When I talk to many Veterans of the Vietnam war and earlier wars, they often admire the Veterans of the War on Terror, but we often admire them more. I believe they endured more hardships, and for that, I admire them. I also admire our Vietnam Veterans because they came home to less than favorable conditions and without love and support from the public. Those same Veterans have vowed that they would not let it happen to us, and have done many things to take care of the Veterans of younger wars. For that, I am forever grateful to them.
I have been asked what it is that I reflect on as a Veteran. I will say, with Thanksgiving coming on as well, I reflect on things that I am grateful for. The thing I am most grateful for as a Veteran is that I am here, I'm alive. I have many friends and comrades that cannot say the same. They were not only soldiers, but fathers, sons, brothers and in some cases sisters. When we lose a soldier, we also lose a great American who saw fit to serve something greater than himself. When thinking back on the trials and tribulations, there are several things I reflect on.....I'll share some so that people understand some things a soldier at war deals with....
-I remember the countless "brothers" I have made through the sacrifices and hardships of being in the Army. We own a bond that civilian friends cannot know nor understand. We are the few and proud who can still claim being straight, yet have shared a sleeping bag with another man because we would have frozen otherwise. lol
-I think back on the blessings of having learned many valuable skills for free, many life saving skills that I have worked hard to pass on to others. I think about how much I've enjoyed being on shooting ranges and in shoot houses with the lovely smell of gunpowder and lead....and getting paid for it. I remember having great soldiers who I still talk to and loved my time serving with them. The blessing of having served with some of the military's more elite units up the most elite units is another high point.
-I think about talking to a Lieutenant about how cute his 6 month old son was on the day we left for Iraq, only to see his lifeless body a couple weeks later. Having to walk by body bags that hold your friends and still go on about your business is a tough thing.
-I think about the families that take on the hardships of their spouses or parents career and respect those that honor the service and stay faithful and true waiting on their loved one's return. I feel sorrow for those that never get to see their loved one return.
-I remember the times of terror and adrenaline like coming around a corner only to be face to face with "bad guys" who have guns aimed at you, only they weren't fast enough, nor was their aim true enough. I remember carrying a friend to a medevac chopper in the middle of the night, not being able to recognize his torn face but hoping I'll see him again. Or bandaging a comrade's gaped open leg wounds from an rpg round that was close, but nearer to him than me......and the humbleness of being able to chuckle about it later.
-I think about the love and support I have received from my family and how without them, many things wouldn't be possible. I think of my father, who is a Vietnam Veteran, and a hero in his own right for going to serve when many were forced and many did not. I think about my daughter and hope that she will one day be able to see the things I've done and the sacrifices I've made for her and she will be as proud of me as I am of her for enduring it.
-I think also of my friends who are firefighters, paramedics, emts, policemen, or any other public service that serves a cause higher than theirself.
-I think of my friends who are deployed and pray for their safe return.
-Most of all I think of the great Americans who paved the way for our freedom.......Veterans. Those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and those who came home safe to lead fruitful lives.
There are many great and sad memories I have, those are just a few. I am not scarred by these memories, these were events that have been a part of my life. I do not have PTSD, but I hope the best for those who do. Some things just affect people differently than others. God blessed me with the ability to handle many things in stride. So on Veteran's day, think about all you have and all that you enjoy as an American. Thank a Veteran and if given the chance, learn from them what it's like. Show your support in whatever way you can. I respect those who were never able to serve, but show their support. When you wake up in the morning and walk across your clean, carpeted floor to a toilet 10 feet away......be thankful...there are many service members who are in dusty tents and have to get fully dressed in gear to walk 30 yards away to a nasty port-a-potty. When you see the sunshine, when you eat a good meal, when you buy something you've been wanting.....when you feel the love of your spouse, parents or children....be thankful...because there are many people who can no longer do that because they gave their lives in service of their country.
Not to offend anyone who hasn't served or been to war.....I just love this quote.
War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. ...The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." -19th Century English philosopher John Stuart Mill
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