Veterans Day this year may be more poignant than most.

Not only is it a time to remember and thank those who have served and continue to serve in the armed services, but it comes on the heels of the recent massacre on a military base in Texas and the death in central Asia of a soldier from Fort Richardson.

Thirteen people died and 38 others were wounded when an army psychiatrist allegedly opened fire Nov. 5 at Fort Hood. Among the dead was physician Mike Cahill, who has family in Bethel. He was the only civilian, according to reports. On Nov. 4, Specialist Julian Beresford died during a rocket-propelled grenade and small-arms-fire attack in Afghanistan. The 25-year-old paratrooper had served in Alaska for about a year before heading to central Asia last March. The West Virginia resident leaves behind a wife and a daughter. The little girl was about to celebrate her first birthday. Her father had planned to take two week’s leave to be home for her party, according to The Intelligencer newspaper of Wheeling, W.V.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these people. And to the men and women of the U.S. military who face, or are prepared to face, the risk of life or limb every day — and do it all in the name of duty and service. They deserve our utmost support, respect and gratitude.

This also is a time to acknowledge the work of those involved in TAPS or the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. This non-profit helps those who are enduring grief over the loss of a loved one killed in the line of duty.

To contribute, donate or learn more about this group, go to www.taps.org or call its toll-free number, 1-800-959-TAPS (8277).

Good news for

Fort Greely

The Obama administration has decided to build 14 interceptor silos there. Initially, there were concerns that it would scale back the ground-based missile defense program, but it recently gave the green light to constructing the silos in Missile Field 2.

Missile defense spending near Delta Junction has been an economic blessing, according to a recent story in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. It contributes as much as $65 million a year to the region.

H1N1

Just as in the rest of the country, Alaska public health officials have not received adequate doses of the H1N1 vaccine to fight swine flu as quickly as originally expected.

Whatever they get they’re distributing to priority groups first such as pregnant women, infants, health-care and emergency responders, and people with chronic-health issues. Many local clinics and pharmacies have requested vaccinations. More shipments are expected to arrive this week in communities across House District 12 like Delta Junction, Glennallen, and Valdez.

Some people question whether getting vaccinated is a good idea, but most folks who’ve contacted my office want information on the local availability of vaccinations.

Once shipments arrive, they are expected to go quickly. Check with your local pharmacy or clinic whether the vaccines are available or call the state’s public health hotline at 1-888-972-6358.