#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Omar Elizalde

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Iraq War Veteran Omar Elizalde.

After graduating from Texas Christian University, Omar joined the Army and served from 2003 to 2007. He served with the 1st Armored Division as an Infantry Officer.

Captain Elizalde was deployed twice to the front lines in Iraq, first in 2004 then again in 2006.

Omar told NBC that he holds onto the memories and mementos of the time he served with sentimental determination, keeping even the undershirts he wore underneath his uniforms. His toughest memories, however, was “saying goodbye to several friends killed in action.”

For his service, Omar was awarded with honors including the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

He is currently a high school teacher in Fort Worth, Texas.

Thank you for your service, Omar!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.

Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.