A Combat Soldier

A number of weeks ago I did a post regarding the Westboro Chruch that protests military funerals and prays for the death of our soldiers and so much more. There were also protesters protesting them. And then along came a 62 year old Vietnam veteran who tried to mace the Westboro Church members but instead got about 18 of their protesters. Later it came out that not only was he a Vietnam Veteran who was a Marine but that he also received the Purple Heart. I believe there were 18 of those who were maced and it is pretty evenly split among those saying he either should not be charged or charged.

Around two weeks ago I jumped a little bit into a converation regarding this incident. The the main thought was that this church is just looking for publicity and the veteteran should not have done what he had done. I tried to state during this ongoing conversation that many factors come into play and that I felt at this point in the veterans life he must have felt overwhelmed with soldier deaths and the ongoing protests and lack of respect coming from this church and their members.

I didn't get too far with this as a person stated that the Patriot Guard was there and that they have Combat Vietnan Veterans and don't do this. First I was hurt as I am not a Combat Vietnam Veteran and took this as a negative comment and and secondly, angry at what I thought was the dismissal of my thoughts or at least this was my perception. At that time I excused myself and left.

Before saying anything else, I cannot state how wonderful the Patriot Guard and the services they provide at these funerals and to the families. And I imagine these families are overjoyed at what the Patriot Guard does. I am so thankful for what they do.

Being a Vietnam Veteran and knowing other Vietnam Veterans I can say that there are many, many Vietnam Veterans suffer quietly on a daily basis. Many of us have held everything in. We really didn't have or know of any resources that were available to us on return. And, honestly, there were few. I suspect if I ever spoke to a Vietnam Veteran Patriot Guard Rider we would both be in agreement on this. Also, to this day I hold everthing in except for these posts. I'm not sure why I started this but I guess I need to talk.

Vietnam was an unpopular war and as Vietnam Veterans I believe we got the brunt of that in many ways. And even though their is so much support for Iraq and Afganistan Soldiers and those returning, they will need a continuing "great" deal of support and understanding. The impact of war is not just limited to those in a Combat situation but to those in support organizations as well and I think that is really important for people to understand. I hope to address this in my next post.

And for the general population it is very important to never forget that the freedoms you have are because of the Armed Forces and those brave men and women who serve for your freedom, both in peacetime and a time of war. Please remember that and keep them in your thoughts and pray for them and their safety.