Column: ‘Thank you for your service’ more than just a greeting to give to a veteran
Throughout last weekend Aurora area veterans were honored all across our cities and villages – in churches, schools, parades, parks and community centers - for their service to our country.
So it comes as no surprise I frequently hear from older vets that, more than ever, they feel the appreciation of a grateful nation.
As one U.S. Army veteran told me, he’s received more “thank you for your service” greetings in the last few years than he did in all the decades since he was drafted during the Vietnam War.
John Harris’ plans for last weekend, it turned out, not only included his granddaughter’s Veterans Day concert on Friday and another event at the American Legion the following day, he was also going to take advantage of coupons for a free haircut and a meal, compliments of a couple of businesses which likewise understand how critical those who serve in the military are to this country.
This senior gunner on a Vulcan air defense weapons system saw no combat, but he knows “it was the luck of the draw” that kept him from harm’s way. Still, “they called me and I went,” he said, which is why he feels no guilt or discomfort receiving accolades of appreciation.
Not every veteran feels the same. A recent Stars and Stripes story focused on a survey that indicated many vets, particularly those younger, do in fact feel awkward when people thank them for their service.
A surprising two-thirds of vets or active military members between the ages of 18 and 44 say that five-word greeting bothers them because as one put it, “we don’t want to be thanked” for doing a job they signed up to do.
Those deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan also suggested the greeting sounded empty, as they are more than aware of how quickly the country lost interest in a war that dragged on for two decades.
Compare that to the 76% of older vets who saw the “thank you” messages as OK, or the most appropriate way to honor them, with most being Vietnam War vets who were often vilified and at times assaulted when they returned from Vietnam, especially when they ran into war protestors.
Vietnam combat veterans Ed Huss and Purple Heart recipient Camron Carter specifically mentioned those atrocious homecomings when they spoke at the 11th annual Veterans Appreciation program at Chapel on the Green in Yorkville Sunday afternoon.
They were joined by other veterans, including Richard Niles, who also experienced hostile conditions as an Army radio operator in Vietnam, from monsoon rains and mosquitoes as well as from enemy booby traps that claimed the lives of many in his platoon.
While the other veterans who spoke did not see combat, their unique services made for compelling narratives. Roger Tuttle, for example, was a member of the 48th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon out of Fort Riley, Kansas, from 1955 to 1962 in the Army and in the Reserves. His job was training and handling German shepherds that supported front-line infantry.
The story of the late Roger Weiss, who was an engine mechanic “aboard a little destroyer in a big, big storm” was read from a prepared speech he had planned to give at last year’s event until he became too ill. The ”Yorkville icon,” as he was referred to by emcee and Air Force veteran Dick Randall, died in March.
Jeff Kline retired as a lieutenant colonel after 15 years of active duty and eight years in the Reserves specializing in transportation, which involved everything from loading ships to railcars to tanks and buses and convoy missions.
Cindy Niles, a fourth-grade Oswego teacher has served for more than 30 years with the Air National Guard, working in computer communications, logistics, aircraft maintenance and is now doing conflict resolution in the inspector general’s office.
Neil Schilling, who enlisted in 1972 because he had a high draft number, was hospitalized due to complications from a bacterial infection much of his eight months on active duty, but signed up for the Army Reserves after graduating from North Central College in Naperville “because I felt an obligation to finish my duty,” and served another 22 years, much of it as a cook for thousands of hungry soldiers.
“My service was not something to shout about. I was never deployed,” said a humble Schilling, praising the Reservists who “did one, two, three tours” in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“But I was there.”
He was, indeed.
I was not surprised that several of the veterans who spoke made it a point of downplaying their own service while singling out the heroics of the ones who witnessed the ugliest side of war. Yet, even those combat veterans will be the first to insist each person who served deserves equal thanks and equal recognition.
Ensuring freedom, as several pointed out, includes deterrence as well as defense.
Which is why this veterans appreciation event in Yorkville, which continues to grow since it started almost a dozen years ago, specifically focuses on highlighting the many unique and important ways to serve our country.
And what could be more relevant at a time when military recruitment is at a critical low even as tensions around the world are so dangerously high.
It’s about “looking at the big picture,” insisted Army veteran and Vietnam Purple Heart recipient Rick Gardner, who is co-president of the Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club and who understands the many different emotions felt by veterans and active military of all ages.
Greg Hazen is not a vet, but he was among the nearly full house who attended this veterans recognition program because he does see that big picture. Which is why, when he says “thank you for your service,” he means it from the bottom of his heart.
“As far as I’m concerned,” Hazen said, “as soon as you sign on that dotted line, you deserve my respect and my thanks.”
