Valor stories celebrate veterans

Jeff Petersen has served in the military for nearly 22 years. 

He joined the Idaho Army National Guard in December 2001 as a college student. He was commissioned as an engineer officer through ROTC while finishing his bachelor of arts degree. In 2010, he completed his doctor of physical therapy degree right before he was sent to Iraq, where was deployed from November 2010 to September 2011. 

In 2012, he transferred to the Washington National Guard and branch transferred from engineer to the Army Medical Department as a physical therapist. 

Also a physical therapist at Boundary Community Hospital, he is serving as the brigade physical therapist for the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the Washington National Guard. 

“If I could mention anything from my continuing time in the military, it is the support of my wife and kids,” he said. “She has sacrificed having me at home so that I could serve our country, including innumerable weeks and months of training, and my year-long deployment to Iraq in 2010.” 

“I have missed birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, family vacations and reunions, kids' sports, and so much more family time, and I can't remember an instance when she complained about me being gone, other than just missing having me around. I think the real celebration should be for the families of veterans and service members for their contribution to our country,” he said. 

Peterson's story is just one of the hundreds of tales from the men and women from Bonner and Boundary counties who have served their country.

Each year, the Bonner County Daily Bee and Bonners Ferry Herald share the stories of community residents, either of their service or that of a loved one. These stories are shared in "Valor," a special publication that captures the stories and photographs of those who have served with connections to Bonner and Boundary counties.

To honor our veterans, we are asking for the public's help in honoring these men and women by sharing their photos, stories, and service. If known, please share any awards and recognitions they earned, including the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, and Congressional Medal of Honor, to name a few.

We wanted to share these stories and honor our servicemen and women before the tales are lost.

In addition, we are gathering information on local service and military groups, veterans' services, and resources available to veterans and their families.

Our goal is to pay special tribute to our servicemen and servicewomen, paying special honor to those who have earned this country's highest honors.

The publication will include photos of our veterans. All are invited to send a service photo of those who served in their family, as well as information on the branch of service, years of service, and location of service. Stories and tales of their time in service are also welcomed and encouraged.

This keepsake publication will be published in the Nov. 7 editions of the Daily Bee and Bonners Ferry Herald.

Please send your photos and information by Oct. 24 to news@bonnercountydailybee.com.