Tribute to a Hero.

Veterans Day is tomorrow. A day to honor those that have served in order for us to live in the greatest country in the world. To enjoy the freedoms that we take for granted.

I want to thank one hero in particular. My dear friend Wayne King proudly and humbly served our country from September 13, 1968 to September 3, 1970. He found himself in the worst of the Vietnam War and valiantly fought to protect his brothers in arms and those that he loved back at home. He was wounded in battle and received the Purple Heart and several other medals for his bravery. He is truly a hero.

As most veterans of his era, Wayne is humble and speaks little of his experiences in Vietnam. In his mind, he did his duty. He did what was expected of him. He served his country. What a simple, but powerful philosophy that we could all learn from in these me-centered and selfish times.

In today’s world of just doing for yourself, we forget about the brave people that did so much for us. They gave us everything that they could give. Their bodies. Their hearts. Their souls. Many of them still carry the demons of their sacrifices with them and still work to overcome guilt and pain. Their sacrifices for us didn’t end when they returned home.

For many years, once a month or so, I would go to breakfast with Wayne, my uncle Tom Ruf, friend John Knapp, and my father-in-law Rick Robinson. All four men were veterans. Inevitably, they would always end up talking about their common experiences from the time that they served. It was bond that they had. I wished that I had the same bond, but also grateful that I did not. I was always amazed at how they downplayed what they experienced and how they were so incredibly humble. One morning, Rick (who was not a guy to throw around compliments) looked at Tom and Wayne and thanked them for what they did. He knew that they had both experienced things that he and John had not. It was an incredible gesture of respect and appreciation. It sent chills up my spine.

Of our breakfast crew, only Wayne and I are still around. I miss those mornings with these men I respect and admire. It was always an honor to sit among them.

Tom Ruf & Wayne King - Combat Veterans. Heroes.

We all owe a debt to these brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our country. Most of us today cannot relate to the experiences that they have endured and the bravery that they have demonstrated. Their love for country and their commitment to justice is something that we are sorely missing today. We need to be inspired by these heroes and be motivated to be better Americans because of their example.

In addition to thanking these veterans for their service, let’s all try to be more like them. Our country and community would be a better place if we did.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial - The Wall

I’m sorry I didn’t see you last year

I couldn’t find no one to drive me

If your eyes could cut through that black stone

Tell me would they recognize me?

For the living, time it must be served, the day goes on

Cigarettes and a bottle of beer

Skin on black stone

On the ground dog tags and wreaths of flowers

With ribbons red as the blood

Red as the blood you spilled in the Central Highlands mud

And apology and forgiveness got no place here at all

Here at the wall

Bruce Springsteen, The Wall