Honoring Veterans

 Most Americans have come to know Veteran's Day as a day for store sales and parades and free food for veterans. But for some, this day resonates with a deep bourdon note of a church organ. So many innocent years lost.

We celebrated the life of my Uncle Carl, a former teacher and a proud veteran who served in the Army in Germany during the Vietnam War. Later his work with the Immigration and Naturalization Service eventually led to lead the National Firearms Unit in Altoona, PA, for several years. His last post before his retirement was serving in Washington, D.C. as a Deputy Director of the National Firearms and Tactical Training Unit.

My Uncle Carl pursued his lifelong passion. He was a marksman and a competitive shooter, and he achieved the highest rating of High Master in the Police Pistol Combat competitive arena. He then represented the United States at the World Police and Fire Games in Calgary and Germany. To add to his accolades, he was on the Border Patrol (and later ICE) Pistol Team for sixteen years, serving as its captain for six years.

Uncle Carl's career came full circle as he taught many nationally ranked shooters. He even engaged in the NRA Precision Pistol shooting, enjoying the opportunities to shoot in matches with his son Dennis. And always had the love and support of his wife, my Godmother. He even taught me how to carry, target, and troubleshoot. He had the patience of Job.

Despite his commanding presence on the range, Uncle Carl was a peacemaker, a gentle soul with a quiet approach. He walked my son around Arlington Cemetary, and let him sit on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial "for as long as he needed." He was not in a rush. It was the deciding factor in Ethan's life to absorb patriotism and serve his country.

Exercise:
  1. Treat a veteran. 
  2. Serve their family. 
  3. Share their story.
  4. Hire them. 
Journal: 
What benefits do you think military servicemen should get when they return from active duty? 
Why do you think they deserve those benefits?




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