I served in Viet Nam and for many years I worked hard not to even think about it, let alone talk about it. Quite by accident I encountered a man who devoted countless hours toward organizing trips for veterans through Honor Flight. At first I shoved thoughts of this out of mind, but then checked it out on the internet. Intrigued by the idea of making the trip with fellow veterans, I filled out the application on line. When I received the invitation I thought about it long and hard, and my wife encouraged me to go. On business trips I had been to DC many times and purposely avoided The Wall.
As I look back it was a very rewarding experience for my. I felt reward enough by the visit to apply again, but to go this type as a guardian, one who assists a fellow veteran. The man I was guardian for, required the use of a wheelchair and turned out to be a highly decorated veteran, and me a new treasure friend. You see when we were there we were is the death business so becoming friends was dangerous, it was safer keep them as a buddy with an arms length. I learned to put that emotion aside, coming to terms with the reality of that time in my past and owning it. I got back more than the effort of being a guardian many times over.
As I look back it was a very rewarding experience for my. I felt reward enough by the visit to apply again, but to go this type as a guardian, one who assists a fellow veteran. The man I was guardian for, required the use of a wheelchair and turned out to be a highly decorated veteran, and me a new treasure friend. You see when we were there we were is the death business so becoming friends was dangerous, it was safer keep them as a buddy with an arms length. I learned to put that emotion aside, coming to terms with the reality of that time in my past and owning it. I got back more than the effort of being a guardian many times over.