders Day and others recognize the observance on different dates throughout the year.

10/27/2026

NAVY DAY

Navy Day on October 27th salutes all of the military personnel who have served, both past and present, in the United States Navy. Hooyah!

The United States Navy (USN) is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy currently stands as the largest, most powerful navy in the world, with the highest combined battle fleet tonnage. The service engages over 340,000 personnel on active duty and more than 71,000 in the Navy Reserve.

Throughout the Revolutionary War, the Navy's importance grew. Today, the United States maintains 40 naval bases across the country, including the world’s largest Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Below the sea, submarines became a part of the Navy during World War II. While experiments began in the late 1800s and during the Civil War, they did not join a large part of the Navy inventory until World War II. At that point, subs became necessary for surveillance and rescue, even though they were also armed.

With the advent of the airplane, the Navy became vital stations for the Airforce as well. As a result, the Navy modified ships into floating landing strips. Today, joint Naval and Air Bases such as Pearl Harbor-Hickam provided necessary fleets of the sea and air defense.

Theodore Roosevelt and the Navy

Between 1922 and 1972, the Navy celebrated its birthday on October 27th in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt's birth. He elevated the U.S. Navy to a premier fighting force. During his term as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, he built up the power and strength of the U.S. Navy. Roosevelt's pursuit of the naval aircraft advanced the U.S. Navy. As president, Roosevelt was the first president to submerge in a submarine and also the first to fly. His support of the Navy led the former Secretary of the Navy, John F. Lehman, to say, Theodore Roosevelt, "was one of the architects of our modern Navy."

NATIONAL NAVY DAY HISTORY

The Navy League of the United States organized the first Navy Day in 1922, choosing October 27th to honor the birth of President Theodore Roosevelt. Navy Day received particular attention from President Warren Harding.

10/26/2026

Today, on National Day of the Deployed, we honor the brave men and women serving far from home in defense of our nation. 🇺🇸

Deployment demands tremendous sacrifice, not only from our service members, but also from the families who carry on in their absence. Behind every deployment are missed milestones, empty seats at the dinner table, and loved ones counting down the days until they are reunited.

To those serving around the world and the families standing strong at home, we recognize your sacrifices, thank you for your service, and remain grateful for your unwavering commitment to our country. 💙

10/18/2026

The holiday season is right around the corner! Thank you to Rotary North for their continued partnership in supporting Turkey for Troops and Food Cards for Vets. Yesterday, Jim Medalie presented a donation to Bob McLaughlin on behalf of Rotary North as we begin gearing up for this year's holiday programs.

10/18/2026

Looking for your next career opportunity? Join us at Mt. Carmel's Hiring Event on October 28 from 10 AM - 2 PM! Connect with employers from a wide range of industries, explore open positions, and take the next step toward your career goals.

✅ No registration required
✅ Meet directly with hiring employers
✅ Free LinkedIn headshots available

📍 530 Communication Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

10/17/2026

Medicare Mentors is proud to present Hank McClellan with our Shooting Star Award for all the great work that he does in his community and supporting those who have Medicare. We are at the Fort Carson Retiree Appreciation Day. If any of you have questions about Medicare and how it works with Tricare for Life, VA healthcare, or Champ VA, please reach out.

10/15/2026

PLEASE SHARE SHARE SHARE - PUEBLO COMMUNITY

It takes a village to successfully promote BeaconFest

10/15/2026

10/13/2026

NAVY BIRTHDAY

On October 13th, the United States Navy observes its birthday every year. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NAVY!

The United States Navy (USN) is the United States Armed Forces' naval warfare service branch and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is currently the largest, most powerful navy in the world, with the highest combined battle fleet tonnage. The service has over 340,000 personnel on active duty and more than 71,000 in the Navy Reserve.

With only two ships and a crew of eighty men, the Continental Navy was born on October 13, 1775. The decision of the Continental Congress set the Continental Navy on course to carry arms to the British army, not to defend against it. However, these two ships and crew represent the birth of the United States Navy.

Throughout the Revolutionary War, the Navy's importance grew. Today, the United States maintains 40 naval bases across the country, including the world's largest Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Below the sea, submarines became a part of the Navy during World War II. While experiments began in the late 1800s and during the Civil War, they did not become a large part of the Navy inventory until World War II. At that point, subs became necessary for surveillance and rescue, even though they were also armed.

With the advent of the airplane, the Naval ships became vital stations for the Airforce as well. As a result, the Navy modified ships into floating landing strips. Today, joint Naval and Airbases, such as Pearl Harbor-Hickam, provide the country with sea and air defense fleets.