“In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shank from this responsibility – I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavour will light our country and all who serve it — and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
~John F. Kennedy
Patriotism, Honor, and Gratitude for Service
Veteran’s Day is a chance for all Americans to remember those who give to our nation with patriotism, and love. As a family-owned restaurant, Hoffbrau Steaks values tradition and service above all. We also know that there is no greater act of love than that of service to another.
In the spirit of gratitude, and family love, we continue our own tradition, on the 11th of every month, of honoring all veterans with 50% off their favorite dish. But on this special day, we also want to share a great story.
Our Heroes
Kathy Webster knows quite a lot about service. As a wife and mother, many of us could attest that those jobs alone define heroism. An avid hockey fan, and
Kathy, one of the USAF (and Hoffbraus!) finest.
motorcycle enthusiast, this strong woman also serves Hoffbrau Steaks as our Office Coordinator.
Long before we were lucky enough to have her, though, Kathy was a big part of a wonderful family tradition, that includes her current husband, Pete Webster, his father (a Purple Heart WWII recipient), and also her first husband.
In 1980, and through 1984, Kathy served us in the United States Air Force. Looking back, Kathy says with pride that the “experience” itself was her biggest motivator. Ultimately, it added maturity and responsibility to her life.
The Military Experience
Those memories served her well, when her than 17 year old son, Jordan, came to her and expressed his desire to enroll in the Air Force. Kathy was happy to sign all the papers.
“It’s sad that people feel a sense of reluctance to let their children contribute in a military life. Many, many people feel a fear, or lack of information, or desire to keep loved one’s close that might prohibit them from following their dreams, and gaining all the great things the military can give to someone’s life. The experiences alone are amazing! It’s something I’m proud of.”
Staff Sgt. Jordan Killam smiles after receiving the Purple Heart Tuesday at the 21st Special Tactics Squadron.
Seven years, and three tours in Afghanistan later, Jordan Killam is a true American hero. A recipient of the Purple Heart, and the William H. Pitsenbarger Award for Heroism, Jordan recently re-enlisted. His role as combat controller is a difficult road; one that makes him hard to get a hold of sometimes, and required two full years of training.
Listening to his proud mother discuss her family and all that they’ve contributed to our nation, it’s not hard to see where these amazing qualities came from.
“It’s amazing to watch the amount of people in awe of my son, and it’s amazing to see people just want to thank him. Especially, the color guard, seeing their young faces, just wanting to shake Jordan’s hand. Jordan isn’t one who wants attention.”
Perhaps not, but the Pitsenbarger Award is worthy of a bit of attention. Only the elite are even considered, and the achievements, valor, and leadership that Jordan showed to receive his are deserving of more than a few accolades. Sustaining injuries, and with surrounding enemy combatants, Killam and others were able to show the composure and dedication by which we truly measure heroism.
But then again, he was raised by this same great woman who gently added how important it is to express gratitude to all our nation’s veterans. “I always try to thank people for their service; they might not know I’m a veteran.” Might be where some of his quiet modesty came from.
From the bottom of all of our hearts, here at Hoffbrau Steaks, we thank our nations Veteran’s; both past and present. Without each and everyone of you, we’d have so much less to be thankful for. And we remember that every day.
