Sellers enjoyed getting back to telling veterans' stories

I’ve been blessed to write about a lot of wonderful people over the years, but this year my interview with Ronda Hobbs took me back to my roots.

Years ago I started writing about veterans in our community. I wrote feature stories about their experiences in the service and highlighted their involvement in our community.

I loved what I did, but when my favorite veteran, my dad, died in 2019, the subject matter became tough for me. Veterans Day made me cry, and hearing the stories of other veterans made me miss my dad. I couldn’t figure out how to deal with the emotions these stories stirred, so when I could, I passed the stories on to my other writers.

However, this year, when I heard a woman veteran was the guest speaker at the annual Veterans Day ceremony on Court Square, I decided to take the story. I couldn’t remember the last time a woman veteran spoke at the ceremony, and I liked the idea I didn’t know the speaker. She serves on the honor guard but wasn’t part of the group when my dad passed and wasn’t someone we once hung out with at the AMVETS. In my mind this interview wasn’t one to get sad about. It was more like a fresh start.

For once me and my crazy mind were right. I loved interviewing Ronda Hobbs. She has a passion for serving our community and a passion for veterans and reminded me why I loved doing these kinds of stories.

Ronda talked with such passion about growing up around the veterans in her family. Listening to her speak reminded me of many conversations with my dad and other veterans who have since passed away. I felt like I was right back at the AMVETS enjoying time sitting at the bar with my dad and his friends. It was the most fun I had with an interview in a long time.

The experience encouraged me to try covering the Veterans Day ceremony myself. For the first time in years, I accomplished this task without tears. I am very grateful for the time Ronda spent with me and for the stories she shared.

I encourage you to find the veterans in your life this year and spend some time with them. Not all may be ready to share their stories, but you can still let them know you appreciate their service to our country.