I never joined the armed forces as the draft was abolished the year before I turned 18. My father and my uncles fought in World War II and my father in law was a Korean War veteran. I have a lot of respect for these people. I am in awe of their willingness to serve and die for our country.
About 15 years ago, I took my wife and kids to visit Washington D.C. I walked the Wall. While looking at all of the names, I broke down and cried uncontrollably. My 9 year old son did not know how to take the sight of his father crying to the point of getting down on his hands and knees. The thought of the thousands of people who were in my same age bracket who lost their lives was just too overwhelming for me to bear. I remember my wife took the kids away from me as she knew I needed my space.
Then I felt a hand on my shoulder. The hand was that of a man who was about 6 feet, seven inches tall (I am 5'6"). He, too, was crying uncontrollably. I stood up and he put his arm around my shoulders. I put my hand on his back (I couldn't reach his shoulder). We did not say anything to each other. We just stood there for a few minutes. The mere act calmed both of us down. Once we were able to regain composure - we just gave each other a slight nod and went out separate ways. We did not say anything to each other. We did not have to. Oh, by the way, this man is black and I am white. I thought about the significance of black and white men standing arm-in arm crying. Then I also thought that our different races did not matter and it should not have even been thought of as significant. Afterward, my son asked who the man was. I told him, I did not know his name, but he is a friend. It was an important thing for my son to see - so that's all that matters.
From then on, I had a new appreciation for the lives that were lost to allow all of us to keep our freedoms intact.
My son is in the Navy now. He is an Intelligence Office stationed in Korea. He had his weekend filled with the excitement as North Korea tested a nuclear weapon. He called today. My wife and I love talking to him and are making plans to visit him in a few months. I could not be more proud of a human being than I am of my son - especially today.
I love the military and have the utmost respect and admiration for anyone who has served our country in the armed forces.
Being in the Jacksonville, FL area where there are two major Naval Bases, I meet many former militray people. These bases are excellent sources of excellent employees. I volunteer often with the Transition Assistance Programs and can tell you that all employers should do everything they can to team up with the military transition groups. Since there is not a lot of hiring going in, it is a perfect time to get to know the individuals who are responsible for helping former military obtain jobs in the civilian world.
They are not as busy now - so get to know them before you need employees. If you wait until you need people, it will be too late to develop that necessary relationship.
To all of the people who have served and currently serving in the military. THANK YOU - from the bottom of my heart.
