It’s not easy being a veteran in the greater Green Bay area right now. I know this personally as I struggle with a mouth full of bad teeth and an uncertain future. Anb we just lost an important veterans program in Green Bay last week (story HERE).

But it gives me hope to see other veterans well. This includes when their opening or expanding their very own business. This is what we’re talking about on this post.

An Army Veteran wants to expand his gunsmithing business in De Pere (story HERE). He has the experience, the training, and the safety measures all set up. But he still faces some concerns because the business is closer to a school than some people would like.

De Pere leaders should approve this veteran’s request.

This is not to discount the concerns of anyone who wants safer schools. I’m one of them and applauded the clear backpack policy. That’s a very valid issue to stay on top of because we’ve got parents that don’t want to parent.

But the truth is that a weapon is safer in this gunsmith’s hands than almost anywhere else.

And zoning ordinances will ensure that his plans are in compliance with the rest of the area. Northeast Wisconsin small governments usually find a solid balance between operations and interests of surrounding stakeholders.

We also shouldn’t be eliminating anymore veteran owned businesses. Goodness, I read headlines like this and I have to take a moment because it appears that the sacrifice my brothers and sisters made with their service to this country means less and less everyday.

Even to the point where we can’t use the very skills we were given to allow us to survive. Or in this case, grow and thrive.

I hope this De Pere veteran gets a chance to see his dream. Because myself and so many others around me won’t get to.