In Recognition of our Military Veterans on this Day of Importance

Most Americans are familiar with Veteran’s Day being a federal holiday celebrated in November each year.  But, few actually know how Veteran’s Day began or the significance of this day of recognition.

What Is Veteran’s Day?

This important holiday is a day dedicated to American veterans of all wars. (Veterans Day 2023: Founding, Fact & Meaning (history.com)).   Veteran’s Day traces its beginnings back to November 11, 1918 on which date an armistice was declared between the Allied Nations and Germany during World War I.  Because of the temporary ceasefire held on that day, many countries began recognizing November 11th the following year as Armistice Day (Veterans Day 2023: Founding, Fact & Meaning (history.com)).  In 1938, Armistice Day became a federal holiday in the United States, and after the Korean War came to an end, the name of Armistice Day was changed to Veteran’s Day (Veterans Day 2023: Founding, Fact & Meaning (history.com)).

Recognizing our Veterans

At Superior Plus Propane, we are proud to employ veterans from the U.S. military branches who have bravely served and sacrificed to protect the freedoms of our nation. In honor of our employees who have brought their military experience to their roles with us at Superior Plus, we are sharing with you just a few of the veterans who are part of the Superior Plus Propane family.

• Colby Ricker, Corporal, U.S.M.C: Colby served in the Marine Corps for four years from 2014-2018. When asked about his military service, Colby replied, “Being a veteran means a lot to me, because it helped me build myself and hold myself to higher standards.” Colby currently is the delivery dispatcher for Cash Energy in Scarborough, Maine.
• Scott Giguere, Captain, U.S. Army: Scott served as a Calvary Scout in the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment of the Army for four years. Following that, he served four more years in the reserves and retired as a Captain. Scott is “very proud to be a veteran,” as he feels “fortunate to have been given the opportunity to wear the uniform of this nation and defend the freedoms that make this the greatest country in the world.” Scott is the Market Manager for the Rindge, NH and Ashburnham, MA locations of Superior Plus Propane.
• Rob Green, Master Sergeant, Navy: Rob served four years of active duty in the Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea, where he made a World Cruise, a Mediterranean Cruise, and several Caribbean Cruises and experienced several deployments. After leaving active duty, Rob joined the Navy Reserves and served an additional two years before transferring the New York Air National Guard with the 174th Fighter Wing at Hancock Field in Syracuse, NY. After a combined twenty-three years of service, Rob retired in 2005. Rob believes his military service is the best thing he did for himself.  When asked about his time in the military, Rob said, “I learned leadership skills, service before self, teamwork, sacrifice, brotherhood, technical skills, world travel and culture.  I learned about excellence and pushing myself further and harder than I thought possible.  I was privileged to have been associated with many admirable people.  Veterans have an unspoken brotherhood.  We know we have each other’s backs.”  Rob is currently the Western New York Market Manager for Superior Plus Propane.
• George Smith, Staff Sergeant, Army National Guard: George served an impressive thirty-one years in the Army National Guard, and retired as a Staff Sergeant in 2013. After completing his military career, George began a career in the propane industry. He currently is the Operations Manager for Freeman Gas in Roebuck, S.C.
• Eddie Inman, Petty Officer 3rd Class, Navy: Eddie began his military career in 1978 in the Navy.  During his service, he was aboard the nuclear aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz.  He saw many places in the world, such as Italy, Monte Carlo, Africa and Israel.  Though that sounds glamorous, Eddie was aboard the USS Nimitz during The Gulf of Sidra Incident, in which Libyan fighter pilots fired at U.S. planes in the gulf. Tragically, fourteen lives were lost that day.  When Eddie retired from Active Duty, he joined the Reserves. His military career spanned 14 years total. When Asked about his time in the Navy, Eddie said he takes “extreme pride in serving his country and never expected any kind of return or reward for doing so.” When asked if he would do it all again, without hesitation and in a firm voice, Eddie replied, “I am glad that I served and would not change a thing”.  Eddie currently is a bobtail driver in Lumberton, NC.
• Neil Fogt, Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force: Neil served in the Air Force for twenty-three years, during which time he worked in the aircraft maintenance field on C-5 and C-130 aircraft.  When asked to reflect on his military service and Veteran’s Day, Neil responded, “I feel we are blessed to live in this country and that the veterans serving today and in the past should be remembered for their sacrifices.   Veteran’s Day is a day to reflect on our history and thank the men and women who served to preserve our freedoms.”  Neil currently works as a Propane Specialist II in Troy, OH at Earhart Propane.
• Chris Alvarez, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S.M.C: Chris spent twenty-two years in the Marines.  He retired as a Gunnery Sergeant in 2015. During his active duty, he served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and 2004. When asked what being a veteran means to him, Chris responded, “Being a veteran means honor, freedom, sacrifice and selfless service.” Chris brings the values he learned from his experience in the Marines to his role as the territory sales representative for Kamps Propane and Pick Up Propane in Jurupa Valley, CA.
• Christopher Sams, Master Sergeant, U.S.M.C.: Christopher entered boot camp immediately after high school, and served as a Bulk Fuel Specialist in the Marines for over twenty-two years before retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2018. He served alongside his long-time friend and now co-worker, Chris Alvarez in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and 2004. According to Christopher, “there are no words that can express what it truly means to be a Veteran–to have the opportunity to be a part of America’s elite fighting force in readiness, earning the title Untied States Marine and to carry on the legacy even after leaving active duty, to be part of something greater than myself, to serve and protect my loved ones and our country.” Chris believes, “Veteran’s Day is a special day as we remember those who have gone before us and paid the ultimate sacrifice in support of a great nation.”  He has a “sense of pride for those who stepped up and answered the call in defense of a grateful nation.” Christopher is currently our Assistant Manager, Northern Territory Dispatcher, for Pick Up Propane in Manteca, CA.

Superior Plus Propane Expresses our Gratitude

Superior Plus Propane’s family includes many military veterans in various roles throughout our company, and we wish we could have featured every single one of them today.  We are honored and proud to have these fine men and women be a part of our family. We our grateful to them and all veterans for their dedication, service and sacrifice on this important day of recognition and all year long. We hope that you find time today to recognize the veterans in your life.