A tribute to My Brothers and Sisters in Uniform

With the passing of Veterans Day, the killings at Ft. Hood and the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I had a chance to reflect on both what is going on today and my own attempt to serve our country.

While I am still proud of having served, I am not proud of how I served. In truth, my service was barely worthy of mention compared to the trials facing our troops today. I was a Cold War soldier and a piss poor one to boot. I never saw combat. the only time I ever handled a live weapon was out on a firing range. When I signed up with the Rhode Island National Guard, I had no idea of what I would face. I was a pipe smoker, I was overweight, and I showed all the signs of an alcohol problem.

It started at the very beginning, getting drunk at the first opportunity, missing a formation and being disciplined. An accident in training, due to my poor conditioning resulted in a fall from a 40 ft tower, injuring me and putting an NCO in jeopardy. I completed basic, only after restarting training and being put on an extreme conditioning program. That would prove to be one of my few successful moments. I then completed my skills training and returned home without any major issues.

I spent a short time with the RIANG. Only enouggh to prove that I was having increasing problems with alcohol. I looked forward to drill weeknds for low cost alcohol. By the following summer, I was on my way to Ft. Polk La.for my first active duty assignment.

My 13 months at Polk were marked by a discipinary actions due to alcohol. A barracks accident with involved alcohol and resulted in severe burns and time in a psycho ward, all due to alcohol abuse.

Somehow I made it through my time at Polk and got assigned overseas. I would complete my tour of duty in West Germany. Shortly after arriving in country, alcohol reared its ugly head again. I was on a downward spiral which ended with a determination that I was not fit to serve. That was in May of 1982. I put down the drink at that point, leaving the country and then the military, clean and sober. While I did get a General Discharge under Honorable Conditions, my service was no where near honorable. I feel like I am not worthy of polishing the boots of today's soldiers.

The soldier of today is a far cry from the one I was. Reservists and members of the National Guard face call ups to serve under hostile fire. Members of the regular Army face long tours far from their homes and families. Even in their stateside bases, they cannot feel safe. They face an enemy who may reside within their own ranks. It is not right nor is it fair.

Today I live in an area near Westover AFRB. There is are many military personnel both active and reserve in the area. I serve many of them in my job and never forget to say thanks. Not because of what I once did, but because of what they are doing today to keep us free.

When you see a soldier, sailor, Marine or airman, have the courtesy to say thanks. It is the least we can do.