In this week’s issue, we’ve put a special focus on veterans — more so than we’ve done in years.

Our top story is about Larry Gann, a retired U.S. Army colonel who grew up in Golden and on Saturday was inducted into the Arkansas Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame. Our No. 2 story is a submitted one, a great piece about how Exeter and Cassville students are sending Christmas cards to every sailor on the USS Shoup stationed in the Middle East. 

The final front page story is about Dan Prier, a Butterfield native who recently marked the grave of his grandfather, whose grave was previously unmarked, and whose grandfather served under our first president.

Throughout Barry County — over hundreds of years — men and women have served our country valiantly. 

I’m writing this piece on Monday, and on Wednesday (today if you get the paper when we intend to deliver it), I’ll be at the Cassville Performing Arts Center for the Veterans Day assembly, an incredible display year after year of reverence to the women and men who have served our country valiantly.

Every year, the programs at our schools in Barry County remind me of the sacrifices our friends and neighbors make for our freedom. To be in the presence of folks who have served 15, 20 or 30 years — or more — to our nation’s well-being is nothing less than inspiring. 

They don’t do it for any party or any president. They do it for freedom — for you.

My grandpa served in the Navy through WWII, and I wish he was still around these days for me to hear about his campaigns stateside or abroad.

My uncle served in the Navy, fortunately void of any action but still committing 30-plus years to our nation. My cousin did the same in the Navy. My only brother has been serving abroad for a decade. 

I say that to say that I’m in awe of our relatives, friends and neighbors who serve.

It takes a certain kind of person to commit to an idea, a structure, a purpose. 

And, it’s not only men serving abroad. In this week’s issue, we have a piece on Hilda Howell, a “Rosie” who during WWII served her country valiantly — and is keen to tell you about it.

These servicemen and servicewomen show us the best of ourselves. They don’t typically care about parties or politics. They love their country, and they fought for it.

Our new generation is doing the same, answering the call. The cards to the USS Shoup are for Cassville graduate Charlie Seymour and his fellow sailors. I wish I could be there to capture the moments when they first see them.

Bob Mitchell, our former publisher and owner, was a proud Navy man. I’ll never forget the hours I spent at his house in Chinquapin Woods looking at photos from his days in the service where he was a photographer. 

I wish back then he had a digital camera. As someone who never worked with film for a newspaper, I’m in awe of how he used his talents overseas and translated that skill to home.

So many of our veterans transfer their skills here, and often times, they struggle to exist in the place they know so well — tarnished by the memories of experiences that continually haunt them.

Of all the veterans I’ve interviewed over the years, the one who stands out the most was a man who served in the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion. He an African American man who loved this country more than many could ever imagine. He served in Vietnam, and when I thanked him for his service post-interview, he broke down crying. 

“You’re only the second person who has ever thanked me,” he said. 

He deserved so much more.

On this Veterans Day, it’s for my grandpa, my uncle, my cousins, my brother, and all the men and women who’ve never received those two simple words — “Thank You” —  who I give the deepest reverence.

If you don’t have a primary family member in the service, ask your friends or acquaintances about theirs. 

You’ll find pride in their stories, ones that are worth telling and passing down. 

Their level of dedication is something we should all revere in this day and age.

Thank you, veterans.

Kyle Troutman has served as editor of the Cassville Democrat since 2014 and owner/publisher since 2023. He is a four-time ISWNE Golden Dozen award winner. He may be reached at 417-847-2610 or [email protected].