A Green Porch Light for U.S. Veterans, Please

On the 11th day, of the 11th month, we pay a special tribute to our veterans—honoring those who served in every war since our nation was founded. Whether it was the beaches of Normandy, the hills of Korea, the mountains of Afghanistan, the deserts of Iraq, or right here at home—these extraordinary men and women all heard the call of duty and answered it.

Integrity, service, courage, duty, honor, commitment, country and sacrifice are the words associated with veterans. That's why veterans are special.

Rotary Clubs International’s guest speaker on November 11, 2020 was Carmen Fulton, daughter of Rotarian Hermetta Paul of Marlin, Texas. To gain full appreciation of her message to all fellow Americans, one has to know where Ms. Fulton comes from; her high esteem and deep gratitude for our nation’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsman is personal.

She married Jonathan Futon, a former U.S. Marine, on February 17, 1986, almost 40years ago. During that time, she served her first three years in Terrajon, Spain as a Transportation Specialist, including Housing Authority and later as an augmentee during Desert Shield/Desert Storm in support of branches of the United States military forces.

On her return to the United States, Ms. Futon was assigned to the National Security Agency (NSA), Fort Mead, for three years, then to Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, still in Transportation. However, having been cross-trained for Personnel, Ms. Fulton’s next assignment was as a Personnel/Human Resource Specialist at Andrews Air Force Base. While there, she continued her degree plan towards a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources. While there, again, Ms. Fulton was further trained as a recruiter for the United States Air Force, transferred to Oxnard, California for three years, then back to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas until 2003. Carmen Fulton transferred to Robbins Air Force Base, Georgia. Carmen Fulton’s last assignment was in Fresno, California, as a Health Professional Recruiter. She retired in 2007.

Carmen Fulton’s formal education includes an Associate of Arts Degree from the Community College of the U.S. Air Force, Bachelor of Science Degree from Wayland Baptist University in Plano, Texas, Masters of Business Administration/Project Management from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Alabama. Ms. Fulton attained her Doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University, Alabama. 

Carmen Fulton’s career path after retirement has included Department of Agriculture EEO Specialist in Washington, D.C.; Programs Specialist, Veterans Administration in Dublin, Georgia; Congressional Specialist of the Rock Island Arsenal (multi-locations); and Affairs Specialist at Waterliet Arsenal in Waterliet, New York. Ms. Fulton currently holds the position of Contract Manager for the State of Texas.

Throughout her career, Ms. Fulton has witnessed the sacrifices, bravery, and the example set for us all by United States soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsman. She enhanced the tribute, sharing the importance of supporting our U.S. veterans and the Story of the Green Porch Lights by Megan Favignano Josephine magazine, June 17, 2016.

“A new movement has people replacing their porch lights with bulbs that glow green. The green lights are part of an initiative to “greenlight” veterans. The lights are intended to recognize veterans and greenlight them forward as members of their communities as they return home from service. About 250,000 military personnel transition back to civilian life each year, according to a website dedicated to Greenlight a Vet.”

“People are encouraged to share their support of veterans by taking a picture of their green porch light and posting it on social media with the hashtag “greenlightavet.”

“The initiative started with Walmart. Walmart spokeswoman Shelene Treptow says it is centered in the Veterans Day holiday. Other organizations, including the Institute for Veterans and Military Families; Team Red, White and Blue; Team Rubicon; Hire Heroes USA; and Blue Star Families, joined Walmart in its Greenlight A Vet initiative.”

“Through this initiative, the organizations involved try to find other ways to “greenlight” a vet, including job-training programs geared toward veterans.”

Rotary International’s Club in Marlin salutes each veteran soldier, sailor, airman, Marine and Coast Guardsman, “Thank you for your service.”