A fresh appreciation for Veterans Day
When you think of Veterans Day is it a collective group that bears the name “veteran”.… but has no root in real life. Back then … over there … doesn't pertain to me stuff. Last Saturday, over a delicious breakfast provided by the American Legion at the Priest River VFW, I talked with some of the vets who were there.
Joe served 41 years with the Army. He initially signed on an extra year so he could be stationed in Europe where his dad had been in World War ll. He did an unheard of thing. Volunteered from Germany for the war in Vietnam where he was a radioman for the Infantry. It was the only way to get a 30-day leave back to the States to see his dying mother. Of Vietnam he says, “I hated the damn place. Too many bad guys, too much hot weather, too many crawling critters.” This included the deadly bamboo viper — “Two steps and you die.”
Andy served 22 years with the Air Force. He recalls being part of the SALT 11 (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) negotiations between Russia and the United States. It was a memorable time meeting at the Pentagon and various military bases — gaining insight into how the Russians think. What he disliked about his service, “The many friends I lost in Vietnam.” Yet he says, “I'd do the whole thing again if I could. I served with great people — had great experiences.”
Michael spent four years with the Navy. He served on an amphibious ship — hauling Marines to land. He rode out a two-day typhoon off the coast of Okinawa. And anchored 67 days off the coast of Vietnam ready to land Marines. He joined the Navy a week out of high school. “It was the best decision I ever made. All the reasons were correct, and put me on the road to success.”
Hughes served 13 1/2 years in the Navy. He flew sea planes and worked with Special Ops and SEAL teams doing pick ups and drop-offs. His most rewarding work was performing water rescues — both civilian and military in Vietnam and other locations. He said, “I was in the right place at the right time.” The time he was most scared had nothing to do with “getting shot at.” It was flying twenty feet over the water on a cloudy night with no horizon, suffering vertigo, trying to locate a man overboard off the ship. A false alarm as it turned out — someone had thrown a flashlight in the water.
Bruce gave six years to the Army as a medic. He was never out of the U.S. — rather served at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio where military burn victims were brought. He witnessed a lightning strike while on summer training in Virginia. The bolt came down the ridge pole of the mess tent, traveled to the ranges and killed both cooks. Fourteen were injured — the metal in their rifles they kept with them at all times, resting on wet ground, attracted the electricity. His best military day was, “The day I came home because I was out of the need to deal with anybody that got hurt.” He has, however, gone on to be a sheriff, police, and fire department chaplain.
I came away from these men — and their stories — with fresh appreciation for Veterans Day, honored this week. As I headed out the door a meeting had begun. The vets stood before the flag and recited The Pledge of Allegiance. I'd said it many times in school. But it never sounded like it did just then.