This Veterans Day, tomorrow, November 11, let's reflect on the extraordinary sacrifices made by our local war heroes. As long-time residents and professional real estate experts in this remarkable community, we've witnessed firsthand how deeply our area honors those who served.

Omaha's Distinguished Military Heritage

Did you know that Omaha has a distinguished military heritage? 33 Medal of Honor recipients are buried here in Nebraska. Several of these heroes rest right here in the Omaha area, including Navy Ensign John Joseph Parle, who is buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Omaha. REFERENCE: Mohhsus, Mohhsus. Mohhsus. The National WWII Museum

Parle earned the Medal of Honor during Operation Husky in 1943 when he jumped into a landing ship and grabbed a flaming smoke pot, throwing it overboard to prevent an explosion that could have revealed the Allied invasion of Sicily. REFERENCE:The National WWII Museum.

Although he succumbed a week later from smoke and fumes inhaled, Parle's heroic self-sacrifice prevented grave damage to the ship and personnel. It ensured the security of a vital mission—REFERENCE:the National WWII Museum. According to the Naval Historical Center, Parle was the only Navy member to receive a Medal of Honor for actions performed in the Mediterranean and Atlantic theaters. REFERENCE:The National WWII Museum

Other Medal of Honor recipients buried in Omaha include Civil War veteran Andrew Traynor at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Indian Campaigns veteran John Mott (also buried as John M McMahon) at Forest Lawn Cemetery, and Spanish American War veteran James Meredith at St. Mary's Cemetery. Additionally, Civil War hero Jacob C. Miller rests at Cedar Dale Cemetery in nearby Papillion. REFERENCE:Omaha.comMohhsus

Nebraska veterans and war heroes have demonstrated remarkable courage and provided distinguished service across all conflicts. In total, 20 Medals of Honor have been awarded to the state of Nebraska, with another 8 Medal of Honor recipients born in Nebraska. REFERENCE:Nebraska State Historical Society

 

Remembering Our Fallen: Iraq and Afghanistan

We've seen a whole new generation impacted by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and the 20 years of war that followed during the Desert Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

War in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Freedom's Sentinel): This conflict began on October 7, 2001, and officially ended with the final U.S. withdrawal on August 30, 2021, lasting for nearly 20 years (19 years, 10 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days).

Iraq War (Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn): This conflict began on March 19, 2003, and primary U.S. combat operations concluded with the final troop withdrawal on December 15, 2011, lasting for nearly 9 years (approximately 8 years and 9 months).

Both conflicts were part of the larger Global War on Terror initiated after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan brought sacrifice close to home in Omaha.

Several local service members made the ultimate sacrifice, including Army Specialist Nathaniel A. Caldwell, 27, of Omaha, who was killed May 21, 2003, when his vehicle rolled over in Baghdad; Army Private First Class Eric Paul Woods, 26, of Omaha, who was killed by an explosion on July 9, 2005, in Iraq when he stopped to help a wounded soldier; and Army Staff Sergeant Tricia L. Jameson, 34, of Omaha, who was killed July 14, 2005, near Trebil, Iraq, when a roadside bomb exploded near her ambulance as it approached wounded Marines. REFERENCE:Yankton.netLincoln Journal Star

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class (SEAL) Caleb A. Nelson, 26, of Omaha, died on October 1, 2011, after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while conducting a combat patrol in Zabul province, Afghanistan. In 2022, Gold Star families unveiled memorial bricks at Memorial Park honoring 51 members of the 73rd Cavalry Regiment who were killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, including First Lieutenant Kevin Gaspers and Staff Sergeant Ken Locker Jr., both Nebraskans, who died in an attack in Iraq on April 23, 2007. REFERENCE:Omaha.com

These young men and women from our community answered the call to serve in America's longest wars, demonstrating the same courage and commitment as those who came before them.

Omaha honors veterans in our community very well. Memorial Park, located at 6005 Underwood Avenue near the Dundee neighborhood, was established as a memorial to all the men and women from Douglas County who have served in the armed forces. REFERENCE:Honor and remember the Nebraska Omaha Parks Foundation.

Monuments honor men and women of the armed forces who were killed or missing during service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. REFERENCE: Honor and remember Nebraska. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman came to Omaha to help dedicate Memorial Park, which was built through voluntary contributions totaling $233,732.59 from over 3,000 individuals, patriotic organizations, and businesses—an actual show of Omaha's generosity and patriotism. REFERENCE:Omahaparksfoundation

In 2021, the Airborne Memorial, Marine Medallion, and Victory '95 Memorial were relocated from Heartland of America Park to Memorial Park as part of the riverfront revitalization project, further consolidating Omaha's military memorials into a single location of honor. REFERENCE:Omaha.com

This Veterans Day, we encourage every Omaha resident to visit these memorials, attend local ceremonies, and take a moment to express gratitude to a veteran. Through their courage and sacrifice, they have safeguarded the American freedoms and values that make our community—and our nation—the place we're proud to call home.

Tomorrow, on Veterans Day, let's not only honor the memory of those who gave their lives but also support our living veterans and their families. Whether you're a veteran looking to find your forever home in this community that honors your service or a resident wanting to learn more about our area's rich military heritage, the Heim-Berg Team is here to help.

 

Contact the Heim-Berg Team

Phone: (402) 677 - 9024

Website: https://www.omahaarealiving.com/

Let's continue to make Omaha a community that honors its heroes—not just on Veterans Day, but every day of the year.

“Let’s never forget”