BB.We proudly stand and applaud these American heroes — and we extend our deepest respect to the families who carry their legacy forward every single day

We proudly stand and applaud these American heroes — and we extend our deepest respect to the families who carry their legacy forward every single day. 🇺🇸

From Royce Williams (U.S. Navy, Ret.) to Eric Slover (U.S. Army), National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, and Scott Ruskan (U.S. Coast Guard), each name represents extraordinary dedication, sacrifice, and honor. Together, they remind us that courage is not abstract. It is lived — in cockpits and command posts, on training grounds and storm-tossed waters, in long nights away from home and quiet mornings of reflection after missions completed.

Capt. Royce Williams’ story is one that echoes across generations. As a naval aviator, he exemplified calm under pressure and devotion to mission above self. Long after the roar of jet engines faded, his legacy endured not just in military history books but in the example he set: humility paired with excellence. Retirement did not dim his commitment to service; it simply shifted its form. Veterans like him carry with them decades of experience, sacrifice, and leadership — and they continue to mentor, inspire, and remind us what steadfast duty truly looks like.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover represents another dimension of American service — technical mastery and unwavering reliability. The rank of CW5 is not easily earned. It reflects years of experience, trust, and specialized knowledge critical to mission success. In every branch of the armed forces, individuals like him become the backbone of operational strength. Their names may not always be widely known, but their impact is felt in every soldier trained, every system maintained, and every life safeguarded because of their expertise.

National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe embodies the dual commitment of citizen-soldiers. Members of the National Guard stand ready not only for overseas deployments but also for emergencies at home — natural disasters, crises, and moments when communities need steady hands the most. They balance civilian careers with military duty, often stepping away from families and livelihoods at a moment’s notice. That readiness — that willingness to say “I’ll go” — is a quiet heroism that deserves recognition far beyond a single ceremony or salute.

And Petty Officer Scott Ruskan of the U.S. Coast Guard reminds us that service does not always unfold in combat zones. Sometimes it happens in rescue missions amid violent storms, in maritime patrols protecting our shores, or in lifesaving operations few people ever witness. The Coast Guard’s motto, “Semper Paratus” — Always Ready — is more than a phrase. It is a promise. Every call answered, every life preserved at sea, reflects the courage and discipline of those who wear that uniform.

Yet behind every decorated service member stands a family whose strength often goes unseen.

Spouses who manage households during deployments. Children who learn resilience earlier than most. Parents who wait for safe returns with quiet prayers. These families do not choose the spotlight, but they carry the weight of service every bit as surely as the men and women in uniform. They endure missed birthdays, interrupted holidays, and months measured by letters, calls, or brief visits. Their sacrifice is woven into every commendation and every medal.

When we honor heroes, we must also honor those who support them. A uniform represents an individual, but it also represents a network of love and loyalty that makes that service sustainable. The legacy of courage does not end when a mission concludes or a career retires. It lives on in the values passed down — integrity, discipline, compassion, and commitment to something greater than oneself.

These heroes reflect the very best of our nation. Not perfection, but perseverance. Not pride without humility, but confidence grounded in responsibility. They remind us that freedom is sustained not by words alone, but by action — by those willing to stand watch when others sleep, to answer calls when others hesitate, and to serve even when the cost is high.

Their stories inspire young Americans who dream of wearing the uniform one day. They reassure communities that there are guardians ready to step forward in times of uncertainty. And they offer a powerful reminder that honor is not defined by applause, but by daily choices — choices made consistently, quietly, and faithfully.

So today, we stand and applaud.

We honor Capt. Royce Williams. We recognize Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover. We salute Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and Petty Officer Scott Ruskan. And we extend our deepest gratitude to the families who carry their legacy forward every single day.

Because heroism is not only found in history — it is alive in the men and women who serve, and in the loved ones who stand beside them.

May their dedication continue to inspire generations to come. 🇺🇸