This Veterans Day, we asked one of our own — Sayville alumnus and veteran General Richard Sele — to share a message with our alumni community. Here it is, in his own words.

As we approach Veterans Day this election season, it made me think hard about what it means to repay the debt we owe vets. To be clear, when I speak about vets, I’m referring to those still serving and those who have served.

You’ll often hear about the “contract” America has made with its veterans. That contract covers a lot of things. Healthcare, fair pay and benefits, education benefits, training, treating vets with respect and dignity, and an appreciation for their sacrifices to name a few. These are all important, but they do not mean as much if we do not have leaders at the national level to protect that contract. In my view, electing and selecting the best possible leadership is the most important way we can begin to repay that debt. This is something that transcends party lines.

Leaders at the top are the ones responsible for ensuring policies and actions reflect what is best for our vets. The genuine respect they pay to vets is like a compass that guides Americans’ attitudes and values toward vets. Vets must be able to trust that their leaders at every level will do all they can to support them. Support is reflected in morals and principles, legislation, tangible things like the ones I already mentioned, and exercising sound judgment.

I’m proud to be a veteran, proud of the vets in my family, and proud of every person who has ever taken and adhered to the oath to support and defend the Constitution. Have a very happy Veterans Day.

— General Richard Sele