Going to War is Easy – Coming Home is Not

       I posted my Battalion patch recently on Facebook with a note that it had been over forty years since my separation from the Army. I received many “comments” thanking me for my service, and it bothered me somewhat, not because I didn’t appreciate the gesture but because it was misdirected. I did serve my country but did nothing remarkable or heroic to deserve that. I just did my job.

     Many, though, truly deserve our thanks and need our help.

       If you visit the “Wall” in Washington, you will see the names of 58,286 soldiers who gave their lives fighting for what they believed in – our country and our way of life. They were not concerned about the politics.

       What you will not see there is the names of over 153,000 soldiers who returned home with physical wounds. This does not include those who suffer from other disabilities. Over 50,000 and counting soldiers have died since the War in Iraq, and more than that have returned with disabilities, physical and other.

       Our veterans are our heroes for life. After serving our country, serious injury shouldn’t stop them from living the whole, rewarding lives they deserve. 

       To many of you, these are just statistics – easy to forget and put out of your mind, but for the thousands of Veterans who struggle every day with their disabilities, it is not so easy to forget.

       I am reminded of the mini-series “Band of Brothers” produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. It’s the story of the brotherhood formed by soldiers. It is a bond that is difficult to perceive unless you have experienced it. I want to believe that we are all brothers and sisters bound together for a common cause, and it is our duty to care for each other, so we are all a band of brothers.

       We are so wrapped up in our “social” lives that we forget those husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, and friends who need our help.

       There are many opportunities to give back to those who gave so much for our freedom. You can drop a check in the mail and make a tax-deductible donation, but why not get more involved?

       Think about these opportunities that you can do today, a few of many:

·             The New England Paralyzed Veterans Association is located in Walpole, MA. They need volunteers to help organize and run the many events they provide. Call them (800-660-1181) and tell them you want to help. If you enjoy fishing, get involved in the NEPVA bass fishing tournaments by contacting me.

·              If you are not from New England, you can get involved by contacting the parent organization, The Paralyzed Veterans Association at www.pva.org and find your local chapter.

·              You can visit a Veteran’s hospital. For the most part, they are understaffed and overworked. Call them and volunteer. Visit  http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/allstate.asp for a listing in your state.

·              The Disabled Veterans National Foundation is another fine organization that helps our veterans. You can contact them at www.dvnf.org

·                   Volunteer at a homeless shelter in your area. Many of our veterans are houseless and in need of our help.

      And finally, if you happen upon a veteran during your busy day, take the time to shake their hand and thank them.

 

 

.