I remember watching TV and seeing Donald Trump at one of his events and a Vietnam Veteran coming up and giving him his Purple Heart. His response was "I have always wanted one of these.". Well he has one, but it really isn't his. He could have had the opportunity to earn one of his own but instead had a number of deferments, including some medical deferments. It is a sad time in our Country and History that a candidate / basic draft dodger (now President) would make a comment like that and take the Purple Heart. What should he have done? He should have opened up the Medal and pinned it on the Veteran and said "Thank you, but I'm giving this back to you. You earned it and deserve it. I want to thank you for your bravery and service to our Country.".
I know others will disagree but it could have been such a powerful moment, especially for the Veteran and those who served in Vietnam. A wonderful way to show his respect.
Thursday, June 28, 2018
School Guest Speaker - Vietnam
I have had the opportunity to speak to a local high school classe approximately 5 times in the last two years. It really is just a conversation regarding my time and experience in Vietnam. I usually start out with growing up and what life was like. I then cover getting drafted and time in the U S Army including my service in Vietnam. I them cover my life after my Service and Vietnam and how I got to where I am today. I have found the High School Students to be a great group to speak to. I have always thought it was their time to ask questions and get an answer to that question. I have always wanted to be as honest as possible and for them to ask whatever they want knowing it would be taken seriously. They even have the option to speak to me after class, call me or E-mail questions to me.
One of the things I decided early on is that I wanted to be as hones as possible on whatever it is they want to know or ask. That is really opening myself up to any type of question. What I have done is to tell them honestly of my life growing up, a sexual abuse incident, an alcoholic father, a poor family, growing up where supporting the family was important, more important than education. That enables me to hit items that perhaps may be happening to them or part of their lives as well as the possibility that they have no resources to assist them. It also gives them a picture into who many drafter men were during Vietnam which was uneducated, from poor families, minorities, etc.
I was afraid hat being so honest is a risk, a possible embarrassment, and extremely emotional to open oneself up to young people who are also strangers. etc. What I have found is that it has been rewarding to me and has helped me a great deal. I have also found that the students seem to appreciate the openness and honesty and feel empowered to be a part of the dialog, questions, etc. and that they are important.
These students give me hope for our future.
One of the things I decided early on is that I wanted to be as hones as possible on whatever it is they want to know or ask. That is really opening myself up to any type of question. What I have done is to tell them honestly of my life growing up, a sexual abuse incident, an alcoholic father, a poor family, growing up where supporting the family was important, more important than education. That enables me to hit items that perhaps may be happening to them or part of their lives as well as the possibility that they have no resources to assist them. It also gives them a picture into who many drafter men were during Vietnam which was uneducated, from poor families, minorities, etc.
I was afraid hat being so honest is a risk, a possible embarrassment, and extremely emotional to open oneself up to young people who are also strangers. etc. What I have found is that it has been rewarding to me and has helped me a great deal. I have also found that the students seem to appreciate the openness and honesty and feel empowered to be a part of the dialog, questions, etc. and that they are important.
These students give me hope for our future.
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