Today, March 29th is National Vietnam War Veteran’s Day.
Rob Fenstermaker
Empowering You to Step Into Your Kingdom // Kingdom Builder // Running Enthusiast // Whiskey Drinker // Practitioner of Wordle //
When I initially entered my Army service on July 7, 1981, I was a 17-year-old punk who thought he knew it all. My drill sergeants were all veterans of the Vietnam war. These men taught me what it meant to be a soldier in the US Army. I left my basic training as a newly minted US Army soldier.?
Upon reporting to my first unit assignment, I discovered that my platoon sergeant and 1SG were both veterans of the Vietnam War. The battalion commander was a veteran of Vietnam also.?
Coming of age in the late 70s, I had never been around those who had served in this war. I knew that the Vietnam War was not popular and that it had created great division within this country. My only true recollection of the war was watching a news report in March 1973 in which the final soldiers returned home and were greeted by their families.?
As I was able to interact with each of these men, one thing that was evident from each was the foundation they had of Duty, Honor, and Country. Several would tell accounts to the young soldiers of the lessons they learned serving in a combat zone in a foreign land. They knew that the war divided this nation, yet it was through Duty, Honor, and Country that they fulfilled their missions as soldiers and as men.?
These were some of the greatest men that I have ever had the opportunity to be mentored by as they led with a purpose. They intended to make certain that no soldier would ever experience some of the mistrust they had to experience for doing the simple act of serving their nation.?
I will never forget the lessons that I learned from these men as they mentored, coached, trained, and led me to be both a better soldier and a better man.?
Make it a point today to find a Vietnam Veteran and thank them for their service and remind them that what they accomplished was not in vain and was significant to many whose lives they touched.
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2 年Vietnam was five years before my active service, but I will never forget how they were treated. Thank you, especially to our Vietnam vets.
Motivational Speaker | Spirituality Coach, Empowering Moms, Purpose Seekers & Those in Transition | Owner & CEO @ Leigh-Leigh Kossman Speaking and Coaching
2 年Beautifully written, Rob. I couldn't agree with you more. THANK YOU for YOUR service to our great country! I have SUCH a heart for our military!! I had one WWI grandpa, one WWII grandpa, and my dad served during Korea. My favorite charity is the DAV -- Disabled American Veterans. And every time I see a vet (usually identified by a hat or jacket), I stop and thank them and ask if I can give them a hug. They all accept : ) And you're right -- our Vietnam vets had/have it particularly hard. I know some who still suffer the effects. Sending YOU a hug today, Buddy! xo, Leigh-Leigh : )
Empowering You to Step Into Your Kingdom // Kingdom Builder // Running Enthusiast // Whiskey Drinker // Practitioner of Wordle //
2 年Jerry H. BRETT MASTERS Justin W. Jacobs, RBLP-T Gregory Long - Results and Life Coach Lou Kerestesy Vern Griffin Ben Grumbles Christine Clarke RN BSN Maxwell Nee I appreciate you taking the time to engage with this. Thank a veteran today!
'I educate you where the classroom failed you. ' <> Super Connector; Thought Leader. Economic historian
2 年Jim Crone
'I educate you where the classroom failed you. ' <> Super Connector; Thought Leader. Economic historian
2 年Madison Miller