Devin Giovacchini
What branch of the military did you serve in?
US Navy
When did you serve?
I served from 1985-2009
Where were you stationed?
San Diego, Memphis, Washington D.C., Alameda, Norfolk, Raleigh, Naples (Italy)
What was/is your job in the military?
I started my career as an Aircraft Mechanic switched to Recruiting in 1993 and ultimately I taught Transition classes for folks leaving the military as a Career Counselor Chief in European and Middle Eastern theater of Operations.
Did your family travel with you?
Due to the distance, my family traveled with me when I was stationed in Memphis and of course while we lived overseas in Naples.
How long have you been in/back in Holly Springs?
We moved to Holly Springs initially in 1997 and moved back into our home after living abroad in Naples from 2005-2009.
Do you still feel compelled to serve your country?
Absolutely! I am proud to have worn the cloth of our nation for 24 years and I would do it again
What is your favorite Veteran organization?
I volunteer with The Military Missions in Action out of Fuquay-Varina. They are a great local group helping the lives of Veterans and Active Duty military members within our own community.
If a Holly Springs resident wants to do something special this May for Military Appreciation Month, what could you recommend?
There are several events happening for Armed Forces Day, such as the Wings Over Wayne Air Show at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro. Check your local media outlet for additional events. Thank someone in uniform for their service.
How does it make you feel when someone approaches you and says “Thank you for your service?” How do you respond?
This is a tough one because for most of us we view our service as a call to a higher purpose. I truly appreciate each and every time someone says that and will usually respond with a heartfelt “Thank YOU for your support of your Armed Forces” without the support from people here at home, the job overseas is much harder.
Cassandra Butler
What branch of the military did you serve in?
I served in the U.S. Army.
When did you serve?
2004-2008
Where were you stationed?
I was stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY with the 506th RCT, 101st Airborne Division. I served one tour in Iraq.
What was your job in the military?
I was a 74D Chemical Operations Specialist. I also served as my unit’s Radiation Safety Officer. Most of my job entailed training other soldiers how to respond in the event of a nuclear, biological, or chemical attack. Our focus was operation and reconnaissance in a contaminated environment as well as decontamination procedures.
Did your family travel with you?
My infant son was with me while I was at Ft. Campbell and stayed with extended family in Minnesota during my deployment.
How long have you been in/back in Holly Springs?
I have lived in Holly Springs since January 2015. I am originally from Minnesota but we moved here for my husband’s job. We are making this our permanent home.
Do you still feel compelled to serve your country?
I miss many things about the military and sometimes wish I was still serving. There is nothing like it. My family is currently my priority and I have no plans to serve again. Contributing to the community is my way of serving the country, and the great thing about that is that everyone can contribute positive things to the community. No signature needed.
What’s your favorite Veteran organization?
My favorite Veteran organization is the Wounded Warrior Project.
If a Holly Springs resident wants to do something special this May for Military Appreciation Month, what could you recommend?
I would recommend donating to the Wounded Warrior Project, offering small military discount if you run a business, or buy a vet a drink. Also, remember on Memorial Day, it’s not just a day off of work to have a BBQ… it has meaning.
How does it make you feel when someone approaches you and says “Thank you for your service?” How do you respond?
That doesn’t happen very often for me, I think because I’m female and even if they see signs of military service they assume it was my husband who served. Even at the VA hospital, patients have come up to me twice to ask for information because they assumed I worked there before it crossed there mind that I could be a patient. That being said, when I am thanked I usually express my appreciation back and say thank you to them.
Mike Patterson
What branch of the military did you serve in?
US Marine Corps
When did you serve?
1995-1999
Where were you stationed?
Yokosuka, Japan & Camp Lejeune
What was/is your job in the military?
I was an infantryman and I was also a part of the USMC Fleet Anti-Terrorism Battalion (FAST). I got out after 1999 and joined Army National Guard. I have served a total of 20 years. 4 in the USMC and 16 in the Guard. Two (2) mobilized deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Did your family travel with you?
No, single guy.
How long have you been in/back in Holly Springs?
Been in Holly Springs and surrounding area for 15 years
What’s your favorite Veteran organization?
Wounded Warrior
If a Holly Springs resident wants to do something special this May for Military Appreciation Month, what could you recommend?
Thank anyone you know that is a veteran. This is a tough day for most that have served. They may not let you know it, but it is.
How does it make you feel when someone approaches you and says ìThank you for your service?î How do you respond?
It makes me happy, in an emotional way.
