(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo/Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret)
My father and step-father both served in Vietnam. Stories of their time in service usually center around the positive things they experienced. The stories often involve a hearty laugh as we listen to their adventures. I love the story my step-father tells of hanging by a safety line out of the side of a helicopter while operating a door gun. Physics is sure a bummer sometimes! My dad tells the story of learning his trade (he is a barber) in Vietnam. He relates how he saw God’s faithfulness in the direction even there, thousands of miles away from home.
Even the difficult stories are often accompanied with humor and a smile. Though they are covered with humor, I can’t help but wonder at the sacrifices they faced as they regale the table with a story of their time over there. I know the sacrifices were deep and lasting. I can’t imagine what they have seen and experienced. I’ve never been to war. I’ve never been close to war. Like most Americans I’m comfortable and warm within the borders of my strong and wealthy nation.
The debt we owe our veterans can never be repaid.
Last Sunday the pastor of our church spoke on honor. Honor brings unity. We can honor our veterans. We should give thanks to them for serving, not just because it’s “good manners” but because they deserve that honor. I have the pleasure of being surrounded by men and women who have served in my chosen occupation (aviation). I’m so grateful to be constantly reminded of the debt I owe to these great men and women. I’m thankful that I have had the pleasure to share a flight with a few of them over the last year of flying our Stearman.
I know my fellow LSW and CAF members join me in thanking all of our veterans this Veteran’s Day 2018.
Thank you. All of you. Thank you for serving. We love you. We honor you.
-Jimmy Page for the Lone Star Wing of the CAF