Opinion - Letters to the Editor

POSTED: Friday, Jun. 26, 2009

Support veteran-owned businesses

Like veterans before them, during turbulent times, when veterans finally come home they work hard to "reintegrate" into society - taking jobs or starting businesses.

But do folks realize there are hundreds of taxpaying, veteran-owned, small businesses in our area? There are: from coffee shops and oil change stations to doctors and consultants.

Unlike the "corporate bail-outs," Veteran business owners want to earn your business and aren't looking for a handout - or even a hand up.

Why take the extra effort to support veteran-owned businesses?

Consider:

? At some point, that veteran stepped up, raised their hand and swore to protect our freedoms and our way of life.

? They signed what amounted to a personal check, made out to the U.S. government, for an amount of "up to and including my life." They were willing to risk everything.

? Veterans cross all socio-economic boundaries. Race, sex or sexual orientation - everyone that has honorably served our country is equally represented.

If being valued for your business and treated with honesty and respect is important to you, buy veteran.

Then take a moment to say, "Thank you for your service to our country."

It means a lot.

Tim Reid

Bellingham

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