No Parades, No Protests. Just Patriotism And Pain.

I asked my friend and neighbor John for a picture for today's post. John is a US Vet and I was planning on a picture (of his) and a few sentences for a post. John suggested I devote some time to US overseas armed conflicts after Viet Nam and before Iraq. Not only did John offer me good idea, but how can I turn down a Veteran on Veteran's Day? Besides, it's his picture.

Roll Tape.

The USA evacuated personnel from Viet Nam hastily in April,1975.  The USA entered the Gulf War noisily in January,1991. There were cameras, reporters and press coverage for both. The time in between seems to have been lost.

 Unseen, But Ever-Present.

What did the US Military do from 1975-1991? Aside from staffing bases around the world, the US Military has been ready to defend our freedoms at the drop of a hat. Forget philosophy and budgets, this is about the men and women of the US Military. During the unpublicized era between Viet Nam and Iraq, US personnel have taken up arms and taken bullets in (list incomplete):  

• Operation Urgent Fury-Grenada,1983
• Operation Golden Pheasant- Honduras, 1988.
• Operation Just Cause-Panama, 1989.

US Military personnel were also killed in the bombing of the US Embassy in Lebanon, 1983.

Reunion. Source: John Linquist

Cold Sweats.

A few years back, I hit a deer while driving home. Occasionally that vision wakes me up at night.Whenever I see a deer by the roadside, it's all I can do to keep driving. I drive white knuckled during deer season. I can't imagine what it's like to dodge bullets or feel explosions. I don't have dreams of the person next to me being blown up by a grenade. I have no idea how are Service Personnel reassimilate to society. I know some (many) never find a way to fit back into "normal" life. That's exceptionally sad.

An Insufficient Thank You.

So to all Veterans: Thank you for the hardships you have chosen to endure so I can maintain my luxuries. Special thoughts are reserved for those that fought in places I didn't know we fought. And John, thanks to you.