IFB Salutes vets
Idaho Farm Bureau employees saluted hundreds of local U.S. military veterans for their service Nov. 7 during the 13th Annual Farm Bureau Salute to Idaho Veterans.
The event takes place at the Farm Bureau Insurance Co. of Idaho headquarters in Pocatello and involves hundreds of veterans from the community and surrounding region.
“What a privilege to be here with you. I welcome you here to Farm Bureau and I thank you for your service,” Idaho Farm Bureau Federation President Bryan Searle told veterans. “You’re remembered and you’re appreciated. Thank you very much for your service.”
“Thank all of you for your service ... It’s an honor to host you,” said Todd Argall, president of Farm Bureau Insurance Co. of Idaho.
Argall, the son of a Korean War vet, told the veterans that the annual event is put on by Farm Bureau employees who consider it the highlight of their year.
“Their heart and soul goes into this event,” he said. “They tell us regularly that this is the most important event for them throughout the year.”
The Salute to Idaho Veterans is held before Veteran’s Day so it won’t interfere with the events held on that day by veterans’ organizations.
It includes a flag ceremony, a guest speaker, a free veteran group photo and individual photos for each veteran, and a complimentary Salute to Idaho Veterans commemorative coin.
The guest speaker this year was Capt. Chris Cassidy, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and NASA astronaut.
His 28-year career included four deployments –two to Afghanistan and two to the Mediterranean – and three missions to space.
He also led numerous combat missions.
During his NASA career, he spent 378 days in space and completed 10 spacewalks totaling almost 55 hours.
Cassidy said he has been privileged to travel around the country and attend a lot of veterans and military events “and I have to tell you, this is special. A special thanks to the Farm Bureau for putting this on … I’m so honored to be a part of (this celebration).”
The three winners of Farm Bureau’s Veterans Day essay contest for students – “What my family member’s service means to me” – read their winning entries during the event.
The 1st through 6th grade contest was won by Blake Collins of Pocatello, who won $250 for her winning entry.
The winner of the 7th through 9th grade category and a $500 prize was Eden Brown of Mountain Home Air Force Base.
The 10th through 12th grade contest was won by Felicity Mollett of Pocatello, who received $750 for her winning entry.
