Technically, I am a veteran. That makes it possible for me to have privileges at the VA Clinic. I used my GI Bill to attend Seminary. BUT I don't feel like a veteran. No one ever tried to kill me. I never knew combat. Those are the Veterans I salute on this day.
Ann had four brothers. Three of them served in the military. Bobby received the Purple Heart for service in Korea. Charlie landed on Iwo Jima as a Marine, and was there until that deadly Island was taken from the Japanese. Another brother, George, also served. Her eldest brother, Johnny, was in a job where he was much needed. His work helped supply oil and gasoline for planes and jeeps and tanks. The government would not free him for military service.
My cousins, Doug and Arnold Hall also served during World War II. Doug was shot down over France and broke his leg when he parachuted to the ground. He became a Prisoner of War until released through an exchange of prisoners. He came back to the states and rejoined the war effort, going to the Far East until the end of the war.
My friends, Al Cave, Lester Thorp, James Bell, Ed Colburn, Jake Myers, and others I can't remember right now were TRUE veterans. They put their lives on the line and somehow survived World War II, or Korea, or Viet Nam. Now we are building another list of veterans just as dedicated
as earlier ones. Wars go on. As long as they do there will be men and women fighting them. To those men and women I SALUTE YOU! Thank you for your service. God bless you.
