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Health & Fitness

When thinking of a Veteran

When you think of a veteran- who do you envision?

A young adult in his/her twenties fresh from Iraq or Afghanistan?  A Viet Nam vet? A veteran of the Korean conflict? Perhaps the person you envision is of America’s greatest generation- the WW II veteran.

A veteran is somebody we know. The mother next door driving her children to school or running late for the train to take her to work. The veteran is the undergrad attending classes in anticipation of that “great career”. The veteran may be the pastor at your church. She is the nurse in the emergency room. He is the police officer or firefighter- continuing to risk his/her life for the public wellbeing. The veteran is anybody. No names on their backs. No fanfare. No headlines in the media of inappropriate behavior like some celebrities.  A veteran is simply an individual accomplishing everyday responsibilities.

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Consider this from an unknown author:

A Veteran- whether active duty, retired, National Guard or reserve- is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of up to and including their life”

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Many of our newest veterans, until fourteen years ago, were in the Reserves or National Guard and had careers, were parents, perhaps were enrolled in college, some were in high school and for the most part were living their lives as any other American. Then 9/11/01 slammed the door on us.

Many wives, mothers, husbands, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons- were placed on alert orders. Activated.  Not since the dark days of WW II have the citizen soldiers of the Reserves and National Guard factored so importantly into the mission of a two new wars.  And now that both conflicts are more or less completed (Afghanistan not quite), our new veterans have begun the process of readjustment into society. 

My Great grandmother had a quiet wisdom. About the time I graduated from high school, she once told me, in her quiet way, that it seems every generation has to go fight a war somewhere. As I reflect on her statement, I understand how right she was. If she were still gracing this world, she undoubtedly would be sadder knowing of current events.  Allow me to provide a list of the periods of “conflict” that our veterans have experienced – just during my life time. You determine if she was right.

Korea- 1950 to 1953/54

Viet Nam- 1954 (when America began sending support) to 1975

The first Gulf War- 1990                     

Afghanistan 2001

Iraq-2003

Lest we forget- a host of smaller missions in between these “major” missions.

And we need to acknowledge all those who served in “Non war time” periods.

The motive of this edition is to prepare the reader for the upcoming Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2013. I have been asked by many, how do we- as individuals and as a communities, express our appreciation for those who served in the military?  This is an appropriate question. And of course I have had a suggestion, or two. On Veterans Day- try to join others in your community, wherever that gathering may be, for a collective expression of appreciation. And when you greet that certain veteran whom you know- simply say “Thank you”  “Thank you for serving America”.  That is truly enough. Trust me

chuck bosko

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