Veterans Day is Nov. 11 and for me, as for many others who have served this country in the armed forces, it is a time to reflect on the sacrifices we made for our country as we were sent off to war. There is pride in the service we performed that is inevitably mixed with sorrow for our fellow Marines and soldiers who paid the ultimate price.

It was in November 1919 that President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day (now Veterans Day) with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service.”

I was a Marine in Vietnam in 1969-70 and after returning home I wanted to put that experience behind me. I started a career and moved on with my life, but the memory of the traumatic experience and intense camaraderie forged in combat stayed with me. Ultimately, these strong emotions found an outlet. In 1990, I switched professions. I became a social worker to help veterans who were experiencing difficulty and who were living on the margins of society.

In Southern California today, more than 20,000 veterans are homeless. Thousands of those veterans are living in the Inland Empire, many in the Coachella Valley. Many thousands more are physically or mentally disabled, or are unemployed, and most have no place to turn.

In 2003, U.S. Veterans Initiative, the nonprofit organization I work for, opened its housing facility on March Air Reserve Base. Our agency was founded in 1992 and operates 11 facilities across the country, serving more than 2,000 veterans every day. The 110 beds at March provide stability and support services for those veterans who need time and help to rebuild their lives. We work closely with the VA Medical Center at Loma Linda, which provides medical and psychiatric services.

The veterans we serve need more than just a place to stay. They need a place to heal — from ravages of war, from effects of mental illness or substance abuse, and from the disappointment and despair that threatens to consume their lives. They want to rejoin their community and regain the pride that comes with a productive life.

Veterans have always brought with them a wealth of experience when they return to their communities. Many become leaders and role models. At the U.S. Vets Veterans Day luncheon this year, to be held on Wednesday at the Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa, we will honor such a man — Maj. Gen. John E. Bianchi, who lives in Rancho Mirage with his wife, Nicolette (Nikki).

Starting as an enlisted man, Gen. Bianchi served both in the National Guard and active-duty Army. He retired for the first time in 1997 as major general and commander of the California State Military Reserve, and was recalled for a two-year tour after Sept. 11, 2001, retiring a second time in 2004. He is a former police officer and owns one of the world's largest manufacturers of quality firearm accessories for police, military and sportsmen. He is known as the man responsible for revolutionizing the design and engineering of handgun holsters.

Gen. Bianchi is an inspiration to his community, and as we honor him we also honor the service and sacrifice of all veterans who have served this country and helped to preserve our freedom.

Stephen Peck, the son of actor Gregory Peck, is senior vice president for community development for U.S. Vets. E-mail him via lulubell24@aol.com