Some Need More Help Than Others

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...

...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