Today is Veterans Day, and it’s a time to remember and appreciate those who served in the nation’s armed forces.

Greene County Veteran Affairs Director Mike Bierl says Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day at the end of World War I and it was changed to Veterans Day in 1954. Being a U.S. Air Force veteran himself, Bierl thanks all veterans for their service to our country.

“I just would like to give a big salute to all those who have worn the uniform (and) sacrificing time away from family or have done in the past. So our hats off to those, and especially those who have lost family (and) friends.”

Bierl also provides services for area veterans and encourages those who haven’t sought him out to do so.

“You can imagine, there’s some exposure elements that occured back in the Vietnam War that impacted a lot of our veterans, and in some cases severely. So there’s help out there for that. I hear a lot of times that some people think that other people deserve it more than them so that’s why they may not come in. So if you have any doubt in your mind that you’re eligible for anything, or wondered, please let me know.”

Bierl recommends veterans to bring their DD214, or military separation papers, along with descriptions of where they served and what happened to better help him connect them with the services they need. Contact Bierl at 515-386-5673 or through email at mbierl@co.greene.ia.us. To hear more from Bierl, listen to today’s Community State Bank in Paton Let’s Talk Greene County program.