Thinking about Veterans

Today I'm thinking about veterans.......


Since I work with individuals separating from the service, their family members, and/or individuals that already are classified as veterans, then this probably comes as no surprise to any of you that are regular readers.....However sometimes even I get caught up in the daily grind and forget just what it means to be a soldier/veteran in today's society.


Now don't me wrong, we work with some interesting individuals at times, but in our particular office we operate by Teddy Roosevelt's quote "A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards," and based upon that we believe in providing services and attempting to meet the transition needs of anyone getting out of the service for whatever reason.


But some days it hits me and tears come to my eyes as I drive to work across our installation, just how many of these individuals I'm driving past will be put in harms way in order to serve alongside their comrades and to serve their nation, regardless of whether or not they themselves necessarily 100% believe in the war effort.  Many of the soldiers I talk to, work with, interact with would gladly deploy again in a heartbeat in order to help aide and protect their fellow soldiers.....and many do.


Today I'm in awe, of those who consistently put upon themselves to do, that which I know I could not do. 


Today I'm in awe of my client who deployed 4 times in 7 years and while he sustained his own combat injuries still performed CPR & first aid on 7 other fallen comrades during the same ambush. He wasn't even a medic and was one of the most modest souls I've met.


Today I'm in awe of my client who is a 20 year retiree and is a complete joy to assist. This particular client never complains, she consistently has a positive outlook and a smile on her face. Personally I am in awe of any woman, who managed the Army during the 1980-90s and is still coming out with a smile and bubbly personality after 20 years of service.


Today I'm reminded of all the homeless vets I used to talk to on the streets of PDX, offering a smile or a word of encouragement.


Today I'm in awe of the veterans who after years of being in the service, can come to any of us in the office and voice their apprehension and worries about reintegrating into the civilian world. And of those same veterans who after 20-30 years of service and a partial retirement check, still want to work and contribute to society.


Today I'm reminded of the individuals and families who constantly support and deal with absences of their spouses and parents. Who pack up every couple of years to a new duty station and transition into new friends, new schools/work, and almost entirely new lives.....for some of these individuals and families.....its a lifetime of their own service. 


So while we're still a few weeks away from veteran's day, I do encourage you to take a look around you and remain cognizant of the war that is going on and of the individuals who are out there fighting. If you know a spouse or family, support them in whatever way you can while their loved ones are deployed. If you know a veteran, let them know how much you appreciate them (although I will say that frequently the best way to do this is as quietly as possible....). If you are a praying person, keep our soldiers (both past and present) in your prayers. And please, keep in mind that frequently we're all walking alongside individuals who have been to war, even if they may not look the part when you walk alongside them in the grocery store.......


Because I don't know about you.....but I couldn't do what they do....