Debt of Honor

I was deeply moved by the words of the soldier who lost both arms in Iraq. His story was distorted and misused in Michael Moore’s lying, twisted propaganda. This young man spoke later to set the record straight.

He has returned without his limbs, but he is not back here without his honor.

One man came back from Vietnam and dishonored his medals, his commanders and his comrades. Allow me to tell you of another man who came back from the same conflict to Hunterdon County.

He was derided by kids and neighbors as the nation reeled with post war instability.

The first man borrowed some medals to cast in mockery on the White House lawn; the other packed his medals away reverently and began a struggle to find work.

One man arrived in Vietnam to command swift boat no. 44 in December 1968. By March 1969 he left after requesting to be sent home.

The New Jersey soldier never asked to be discharged. He served 4 years, 7 months as a helicopter mechanic and door gunner with 369th detachment, air cavalry. Duty counted more than personal safety.

Work was not a problem for the first man. He was well connected and skilled at what was later to be called schmoozing. He was endowed with a sharp brain and a college-honed eloquence. The 4 months he spent in the hell in South East Asia were so short that for the most part he managed to sleep soundly.

The boy from Hunterdon County took a whole lot longer to get back. 3 tours of duty later, he returned and was left to cope with the nightmares.

After his discharge on Jan. 1, 1975 there was no welcome home sign at Philadelphia airport . He was mocked by those who thought his service meaningless. He said: "It was so hard to walk away from the jibes. I got into some fights. I didn’t know Jesus in those days."

A job was hard to find. He split and cut wood and mowed lawns. There was no unemployment, so he had to make the $ 350 army discharge pay stretch. Eventually he was hired as a molder in making underwater telephone cables.

I’m writing this on November 11th, 2004. This is the day I honor the risks and sacrifices of the young men who step forward in freedom’s defense. No man can love his country or his friends more highly than to lay down his life.

I’m misty eyed as I look at the names of the heroes of Fallujah. Speak highly of all our veterans! I’m glad for Senator Kerry’s medals. A country ought to honor a man who puts himself in harm’s way. However slight those wounds may be, they could have been far worse.

Combat isn’t selective. Every veteran deserves our gratitude.

Some came home to marry well and live in opulent houses. My thoughts turn to my friend from Clinton.

He’s at home too.

It’s a home that he might be forced to sell in May next year because in retirement he will not be able to afford the local taxes. He asks no favors. He and his wife of 34 years are selling all they can to make this transition. They got married in July 1972 in between tours. Faithful in war, faithful in marriage and faithful in work have been his creed.

After his discharge they settled here in Clinton, NJ. He wasn’t bitter against the military. On the contrary he served for 19 years in the National Guard. A heart attack precluded him getting the army pension that comes due after 20 years.

I’m not writing this to raise funds or even to evoke your sympathy. Don’t insult an ordinary man with a hand out. My purpose is to remind you that America’s uniforms have been at most times filled with lowly men who did not flinch to pay the price their country asked.

You do however owe my friend something. You owe thanks. You owe respect.

The Bible says there is a time for war and a time for peace, but when the latter comes again be mindful that it was purchased for you in blood.