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Honoring those who served: A personal appreciation
Honoring those who served: A personal appreciation
ROBERTA M. HELMING
Published: December 24, 2011
IHAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART for veterans, for I know it's because of their service and sacrifices that I'm blessed to have the freedoms I have - especially in celebrating this holiday season.
I recently had the pleasure of talking with a local Vietnam veteran - an unforgettable experience. Navy veteran James G. McKibben III of Ledyard is truly an American hero of our time. During the war, he served on the USS Alamo (LSD 33), an amphibious ship.
His volunteer tour of duty in 1968-69 earned him an award for outstanding duty.
It took him 15 years after his return home from Vietnam before he felt comfortable, and perhaps welcome to talk about his experiences in any significant manner.
Jim shared some of the difficult realities of returning home from Vietnam.
"They made us change out of our military uniforms before setting foot on American soil. They made us feel we were part of a 'useless war,' despite our terrible experience," he said.
"We did what we were told to do and the civilians back home were mad at us," he said.
He says that the soldiers in Vietnam were unaware of the hatred and protests they'd ultimately return home to. He said he felt that heroes, who were "doing what they were told," for all intents and purposes, at the end of the war were "without a country" for decades.
With regard to leaving family and friends behind at such a young age, Jim said: "The bonds between comrades made it tolerable. I entered the war as a kid and quickly became a man.'" Jim has no regrets about serving in the war, whether it was the horrible times or happy times. He reminisces about the "fun" moments, recalling, for example, the time that a truckload of fish was accidentally dumped on him.
I thanked Jim for his service and sacrifices. He quickly reflected upon those who fought for this country before him, including his father, who obviously inspired him. And in the same way, all who served, including Jim, have probably inspired young people who have or will subsequently serve.
After all, it was the Vietnam veterans who paved the way for future soldiers to serve and receive a proper "Welcome Home."
Despite substandard postwar treatment, Jim is upbeat, with a heart of gold, possessing "prosperity of the heart," which I'm convinced is possible because of his wife, his family and their strong faith, and also the support they receive from the community.
I asked myself what I should do for the veterans I encounter every day in my community. Veterans Day is a wonderful holiday - a day set aside just for veterans, but my meeting with Jim showed that most veterans would appreciate being remembered on other days as well. Touching the lives of veterans is within my grasp by contacting a veteran I know personally, for example through work or church.
This year, my best Christmas gift has been reaching out to local veterans, sending cards thanking them for their service and sacrifice and letting them know that what they did is very much appreciated. This has helped me to experience another special meaning of the season.
As thousands of soldiers return home from Iraq this month, may we offer the support they need, while transitioning into life as veterans.
Roberta M. Helming is a freelance writer living in Ledyard
Copyright 2011, Westerly Sun, The (RI), All Rights Reserved.
ROBERTA M. HELMING
Published: December 24, 2011
IHAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART for veterans, for I know it's because of their service and sacrifices that I'm blessed to have the freedoms I have - especially in celebrating this holiday season.
I recently had the pleasure of talking with a local Vietnam veteran - an unforgettable experience. Navy veteran James G. McKibben III of Ledyard is truly an American hero of our time. During the war, he served on the USS Alamo (LSD 33), an amphibious ship.
His volunteer tour of duty in 1968-69 earned him an award for outstanding duty.
It took him 15 years after his return home from Vietnam before he felt comfortable, and perhaps welcome to talk about his experiences in any significant manner.
Jim shared some of the difficult realities of returning home from Vietnam.
"They made us change out of our military uniforms before setting foot on American soil. They made us feel we were part of a 'useless war,' despite our terrible experience," he said.
"We did what we were told to do and the civilians back home were mad at us," he said.
He says that the soldiers in Vietnam were unaware of the hatred and protests they'd ultimately return home to. He said he felt that heroes, who were "doing what they were told," for all intents and purposes, at the end of the war were "without a country" for decades.
With regard to leaving family and friends behind at such a young age, Jim said: "The bonds between comrades made it tolerable. I entered the war as a kid and quickly became a man.'" Jim has no regrets about serving in the war, whether it was the horrible times or happy times. He reminisces about the "fun" moments, recalling, for example, the time that a truckload of fish was accidentally dumped on him.
I thanked Jim for his service and sacrifices. He quickly reflected upon those who fought for this country before him, including his father, who obviously inspired him. And in the same way, all who served, including Jim, have probably inspired young people who have or will subsequently serve.
After all, it was the Vietnam veterans who paved the way for future soldiers to serve and receive a proper "Welcome Home."
Despite substandard postwar treatment, Jim is upbeat, with a heart of gold, possessing "prosperity of the heart," which I'm convinced is possible because of his wife, his family and their strong faith, and also the support they receive from the community.
I asked myself what I should do for the veterans I encounter every day in my community. Veterans Day is a wonderful holiday - a day set aside just for veterans, but my meeting with Jim showed that most veterans would appreciate being remembered on other days as well. Touching the lives of veterans is within my grasp by contacting a veteran I know personally, for example through work or church.
This year, my best Christmas gift has been reaching out to local veterans, sending cards thanking them for their service and sacrifice and letting them know that what they did is very much appreciated. This has helped me to experience another special meaning of the season.
As thousands of soldiers return home from Iraq this month, may we offer the support they need, while transitioning into life as veterans.
Roberta M. Helming is a freelance writer living in Ledyard
Copyright 2011, Westerly Sun, The (RI), All Rights Reserved.
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