San Antonio Area Foundation staff don’t need to look far to find a former service member to thank today on Veterans Day.
For Veterans Day 2024, the Area Foundation wanted to recognize and uplift those within our own ranks who have bravely put on a military uniform in representation of our country to defend our collective freedom.
For their service, we want to thank Arenda Burns, our Chief Operating Officer; Dorian Williams, Operational Strategist with our Learning & Development team; and Allen Blair, Project Coordinator with our Community Engagement and Impact team. We asked them to take a moment to reflect on their time wearing the uniform.
In which branch of the military did you serve?
Burns: U.S. Navy.
Williams: U.S. Air Force (25 years).
Blair: U.S. Air Force (seven years).
What does Veterans Day mean to you?
Burns: Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices and dedication of those who have served in the military. It is honoring the courage and resilience of those of us who have served, and the invaluable contributions to the safety and freedoms we enjoy. Veterans Day is also a reminder of the challenges many veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life, and a call to support them in every way possible. Your freedom is not free!
Williams: A day to show gratitude to those who put their lives in harm’s way to ensure Americans continue enjoying life’s daily freedoms. A day to reflect on the sacrifices, miracles, and commitment it took to serve. A day to celebrate life and to embrace Grace.
Blair: Veterans Day holds a profound significance for me and my family. With a legacy of service across generations, each of us has contributed in our own way — my father served in the Navy, my brother and I served in the Air Force, my two sisters served in the Army, and now my son continues this tradition in the Coast Guard. This day is a reminder of the sacrifices and dedication that bind us together, not just as family members, but as part of a larger community of men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation. Veterans Day honors the courage, resilience, and commitment of all who have worn the uniform, and it gives us an opportunity to reflect on the values of service, duty and patriotism that unite us across generations.
How does being a veteran inform your work at the Area Foundation?
Burns: Veterans are often trained to think quickly, make decisions under pressure, and adapt to changing circumstances. This ability to remain calm in stressful situations and to problem-solve creatively can make you a valuable resource when challenges arise in the workplace. The military fosters leadership skills and the ability to work effectively within a team. As a veteran, my experience in leading others, working in high-pressure situations and understanding the importance of collaboration make us an asset in team settings and in leadership roles.
Williams: It fuels a mission-first attitude, with helping people — who help people, as an outcome.
Blair: In my final active-duty role in the Air Force, I had the privilege of supporting sexual assault survivors, both military members and civilians working on base. While we operated within a military framework, we collaborated closely with nonprofit partners who played a vital role in meeting the diverse needs of our survivors. These partnerships underscored the profound impact nonprofits have within our community. Now at the Area Foundation, I am honored to contribute to strengthening these organizations and empowering them to make an even greater difference in our community.
Hernán Rozemberg is Executive Director of Marketing & Communications at the San Antonio Area Foundation.
