To All Veterans

A Message Looking Forward to Veterans Day

I sit here thinking about how “tough” life is being at war for a back to back of 12 months and then a 15 month combat tour. I miss my wife and dogs. I miss not being able to pick up and get a McDonald cheeseburger when I want to. I miss a real bed where when I get up I don’t have to travel a block to use the facilities or don’t have to check your shoes for what might be in them. Than I feel ashamed as I remember how fortunate the Soldiers of today really are. I know that I am basically whining when I take a look at what other veterans have done for our country in the past 70 years. I have it easy and want to thank each and every one of our veterans for their job well done.

I have been asked to address all of the men and women that I consider my heroes. What an honor to be able to address you. Regardless of whether you volunteered or were drafted and this also includes the spouses and those who supported “their” Soldier. You stood up for your country and the people of American. You did a job that so many were afraid of and you never ran off to Canada or Europe to hide. During World War 2 they estimated that 97% of the United States was involved in some way or another with the fight for freedom. Everyone knew someone that did not come home either directly or in directly. Due to everyone being involved our military personnel, our Hero’s both male and female came home and went to work trying to rebuild a life that for many was gone. I have talked with Soldiers of that era and asked them why they did not put their story to paper? They responded this way…”Cliff, everyone did it or would do what I have done. I was not special, I was called and I went, I did what was expected of me.” So many of our unsung heroes of that day have gone to their graves with many heroic stories and many unhealed pains and memories of friends lost. Why; because they believed they were nothing special. I DISAGREE.

It did not end there. Uncle Sam was not done. The huge war machine of WW2 was winding down, but many of our Service men and women did not get to relax for long. We went to a War with a country many never heard of: Korea. However, something different for us to deal with this time…It was called a military conflict and was never classified as War. To those that were involved it sure seemed like war. There were dead and dieing yet Congress never declared war. In fact they have not since WW2. The horrors of war did not stop just because a group of men were unable to see it for what it was. It was war with stories that could make a grown man cry. The Soldiers came home and many never talked about their experiences. Why? Because it was not a war. It was not a victory; it was considered a draw. Oh sure, there were semblances of a war, but many felt it was just a mop up conflict following WW2. We were nothing special; we did what we were called to do and did what was expected. Many to this day hold the pains inside because they felt that they were nothing special…I DISAGREE!!

A new generation of Soldiers came of age during the next war that we call Vietnam. They were raised on the battles of WWII and Korea. They watched TV where “Rat Patrol” would win battles in 30 minutes time and John Wayne traded his horse in to lead a Battalion of Soldiers to victory in some battle. They heard stories of victories and trials that “made a man out of you.” Though the beginning of this conflict is argued, the trials, deaths and hurts were and are still very real today. It was a war that tore our country apart. While a loud immoral minority condemned the war and those involved (including the Soldier), A Moral Majority sat back confused. While thousands marched on Washington in disagreement, the numbers grew of our dead and the hands of our military leaders were tied by the political leaders of the time. As not to condemn the protestors because that is their right, we must understand that this protesting was not new. Even in WWII the protesters marched on Washington in large numbers, but because of lack of media during the 1940’s, the world in the 60’s and 70’s thought they were doing something completely new. Something in which they thought could change a mind of a nation’s leaders.

Indeed, something new was taking place but not by the media and protestors, but by the men and woman of this generation that set them apart from all generations. Yes, they were called, they went, they did what was asked of them and yes, many did not come home. However, the difference was they survived even when they were told that they weren’t special by those that sent them. They were expected to deal their feelings by themselves. You see in the previous wars, it took time to get home (up to 3 months) and in that time they were able to talk to others with many of the same experiences and they were welcomed as heroes. Vietnam was a 24hour turn around from the jungles to any street in the United States and there was no parade, no thanks, just forget about what happened and move on. No wonder our men and women felt so rejected and worthless. I am one individual that would like to publicly say I am sorry because I DISAGREE!!! Each and every one of you are special and we thank you for the job and sacrifices all of you made.

What about the soldiers that entered their service to our country after Vietnam. Well, let’s think about this for a second. All the wars and rumors of war that took place all over the world didn’t get much Media attention, but people still died. I am sure that I would forget some of them, but let me try. Beirut, Grenada, other South American countries fighting drugs and dictatorships. The different embassies that were bombed throughout the world. Our Navy being shot at, the war that is still going on in Korea, Cuba and other fronts during the Cold War. The Gulf War, fighting in Afghanistan and of course those who are home after fighting in this war on Terror. Our forces of National Guards, and Reserves being used in ways they were never intended, but they are always at the ready to move.

For anyone that has worn any of the uniforms in defense of our precious United States of America, I rise to salute you and the commitment that you have shown to our Great nation. At times, it is correct that many do not understand the things you have gone through, but please understand that you are the Select, you are the heroes, and you are the guide to the next generations of Americans. In your Special and Unique way, the nation is once again calling on you because you have something that many are looking for. Yes, it your experience, but it is also knowledge and relationship that you have with the Lord Jesus Christ and that is what so many people today are lacking, sadly, even within our churches It is no longer time for any of us to take a passive role in showing the world that they need the Lord. It is time to remember yesterday and strive with perseverance in telling the world just how special we all are in the eyes of the Lord. The blood that was shed throughout our nation’s war history is impressive, but it is time for us to teach the world about the blood that was shed upon a tree by our Savior, for our sins…
My friends, you have your orders:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on
earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and
of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end
of the age."
Matt 28:18-20 NIV

Thank you and God bless,
In HIS service,
CH (CPT) Cliff Neuman
1-4 CAV, Squadron Chaplain