RALEIGH, N.C. — As we continue through Veterans Month, many are honoring those who have served, fought for and protected our country, and several veterans are sharing the importance of their journeys. 

North Carolina has the third largest military presence in the nation, as well as more than 700,000 veterans who call the state home, according to N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper's office.

What You Need To Know

  • North Carolina has the third largest military presence in the U.S. and is home to more than 720,000 veterans

  • North Carolina veterans are sharing the importance of their journeys 

  • They are all retired now and dedicate their time to serving other veterans

Four veterans stood at the Apex Service Memorial in downtown Apex as protectors of our country, and for all different reasons.

Each one served in one of the branches of the military.

No matter the ranking or class, they said being in the military is about being a part of something bigger than yourself.

Air Force veteran Sandra Edens

Air Force veteran Sandra Edens began her journey in ROTC and she served in the Air Force for 20 years. She said being in the military provided life-changing experiences for her.

“It gave me opportunities to travel and see the world and get an education,” Edens said.

Navy veteran J.D. Cunningham

Navy veteran J.D. Cunningham said he loved traveling around the world as a naval officer, but what he enjoys the most is the longtime fellowship of members of the military.

“There's no better satisfaction in the world and the 'brotherhood,' and that's male and female,” Cunningham said.

Navy veteran Lee Harris

Veteran Lee Harris spent three and half years on submarines filled with close to 200 people while serving in the Navy. He said his time serving taught him fearlessness and discipline.

U.S. Army veteran Philip Prinzi

And for U.S Army veteran Philip Prinzi, coming from a small town, it was the military’s diversity that impressed him.

“All races, all creeds, all religions, the whole nine yards,” Prinzi said.

The group said the years they served were some of their best years of their lives, but they admit the military isn’t for everyone.

Cunningham said with many exciting times comes scary ones too.

However, Prinzi said if you are a young adult and want to represent the country, this is a way to do it.

“That will help you to really understand life,” Prinzi said.

Either way, the group said being a veteran is all about a lifelong commitment of helping each other and the people around them.

“We are veterans taking care of veterans and the community,” Cunningham said.

Now that the group is retired from the military, they all spend their time volunteering or working on behalf of other local veterans.

The group recently spoke at Baucom Elementary School about the importance of civic service.