Honoring a Vet is More than Waving a
Flag
Many of us are Vets...and I like
others, am proud to be one.
What is a
Vet?
It's an individual who at one time
served in the United States armed forces...whether it be a member of the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Army, or Coast Guard.
Does it mean
they served in a combat situation ?
No...it means they SERVED their country in the
manner in which their country needed THEIR
SERVICE.
As we pay homage to those who have
served their nation on this day, there are some who
"go that extra step"...well past listening to
patriotic songs, wearing "the colors" of past service, or marching in a
parade.
They seek no personal glory, but
instead...
LOOK AT THOSE
WHO HAVE SERVED OUR NATION...
...those who came home from a
foreign land...
...those who have been unable to
adjust to the "normalcy" they once knew as
civilians...
...and need
HELP.
....HELP that doesn't come from a
government check, but from a person "who has been there", and who they might
talk to; and yes, who they might cry on a shoulder to....in their hour of
need.
Why ?
,,,because they are HUMAN, and have sustained moments no person should ever
have to endure.
They hope to return to a life they
longed for, but in some cases, soon realize that former life is no longer there
for them to enjoy.
Some come home without limbs; but
some also come home emotionally scarred by what they
witnessed.
...and those who have borne that
inward emotional scar have had to endure broken marriages or drug dependency,
and in some cases, have broken the law.
It is those who
have "gone that extra step" to help those individuals that I wish to honor on this
Veterans Day.
A few weeks ago, I gave up my weekly
"Dennis Bono Show" to attend Veterans Court in
downtown Henderson.
I did so because there was a
certain veteran who was going to graduate from a troubled life...back to "normalcy"...
...and I wanted to see that veteran
with my own eyes.
That vet is known as "C.R." and though you may not be familiar with "C.R.", you
might remember a number of months ago when we first learned of this individual's
need for a BICYCLE in order that he could get to work after his had been
destroyed.
We at Anthem Opinions asked for
help...and we were barraged with those who were willing to provide that
assistance...and within 3 hours of the plea for
"C.R.", it was answered.
...and a brand
NEW bike showed up on my doorstep to give to
"C.R.".
That individual who so graciously
went to a store and purchased it, will not allow me to publish his name, but I
will say to this retired Chicago police
detective....
..."YOU
sir...are a HERO"...
...you saved a life, a man's job, his livelihood...
...you saved a life, a man's job, his livelihood...
...and I witnessed "C.R.'s"
graduation back into society...as a result of your financial
generosity.
But the word "hero" must be shared with two other individuals who allowed
this "Vet" a day AND hopefully his life, in the
sun....
Judge
Mark Stevens...for establishing this Veterans
Court...
He proudly served their
country in the United States Marine Corps.
I entered that crowded courtroom not
knowing what to expect, seeing 7-8 veterans sitting in the front row awaiting
their "graduations" back into society.
They had experienced problems when
they returned home from the Middle East...and were on roads to personal
destruction...until they were given the opportunity to participate in Veterans Court.
I learned in every case, when they
initially were before Judge Stevens 52 weeks prior to this
day, they were characterized as "angry", "resentful", and "untrusting".
They had "chips on their shoulders" and looked toward alcohol, drugs, and
violence to solve their problems.
...but not this day....today, they
were remorseful; the anger was gone, and were so thankful that Judge Stevens and various volunteer mentors existed in order that they might resume the "normalcy" each had
once known.
The program started with a man who
came from Phoenix, a man who had previously been instructed by some of the
original "Tuskegee Airmen", black men who sustained
the indignities of racial discrimination during World War II...to prove that
they were every bit as valuable to their nation as their white
counterparts.
It was inspiring....men given a
"chance"...and they
succeeded.
And that "chance" would be given to the 7-8 men who sat in the front
row of that courtroom.
One by one, they came before Judge
Stevens along with their mentors as the Judge complimented them for their
dedication toward becoming valued members of society.
...and graduation diplomas were
given to each one along with a special home made quilt provided by a woman's
group who supported their reentry into the world of "good".
...and then the personal comments by
each person after they were given their lives back, while Judge Stevens
eradicated any permanent records of their troubled
past....
...comments that were filled with
tears, gratitude, and hugs from mentors and family members who pledged to "be
there" for them in any future struggles.
Yes...those are the HEROS that I
wish to honor this day...
...the men who showed a true
dedication to conquer their problems, and those like that generous retired Police Detective, Judge
Stevens, and all the volunteer mentors..
...who were there for
them...
...when caring for a "Vet" in
need...meant more than any parade !
To you individuals, on behalf of all Americans, we salute YOU, in addition to, all those men and women who served our nation on this national day of remembrance.
Dick
Arendt
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