Celebrating Military Tradition and the Importance of Giving Back

I was raised to believe that service is the rent you pay for your space in the world. My Grandmother Ward was a great history and genealogy buff. She was extremely proud that members of our family had fought in every war this country fought since the French and Indian War before the Revolution. We even had both sides of the Civil War covered.

My Dad fought in WWII.  I had an Uncle shot down over Korea. When Vietnam came along it appeared this streak was at an end. I enlisted to do my part. I was too late to go “in country”, but I assisted at Ft. Chaffee when the refugees were brought back to the states. I went on to spend a number of years in various areas of law enforcement. Not only during Vietnam, but since, I learned what it is to be hated because of the uniform you wear. I do believe that it was worth it –It is a job someone has to do so why not me?

I continue to believe that EVERY citizen owes something to the country for the freedoms others have fought and died to maintain. I do not believe the military is for all, but feel that everyone has a gift to give others whether it is helping the elderly (as my mother did), teaching (as my sister and brother in law do), or volunteering to help with food banks, hotlines, etc. We have developed such a selfish society and the current generations coming up seem to have less of the compassion to voluntarily give of themselves to help others. So many are buried in their “phones” and want more “stuff” without taking a good look at what it will cost them and future generations. They feel no responsibility to those who sacrifice for them; who do without so that they can have what they want.

The GREAT exception to this selfishness are those of our military who have written that blank check to give whatever it takes to make the world a better place. The current generation is right up there with the WWII generation in my book. These folks have not only gone to war—they have gone time after time after time with only a few months between deployments. Some enlisted in the National Guard never thinking that they would be sent to the other side of the world multiple times. They come back to a country where gratitude is a one or two days a year lip service from those who have no idea what it’s like to spend 24/7 365 on a 360 swivel (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year watching all around) just to stay alive and try to keep your buddies alive. These folks may come back in pieces both physically and mentally and have very little support system when trying to get on with their lives. I am in AWE of them and their fortitude.

Thanks to all our services and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Georgia S. Ward

Pictured above is my dad, Warren G Ward Jr., who served in the Army paratroopers  in the Pacific during WWII.

Above is my step-father Stewart E Cunningham who served in the Navy during WWII—one of the Great Generation.

Pictured above:  My nephew, Cody Moore, still serving in USAF.