Local VFW Members Push Back on Combat-Only Veteran Label
A Naperville veteran argues that support troops deserve the same recognition as those who saw direct fire, citing Vietnam War ratios.
By Ethan Cooper ·
In Naperville, a local veteran is challenging a common misconception that limits the title of veteran to those who saw direct combat. The argument centers on the value of support personnel in military operations, a point the writer believes is often overlooked by the general public.
The writer, who served in Vietnam, cites a specific ratio from that conflict to back the claim. In Vietnam, it took seven soldiers to support one combat soldier. The writer states that their team owed their lives to those support soldiers and that supplies were always available for missions because of them.
The author defines a veteran broadly, including active duty, discharged, retired, and reserve service members. They describe the military service as writing a blank check payable to the United States of America, with the amount including the individual's life. This definition applies to all service members, regardless of their specific role in the unit.
The writer notes that many veterans do not enjoy discussing the hardships of war, often preferring to share the humorous or absurd experiences from their time in uniform. They describe combat as worse than war, a sentiment they say is widely held among those who have been deployed. Laughter, the writer suggests, helps erase some of the difficult memories.
The author urges family members to ask their veteran relatives about the fun and crazy stories from their service. This approach, they argue, opens a dialogue that can eventually lead to discussing the more serious aspects of their experience. They also suggest a change in how people express gratitude.
While people commonly say thank you for your service, the writer proposes saying thank you for protecting us instead. They emphasize that American soldiers protect citizens regardless of race, religion, or political beliefs. The author serves in the VFW, where members often talk about the lighthearted side of military life rather than the combat details.
The piece concludes by reminding readers that veterans are multitaskers who leave their families for war zones, help citizens during domestic disasters, and deliver medical supplies and food to countries in distress around the globe.
