Celebrating Our Veterans

As Veterans Day 2019 approaches, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the selfless sacrifices our servicemen and women have made over generations of protecting our nation and the freedoms we enjoy every day. It’s because of these brave men and women that we have the opportunity to live as we want to live, without the worry of persecution or torment from outside influences.

Here at Riverwind, this is an especially important day for us. We are proud to have 50 active, reserve or retired military members on our team, with more than 250 combined years of military service. These brave men and women represent the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Army National Guard and Navy Reserve, and have some incredible stories to tell.

Gerald C. is a maintenance planner here at Riverwind. On Nov. 22, 1963, as the world learned of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Gerald reported for duty with the U.S. Navy. He spent the next six years serving as an E6 Petty Officer Interior Communications Electrician aboard the USS Wasp antisubmarine aircraft carrier. One of its missions was to retrieve Gemini space capsules from the ocean after returning from space. On Dec. 16, 1965, Gerald and the rest of his crew on the USS Wasp retrieved the Gemini VI capsule, piloted by astronaut and Oklahoman Tom Stafford. Five years later, while working with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Gerald was promoted as the Wire Chief for the Weatherford, Okla., office. Upon arriving, he found his office manager entertaining three guests, one of which was Stafford. Gerald mentioned that he had seen him before, but they hadn’t had the chance to visit. When Mr. Stafford asked where they had crossed paths, Gerald told him, “It was when we retrieved you from the space capsule Gemini VI.”

Mr. Stafford quickly replied, “Well thank you very much!”

There are unique stories just like Gerald’s all around Riverwind. From the table games pit to Players Services and the valet to the vault, you can find our veterans all across the gaming floor and beyond. As you celebrate Veterans Day with us, please make sure you find one of these brave men and women and show your appreciation for their service!

For those of you that are veterans, we want to say thank you for your service and celebrate you this Nov. 11. If you come see us and show us your military or veteran ID, we will give you a veteran-themed hat and the chance to win up to $500 in Bonus Play in our Salute to Service giveaway as a small token of our appreciation for all that you have done for us and this country. We hope to see you here this Veterans Day as we honor all of our servicemen and women!