Culpeper Star-Exponent: Local citizens share “Stories of Service” for Military Appreciation Month

CULPEPER STAR-EXPONENT

Local citizens recently shared “Stories of Service,” detailing the service of heroes in their lives who answered the call of duty.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, recounted some of those stories on the House floor to recognize Military Appreciation Month.

In her story, Lisa Harms from Stafford County recognized her daughter, 2nd Lt. Sabrina Harms, currently serving in the U.S. Air Force.

A UVA alumna, granddaughter of World War II and Korean War veterans and the niece of Vietnam and Persian War veterans, Harris is in her third year of medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and will graduate as a veteran-focused family medicine doctor next May.

Bonnie, of Stafford County, shared about her father, Jesse James Verling, a life-long Orange County resident. Verling never talked much of the details of his service in the Philippines and in the European Theater during World War II, she wrote.

However, following his passing, Bonnie opened his safe deposit box and discovered his military decorations — getting to understand more about her father’s brave and dedicated service on behalf of our country, according to Spanberger.

“Our nation owes an immense debt of gratitude to every one of our neighbors who put on the uniform. Thank you, Bonnie, for recognizing your father’s service and allowing me the opportunity to do so in the Congressional Record,” she stated this week on the House floor.

William Hosp from Prince William County shared about his father, William Brokaw Hosp Sr., who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, having enlisted straight out of high school. After seeing combat during the Battle of the Bulge, he was transferred to Okinawa following Germany’s unconditional surrender. He ultimately served on both fronts of the war.

“His resolve, courage and commitment to democracy are an inspiration — and I’m glad to have received his story and have the opportunity to recognize his service,” Spanberger said.

Stephen from Orange County, in his Stories of Service, recognized his father and two uncles who served during World War II, his brother who served in Vietnam and his brother who served stateside as a member of the detail at Fort Myer, responsible for interments at Arlington National Cemetery.

Stephen wrote, “As they say, freedom isn’t free, and we should all be thankful every day for those willing to pay the price.”