Since 1954, the United States has observed a National Veterans Day. The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs has succinctly defined this as a day “set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime…. [It is] intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty” (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Day Frequently Asked Questions, updated July 20,2015, retrieved November 9, 2017).
Here at the State Archives, we want to honor the service and sacrifice of our veteran employees and those with family currently serving in the armed forces by sharing a little bit about each individual’s experience.
Nova Dubovik (left) with her husband, around 2009.
Nova Dubovik served in the United States Air Force for 23 years in maintenance (Aircraft Structural Maintenance). She worked at Barksdale Air Force base in Louisiana maintaining a variety of plane models. She was working during the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (signed in 1991 between the United States and the Soviet Union) and had to travel to the Arizona Boneyard to watch B-52 Bombers “guillotined” per the treaty.
Allen Guglielmotto at the Archives, November 2017.
Allen Guglielmotto served in the United States Air Force for more than 20 years. He received 3 Air Force Commendation medals as a Fighter Jet Mechanic. Some of his favorite memories include the opportunity to work in 12 countries (including Egypt) and riding in an F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1984.
Brian Carpenter in uniform at 18.
Brian Carpenter also served in the United States Air Force for 4 years as a top secret aerial photographer. His time in the James Bond-esque lab filled with top secret machines and working with pictures of the Russians, was a great experience that set him on his path to the Utah State Archives Reformatting Program.
Lisa Catano at the Utah State Records Center, 2017
Lisa Catano served in the United States Air Force for 4 years with the “Orderly Room,” which in civilian t erms means administration. Lisa specifically worked with human resources and personnel for a mobile communication unit. She looks back on it as a great experience.
Dakota Stringham (son of employee Heidi Stringham) is one of the newest United States Marine Corps recruits. He entered boot camp in August of this year (2017) with the intention of working with logistics (moving people and equipment). So far it has been a learning experience for both mother and son, but Heidi couldn’t be more proud of Dakota.
The Utah State Archives and Records Service Division thanks the thousands of men and women worldwide that make our world a safer place. We will continue to work with Utah’s Division of Veterans and Military Affairs to preserve their records and ensure that the service and sacrifice of our Utah Veterans is remembered for generations to come.