WMBCTV: Military Appreciation Month Shines a Light on Veterans’ Stories

National Military Appreciation Month is upon us and communities throughout the nation are gathering to honor the sacrifices of our military servicemembers. 

In Hudson County, a Veterans’ “Share Your Story” open mic night will be taking place later today in an effort to gather community members to listen to the stories of veterans.

Navy SEAL Veteran Joe Masalta is among the special guests who will be shedding some light on his military experience. He says he was in the Navy for about 13 years before getting out to become a paramilitary contractor as well as a realtor. 

“I didn’t have a clear path on exactly what I was going to do when I was in high school,” said Masalta. “it was a way for me to go into something that would open up my eyes to a different part of the world and give me a stepping stone and I took full advantage of that.”

Masalta says events like the open mic night are important for bringing together community members and servicemembers to understand each other’s experiences. 

“The more veterans do that, then the easier and smoother the transition will be for them when they get out of the military,” said Masalta. “And it lets the community relate to veterans and active duty to give them first-hand experience for what they go through.”

He says he hopes to inspire future generations through telling his story at the open mic night.

“I hope people take away that they can accomplish and do anything. It just takes persistence, it takes believing in yourself even when others don’t believe in you. You never quit, you never give up. When you find an obstacle, you overcome it,” said Masalta. “And that’s whether you go into the military or you don’t. It’s just life in general.”

The event will be taking place here at the North Bergen Free Public Library’s 81st Street Branch at 6:30 this evening.