Dearborn Calls for Increased Support for Servicemembers at Veterans Day Ceremony

Dearborn's annual Veterans Day ceremony turned the discussion on Friday to the issues servicemembers face when returning home from combat–with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, injury and joblessness all possibilities they face.

"Are we doing enough?" Mayor Jack O'Reilly asked at the ceremony, held to honor Dearborn's Veteran of the Year, as well as recognize current and past servicemembers for their service.

But part of thanking them for their service, O'Reilly said, is making sure they have plenty of good things to come home to.

"What are we doing when they complete their service? How are we making sure that they can come back and get on with their lives?" O'Reilly asked. "No matter when we send our brave soldiers overseas, we’ve had that challenge of them being able to come back and be part of society again."

O'Reilly suggested that it's the obligation of communities to honor those who protect the country year round–not just on Veterans Day. One person who has exemplified that effort, O'Reilly said, is Veteran of the Year Richard Fleek.

Fleek, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1985-1992, is the commander of the VFW Lt. Archie Kelly Post 2107, serves on the executive board of the American Legion Post 364, is a member of the Catholic War Veterans and is the adjutant for the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council.

An emotional Fleek said at the ceremony that he credits his family and his fellow veterans for his passion for volunteer efforts.

"When I first came to the American Legion, they welcomed myself and my family and gave us guidance," Fleek said. "Without them leading the way, there’s no way people like me would step up here and follow their footsteps."