While enjoying various Memorial Day festivities this month, I hope you will join me in pausing to reflect on the sacrifices of our country’s veterans and their families. I am especially thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms their service affords us in this great country of ours.

May is Military Appreciation Month, and in the words of John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”  

At Southeastern Indiana REMC, we are grateful to have veterans within our ranks, and we are proud to serve veterans and their families within our local community. In addition to providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, we care for the veteran community and show our appreciation through our actions and ongoing commitment to them and their families. 

Southeastern Indiana REMC is part of a network of more than 900 electric cooperatives across the country that support and honor our nation’s veterans of all generations. As part of our national association of electric cooperatives, spanning 48 states and serving 13% of U.S. consumers, there are countless programs that our family of electric co-ops has initiated. 

At the national level, we support the Vets Power Us program, which is aimed at employing and honoring veterans, active military and their spouses. This effort helps veterans understand potential career paths with electric co-ops and, in turn, provides co-ops with best practices in attracting, onboarding and retaining veterans.

The Department of Defense is one of the largest energy consumers worldwide and the single largest energy consumer in the U.S. We, like other electric co-ops across the country, work closely with military installations, providing electricity and partnering on various projects.

Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8, and Armed Forces Day on May 16. 

Southeastern Indiana REMC is proud to be a part of the electric cooperative network that honors and supports veterans of all ages, ranks and branches of the military. Please join us in taking a moment to show your appreciation to a veteran — not just this month, but every month.