OUR VIEW: Schow's leadership appreciated

We congratulate Ogden native Terry Schow's election as president of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs. It's an honor well-deserved for Schow, who serves as executive director of the Utah Department of Veterans Affairs.

Schow has a long history of service to his country and veterans. More than 40 years ago, he volunteered to serve in the Army. He served with the Army's Special Forces in Vietnam. His Army service included time with the 5th and 10th Special Forces Groups and the 25th Infantry Division.

Recently, Schow, along with many others working for veterans, was instrumental is getting a $20 million veterans nursing home built in Ogden. As that much-needed dream becomes a reality, Schow is helping with another goal. He wants a veterans center in the Top of Utah that will provide counseling services for vets who served in combat.

"We've got a lot of young men and women from Davis and Weber counties who are serving their country. And for things like post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues, they need a place close by where they can get the help they have earned," Schow said.

We hope that vets center becomes a reality. We can't do enough for those who risk their lives to defend our nation and keep us safe.

Schow's NASDVA election will provide him the opportunity to work very closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington D.C. and testify at U.S. House and Senate Veteran Affairs committees.

He'll still be our veterans affairs director in Utah as well. In fact, Schow's 25-plus-years career includes stints as the Utah State Comander of the American Legion, commander of the Ogden American Legion Post and commander of Disabled American Veterans.

We're lucky to have people like Schow, who have devoted their lives to keeping us safe and making sure our vets receive the appreciation they deserve.