Admiration, Respect, Dignity

By Ron Dupuis
Here are some names you should read out loud. Read them with admiration, respect, and dignity. John Sanders of Las Vegas Nevada, Geoff Miller of Cleveland Ohio, John Rosenlund of Vermont, S Franklin of San Antoine Texas, Angela Johnson of Texas, and Sheri Williams of Oregon. These are just a few of ninety eight military men and women that touched U.S. soil for the first time in over a year at Pease Airport, 6:30 a.m. last Tuesday morning. They are heroes, each and every one of them. They are heroes because all are volunteers that were willing to leave their families, their Mothers and Fathers, wives, children and sweethearts, in order to serve and fight an increasingly unpopular war. They are heroes because they are willing to do what is asked of them by politicians who sit safely behind a desk in Washington D.C... Finely they are heroes because they are willing to serve, work, and at times fight, for a people who are struggling to achieve freedom. A freedom similar to what we enjoy here in America.

Here are some other names you should also read out loud, and again, with admiration, respect, and dignity. Bud Owens of Stratham, Frank Kervin of Kensington, Roger Dirck of Dover, Jack Brodie of New Market, Ed Johnson of Rye, Cherie Monnell of Cape Neddick, and Nancy Jones of Berwick Maine. More heroes. The difference is that instead of going to a far off land of unfamiliar culture and traditions to help a struggling population achieve freedom, these heroes walk silently among us here at home. They install our carpets, attend to our sick, care for our children, and work in our banks. They range from high priced executives to stay at home Moms. They also give up their time and sleep, three, four and sometimes five and six times a month in order that a show of support and a smiling face is the first and last thing our military personnel will see in the U.S. when going off to, or returning from Iraq.
“We’re Republicans, we’re Democrats, we’re Independents” one seasoned “Pease Greeter” remarked. “We are Veterans, from all branches of the service, Army Air Force Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.” “We have men and women who served and fought during WWII, we have men and women who served and fought during Korea.” “We have men and women who served and fought during Viet Nam, and we have men and women who served and fought during the first gulf war.” “And, believe it or not,” he continued “we have men and women with no military connection at all.”

There is one last “hero” that needs to be mentioned here. She was an elderly lady sitting most of the time, some feel because of her age. She had what best can be described as a “care worn” half smile on her face. When asked as to why she attended these greetings she said that she had two sons in the service and did not want anything to happen to either one of them or “these young people leaving for Iraq this morning.” “One of my boys is in Iraq now and the other will be there next month.” “I’m scared for my boys and for these young heroes here.” When I tried to reassure her that everything will be alright., she simply smiled and said “Thank you, however I’m really scared.” “You see I lost my husband in Viet Nam .”

I was left speechless. Here is a woman who lost her husband in the prime of his life and yet was willing to support her two son’s military careers. And still have time to get out at 6:30 in the morning in order to support other sons and daughters.
God bless you Nancy Jones of South Berwick Maine. And may he keep your two sons safe.

For further information concerning the “Pease Greeters” pleas call Ed Johnson at 603-766-0502 or visit there web site at www.peasegreeters.org

Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.