On Independence Day, we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. We gather with family, reflect on our country and community, and watch fireworks light up the sky in honor of a nation founded on bold ideals. For many, this holiday is more than a tradition, it’s a reminder of the values that shape our nation.

Among those who hold these values closest are the people who choose to serve in the U.S. military. Their reasons for joining are as varied as the people themselves. Some feel a deep calling to serve their country. Others seek challenge, structure, or the opportunity to be part of something larger than themselves. But at the heart of their decision lies a shared commitment to ideals like liberty, democracy, camaraderie, and duty. These principles have defined our country since its founding.

Those same values are what continue to guide service members as they transition from active duty service to careers and lives as veterans. The military cultivates qualities that aren’t just admirable, they’re valuable. Courage, integrity, discipline, teamwork, and adaptability are just a few qualities that come to mind. These are not just military traits; they are leadership traits. They are the qualities that make veterans a powerful force in every community and every workplace they enter.

Veterans understand responsibility. They know that success is built on preparation, follow-through, and supporting the team. They don’t back down from a challenge, and they don’t walk away from a commitment. These are not soft skills. They are core competencies that turn into a strong workplace culture.

It’s important to remember that military service is rooted in a belief in something bigger than the individual. That belief doesn’t disappear when someone transitions out of uniform. Veterans bring with them the same dedication to purpose and the same desire to make a meaningful contribution.

On July 4th, as we remember the birth of our nation and the bold choices that made it possible, we should also take a moment to appreciate the people who continue to live out those ideals. Service, sacrifice, and commitment to a higher cause are not things of the past. They are lived out every day by the military and veteran community, right here in Arizona.

Carry the spirit of Independence Day past July 4 and commit to creating opportunities for veterans to lead, contribute, and thrive. Among our greatest strengths as a nation is the character of those who serve.