Yesterday was Veterans' Day. Short break at the beach house over the weekend as fellow veterans were contacted and well wished. Talked to Red Dragon at length and we never mentioned it. We both served in Vietnam and it's not something we discuss. He wasn't crazy about it nor was I. We were young, called upon to serve our country, and did just that.
We have memories. Some rear their ugly heads and try to kill us in nightmares, but it has become less a problem with age. Thank you USMC for saving my life while in the line of fire. Twice. Thank you Red Dragon, Myles, Don, Joel, Denny, Salita, and all the rest for being there with me and helping then and now. Thank you Kathy, James and all your staff members for the medical support you provide now. Thank you DAV for existing and letting us know we are not forgotten.
Visit the Veterans' Hospital in Memphis. It is a saddening place. We've been pushed aside and shelved like something worn out and useless that just won't go away. At the same time, the satellite VA clinic I visit locally is full of happy smiling people that try to help. Could it be that Memphis just plain sucks? Part of it anyway...
"It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you."
~Cheney
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