A Veterans Day Message from A Grateful Family
Dear Rebel Family,
I want to take a moment today to honor and reflect. For our family, Veteran’s Day holds a special place in our hearts. In case you are new here, Justin (above with the stache and TP in his hand), served in the United States Marine Corps from 2001 through 2004 and served 2 tours in Iraq. This iconic picture was taken 20 years ago, this month, at the Forward Operating Base Kalsu in Iraq. I want to share why this day—and the Veterans we honor today—mean so much to us.
Serving is more than wearing a uniform and showing up when duty calls. It’s countless birthdays missed, family gatherings left empty, holidays spent far from home, and those unforgettable “see you later” moments. A veteran voluntarily pledges to defend our nation—they surrender time, comfort, and their own sense of security so that we may have ours.
Behind every service member, there’s a family who serves in ways we often don’t see or recognize. Spouses who hold down the fort, children who grow up quickly, parents who keep an anxious watch, hoping and praying for safe returns. These families also live with the weight of uncertainty, constantly adjusting to life’s rhythms without their loved one by their side.
And it still doesn’t end there. Serving in war, veterans experience trauma unlike anything we can imagine. It’s a type of trauma that leaves a deep mark—not just on those who served, but on their entire family. This weight, this unseen burden, doesn’t fade after the homecoming celebrations. It remains, weaving itself into daily life, often impacting every member of the family. And for many, this impact is felt across generations, shaping lives in ways that can’t be easily understood.
As a Veteran family ourselves, we know what it means to stand together, work through tough times, and support each other no matter what. Knowing our kids will be the decision makers in 20-30 years, we talk often about sacrifice and how “Nobody wins in war”. Our girls will sure as hell understand the full sacrifice made when we send our men and women to war.
To every veteran and every family member who has given so much—we see you, we honor you, and we thank you. Your courage, resilience, and dedication reminds us daily of the freedom we have to pursue what we love, here at Rebel. Today and every day, we are grateful for your strength, your sacrifice, and your unwavering dedication to our country.
Because we give a damn,
Justin, Jenni and Family