[..] On the 11th Day of the 11th month on the 11th hour, in 1918, World War I ended. Armistice Day was celebrated until 1954, when it became a day to remember everyone who had served this great nation, honorably.

As America 's 21st Century Patriots, we Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are the newest to this community, but also among the proudest. We are not just proud of our service, but proud to be joining some of the greatest Americans who ever lived. From those who served in battle, from World War II through Operation Desert Storm, and to those who served during peacetime, we are now a part of an extraordinary community.

On this day, we ask that politics be put aside, and everyone come together to honor those who have come back recently, and those who served before us. Take the time to ask a veteran in your community how they are doing. Take the time to listen to them, and hear their wisdom. [..]

WASHINGTON, DC - In an email to the over 100,000 supporters of VoteVets.org, Iraq War Veteran and Chairman of the group, Jon Soltz, announced he is taking a one-year leave of absence from the organization to deploy to Iraq, as part of Operation New Dawn. He will reassume his position upon his return.
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"I'm proud of Jon for going back to lead the Soldiers in his unit in Iraq, and just as proud of what he's built and will leave behind," said retired General Wesley Clark. "VoteVets.org has cemented its place in the veterans community, and the organization that Jon started from nothing now has over 100,000 members, and an infrastructure that will allow it to continue its strong work, while Jon is in Iraq. I look forward to my continued involvement with VoteVets.org in the coming year, and well into the future."

"Jon has provided tremendous leadership for VoteVets.org, starting the group from scratch, but what's most impressive to me is how he's grown it into a movement that will thrive, even when he is gone," said former Senator Bob Kerrey. "There is no doubt in my mind that VoteVets.org will continue to be a force - a strong voice of the veteran - for a long time to come, and why I'm proud to continue my affiliation with them."

Since returning from Iraq in 2003, Soltz has served in the U.S. Army Reserves, and was promoted to the rank of Major. From May to September 2003, Soltz served as a Captain during Operation Iraqi Freedom, deploying logistics convoys with the 1st Armored Division. During 2005, Soltz was mobilized for 365 days at Fort Dix New Jersey, training soldiers for combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. He also served his country with distinction in the Kosovo Campaign as a Tank Platoon Leader between June and December 2000.