by James M. Hoover, CACM, Captain, USAF (Ret) and “Buzz”
(Nov. 11, 2024) — On this Veterans Day, we should all be mindful of the quality of men and women who make up our military. There is a special character that veterans develop and a camaraderie that comes about when we serve together. Only about 1% of Americans serve in our military. Some have seen combat and some have not. Nonetheless, there is a loyalty that matures among us that is undefinable and often overlooked by others.
My friend Buzz expressed a sentiment that seized my head and heart about a buddy of his that is worthwhile to share.
“This is a beautiful thought and I wanted to share it with you. It is from a former Marine buddy, George Scott, who I spent a lot of time with as he got near the end from cancer. I brought food and made it (frozen dinners), I gave him one of my two LL Bean thinsulate Parkas and bought fleece-lined pants and winter boots, etc. He told me that last winter was the warmest for him in years. He hated the Corps because he didn’t like taking orders, but I stuck with him in boot camp and he made it through. I spoke at the church where he was laid out in an open coffin, and don’t think it wasn’t tough. His younger son, who was a really good chap, just couldn’t do it and asked me to speak. I was honored to do it and we all laughed and cried when I spoke of our days in boot camp and combat training. George was an observant Catholic and a very decent man of faith. I miss him. He was a good friend and thanked me for spending time with him at the nursing home where he was, for the most part, alone. Months before he died I told his daughter he needed warm clothes and she said, ‘He’s fine.’ I instantly knew what I had to do and fortunately we were about the same size. May my fellow Marine rest in peace in God’s hands!” Buzz*
There is an old military adage that came from an American POW in Vietnam that about sums it all up: “Freedom has a taste to those who fight and nearly die for it that the protected will never know.” This quote is attached to my official retirement photo.
A salute goes to all of our Veterans on 11 November 2024.