A significant number of military veterans work at HUD today - from the Vietnam-era's 2-year draftees to those who volunteered for the service and others who had a 20-year career. While many hairlines are receding and some are going gray, 32 former Army, Air Force and Navy members in Richmond - about one-third of the Virginia State office staff - were honored for serving their country then and continuing to serve today through HUD.

32 men and women who proudly served their nation serve again today through Richmond HUD; (right) a special "Honor Cake" was cut with Navy Veteran Dave Childress' ceremonial sword.

The memories were as fresh on Thursday, November 7th as they were when these men and women were on duty. And everyone was gratified at the tremendous turnout: more than 75 non-veteran HUD Richmond employees attended the observance, both to show their appreciation and to honor veterans who continue to serve their country through HUD.

Richmond staff enjoyed looking at "military days" pictures of their colleagues, which filled the conference table and captured many hearts.

In keeping with their civilian status, the event did not require parade dress, spit-shined shoes or buckles and buttons gleaming from many hours rubbing with Brasso and elbow grease. The vets gathered with their colleagues at HUD Richmond to tell stories and share photographs from their years in service to our country. Held to observe the Monday November 11th Veteran's Day holiday, the event was coordinated by Barry Brown, USA (ret.) who serves today as a HUD Richmond CPD representative. "November can be a bittersweet time for most veterans," said Brown. "For all the funny stories we may tell about our years in the service, there are as many, if not more, sad stories about good buddies who made the ultimate sacrifice. By gathering today to remember and reflect, we hope to honor the memory of those who have fallen in service to our country and show our support for those men and women who, this very day, stand and serve in harm's way in defense of our country and way of life."