I’ve always respected veterans for a number of reasons. I
admire their courage, dedication, sacrifice, and selflessness. Since the
attacks on 9/11 several of my childhood friends and classmates have served in
Iraq and Afghanistan. However, my grandfather, Harold, who passed away last
week at the age of 83 was the closest personal connection I had to a veteran. He
was the epitome of a
humble veteran and quiet hero. His story is unique, just like the millions of veterans
which we are grateful to have among us.
Shortly
after Harold and my grandmother Jean were married in 1950, he entered the U.S.
Army. Leaving for boot camp in August 1951, he was sent to Korea in
February 1952 as a member of the 780th Field Artillery
Battalion. Starting out as a Private, he was later promoted to Corporal,
and saw combat action leading up to the armistice agreement signed in July 1953.
In addition to his role as an infantryman, having been a farmer, he was also a
natural at operating bulldozers, transport trucks, and heavy artillery. He
earned three service stars, having participated in three different campaigns,
and a Meritorious Achievement Award.
This
was the furthest extent our family knew of my grandfather’s service, because
other than his military records and a few pictures, his experience was
something he would later keep to himself as a private matter. Only in short,
off-hand comments would anyone be able to understand the horrors of war he experienced.
Matter-of-fact mentions about Koreans building bombs out of something as small
as a ‘pop can’ or how he’d once seen a man’s hand cut off when firing a piece
of artillery were about all. No more than a sentence or two at a time for
nearly 60 years.
In a
day and age where people have trouble keeping anything to themselves, much less
the traumatic experiences of war, our family respected the inner-peace he had
and he went on to live a life defined by his hard work ethic and light-hearted
personality. Some openly tell wartime stories, share lifelong friendships with
army buddies, or proudly display their service, which is certainly well-earned.
My grandfather did not. His home and family were in Platte County and in his
final months he said the efforts he’d put in during his life were all he ever
cared about.
The
second part of my grandfather’s veteran experience would come nearly 60 years
after he first entered boot camp. Until recently, Harold had not taken advantage
of many of the benefits afforded to veterans in our country. The G.I. Bill was
in place for higher education when he came home, but he chose instead to farm
the family homestead.
As Harold's
health began to deteriorate in 2011, his military service qualified him to
receive the highest degree of senior care available, which led him to the
Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron, Missouri. The level of dignity and respect
he was cared with was probably most evident in his final hours.
A
team of nurses ensured his transition was comfortable and peaceful as his
breathing slowed. The common bond fellow veterans hold never shined
brighter than when they offered their respects. Harold's roommate symbolically held
guard outside his door early that morning. Residents were eating breakfast when
the announcement was made that one of their comrades had passed into eternal
rest. As his body was transported through the building, the sounds of a normally
busy cafeteria were still. Staff members lined the hallway; residents who were
able to stand did so in a moving moment of silence, some offering one final
salute. Harold was going Home in the deserving manner he had earned.
Veterans and the services provided to them are all too often
politicized rather than properly prioritized. The families and care-givers of
our veterans know each soldier has their own unique story that contributes to
the collective strength of our proud country.
On this Veterans Day, I celebrate the service of my
grandfather as well as those of your family from any generation who have contributed
to the peace and prosperity of our nation, but also to those who serve our
veterans to ensure their life journey is full, extending many years, and ends comfortably
surrounded by loved-ones.
