LMC Salutes Veteran Employees

The League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors honored League staff veterans at the November Board Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7.

LMC Litigation Attorney Julia Kelly, who served in the U.S. Army on active duty as a judge advocate until 2020 followed by two years in the U.S. Army Reserves, shared some thoughts on her time serving her country.

“Ignorance is bliss, and often, the reality of suffering and sacrifice is something we want to shield our loved ones—especially our children—from, but I think blissful blindness often weakens our ability to confront future threats and confront future obstacles,” Kelly said. “Veterans in particular don’t want their suffering and sacrifices to be repeated or to feel that their suffering and sacrifices were pointless.”

Kelly shared she believes the best way to honor veterans is to take time to visit memorials and museums, listen to stories, watch documentaries, and never forget.

The League was also presented with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Freedom Award, which is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of their employees who have served in the National Guard and Reserve. Only 435 organizations or companies across the United States have received the award.

LMC Litigation Attorney Patrick Arneson awarded League of Minnesota Cities Executive Director Luke Fischer with an ESGR Patriot Award, which specifically recognizes individual bosses and supervisors who support National Guard and Reserve employees.

“I nominated Luke for this because he has provided great leadership to not only all things LMC, but particularly supporting the armed forces here,” Arneson said. “He has taken a very personal role in that by reaching out to me, calling me, thanking me for my service by phone and by email, and at least one time coming into my office in person.

“It’s hard to maintain a professional job and serve in the military unless you have support from your employer.”

LMC President Justin Miller also shared a few words while recognizing all eight staff veterans.

“Coming from somebody who didn’t serve, I just can’t express my gratitude enough for those who have served and given us all the freedoms that we have,” Miller said.