Discipline, respect and leadership are among the skills these veterans say they developed in the military
The Community Cafe of Penobscot hosted a Veterans Day Luncheon on Nov. 9, honoring over a dozen veterans and their families. Photo by Jessi Hardy.
Nov. 11, 2026
By Jessi Hardy
Every year on Nov. 11, the nation pauses to remember those who have fallen and to honor the veterans who are still here today. To mark Veterans Day, The Rising Tide spoke with local veterans to hear in their own words how military service shaped them, instilling discipline, camaraderie, and purpose in their lives.
Harold Shaw, Private First Class, U.S. Army
I learned a lot about discipline. And working as a team. And that's really the main thing. I enjoyed it. I loved the time I was in. I loved basic training, and later the band training and serving in the band later on. And it was just a great experience, and kids today really should seriously consider it.
Photo by Jessi Hardy
Reggie Nevells, U.S. Navy
It took me from a little redneck boy into a man. [I served on the] U.S.S. Connole, D.E. 1056. Three years on the ship, I loved it. I was a sonar man, hunting Russian submarines. I handled everything from a Colt 45 pistol to nuclear bombs. Imagine me with a nuclear bomb in my arms? You had two of them on board.
Photo by Jessi Hardy
Marlene Robinson, U.S. Air Force
It taught me confidence, leadership, how to follow, because you can't lead if you can't follow. And how to try to be a better person in society.
Photo by Jessi Hardy
Joe McGraw, U.S. Army
Gave me discipline. They have plenty of discipline and plenty of quarter [mercy]. It gave me [skills] to face whatever I need to face.
Photo by Jessi Hardy
David Basset, U.S. Air Force
I learned respect for other people in other countries.
Photo by Jessi Hardy
Ray McVay, U.S Coast Guard
Well, first of all, boot camp is one thing you'll never forget as long as you live. Second, you have to grow up and become responsible. To get ready for life.
Ray McVay from 1971 in uniform. Photo courtesy of Ray McVay.
Debra Alley, U.S Air Force
I loved my military service. It makes you realize the importance of truly being a part of a team, and something much bigger than your momentary wants or needs. You must truly be prepared to do your job above and beyond expectation. Whatever your part is. Not everyone flies the plane. It takes so very many others to get the mission done. People are depending on you, and excuses are not an option
Debra Alley, left, in 1991. Photo courtesy of Debra Alley.
Seth Eaton, U.S. Army
My military service has shaped me immensely, both personally and professionally. It has opened my eyes to opportunities, experiences, and perspectives I may not have otherwise encountered. One of the things I find most remarkable about the military is its diversity. You have the opportunity to work alongside people from all walks of life, different cultures, religions, and backgrounds, all brought together by a shared purpose.
Sean Eaton standing next to his grandmother in 2023. Photo courtesy of Sean Eaton.
Faith Gabel, U.S. Army
The military has shaped me in more ways than I can put into words. It broke me down, challenged me, and ultimately built me into the person I am today. Before enlisting, I was a nervous, shy, and anxious person who often lacked confidence in myself. The Army pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me become stronger, bolder, more confident, courageous, outspoken, and disciplined in everything I do … I can honestly say the military didn’t just change me; it helped me discover strengths within myself that I didn’t even know I had. It made me realize just how much I am capable of.
Photo Courtesy of Faith Gabel.
Chip Roskom, U.S Army
My service has made me love others harder, be bolder, and fearless … Two months after I graduated high school, I signed up for active duty Army. My mother's eyes instantly became wet when I told her I joined the Army. I said, ‘Please don't worry mom, I want to go out into the world to help people that don't have any help at all, and I have faith that God knows my heart and will watch over me.
Chip Roskom with his children in 2014. Photo courtesy of Chip Roskom.
Jason McFarland, Marine
The bottom line is it forced me to make my own prioritizations in life. There were many days that I woke up in the morning fully realizing I may not survive to see the evening. However, to some degree that excited me, that was the reason I had joined the Marines to begin with. I wrote letters back home to my family whenever I had the chance. I remember saying the Lord’s Prayer every single time we went “out of the wire” (basically means going out beyond protection of your base). When you are in life or death situations with other men, it’s going to shape you and change you, even though you don’t realize that in the moment. After being all over the U.S. for training and overseas, I do remember thinking at one point in Iraq: ‘Geez, if I make it back out of here I guess Maine isn’t such a terrible place to be after all. Maybe I’ll settle down and start up a business doing something more relaxing.’ So here I am mowing lawns.
McFarland in 2016, holding his son Owen. Photo courtesy of Jason McFarland.
