Real American Heroes

A Real American hero

They are all around us, and come from all colors and occupations.
Today I would like to talk about those heroes I have actually met who served in the US Military, and focus on one in particular.

My cousins son is a medic in today’s military. Three or four years ago you may have watched as CNN showed helicopter being shot down in Afghanistan. Most of the crew were killed. Danny’s buddy landed on top of him, the rotor hit and killed him instead of Dan. After several months at Walter reed hospital, he told the Dr the only discharge he would take was back to his old outfit, where he eventually wound up.

Another Televised hero was on national news one night during the Iraqi war. It was during the time of the Abu Ghraib scandal, this young mans Humvee was patrolling the streets around the prison when an IED went off. You wouldn’t know he was disabled unless you were in a conversation and he told you he was retired with a traumatic brain injury.

I have met vets who were amongst the Chosin Frozen in the Korean war, as well as marines who watched their buddies die in the Dominican Republic in the early 60's. In the past month i have done funerals for Vietnam vets who served more than one tour of duty, when they returned, they were not the same young men who left Duluth. One dear friend spent nearly a year in a fetal position back in 1970, he watched as two buddies died trying to rescue him.

The list goes on and on, PT boat Captains. Paratroopers from 'Nam and WW2. Two men who flew with the Flying Tigers. Some were men who found faith easy until they lived one thing too much. Hero’s all.
I have had the opportunity to thank countless Native Americans who wear the Vietnam Service ribbon colors on their hats. They have the look of those who lived one day too many in the bush.

For a moment I want to focus on Joe, one of the nicest kindest men I have ever met. He was a customer of mine 20 years ago when I worked at Sears. I saw him again yesterday and took the time to thank him properly. Joe flew P 51 mustangs in the war, protecting Bombers as they flew into Germany. He was a Tuskegee Airman,one of the bravest squadrons of the war. If I recall correctly, his outfit never lost a plane under their protection. They were men of color, Black men who as Joe said, fought a tougher battle here in the states to defend Our Country then they did in the skies over Europe. I told him how wrong that was, how sorry I felt about it happening. we continued to talk, I promised to pray as his name came to mind. He is a true gentleman, a real American hero.

I have another friend who was in the marines. We go to church together and infrequently get the chance to talk. A few months ago I asked him what It was like to live as a gay man raising a child here in Duluth. I have seen he and his partner with their son, they do such a great job as parents It has brought me to tears. They struggle with everyday family stuff like all parents. Plus the unkind looks of those who disapprove.

My friend Liz is a lesbian, she has been in a solid committed relationship for ten years now. There has never been a time when she hasn’t supported me. I was a real shit when she came out to me six years ago. I made her tell me, instead of allowing me to guess and understand. I think it was because I wanted her to know how much I loved her for who she was, not a label someone may put on her.

One of my oldest best friends best friend died four years ago. He was stationed at the base here in Duluth, ran the flight line for the aircraft as they returned. He married a girl from Superior, and had two kids in addition to her one. He cried when he heard how his bi racial son was treated by some teachers at the elementary school., A real hero still fighting the battle.

When I worked at sears I worked with CC, a man whose home was South Central Los Angeles. Our conversations covered many areas, including racism and stereotypes. One day CC asked me what I would call 10 teenage boys who wore the same colors, walking down the street jumping shouting and laughing at unheard jokes. Well says I, "A Gang" . "Did the words basketball team ever cross your mind? Sadly no, in fact it never came close.

It really hurt to acknowledge Joe's words they other day."The battle here was tougher than what we faced over there." I am still thinking about it nearly two days later. It is not just the fact of the color of a mans skin, the gender of ones partner or the type of job one does. Hatred is still alive and well here in America. I still stereotype others I done know, even tho I hope to be genuine in my Christianity. Too often I think "street gang" or "Punks" instead of kids just hanging together having fun. Being loud kids just as I was. When I am afraid of another, then I use whatever tools I can find to protect myself. Unfortunately too often it is a stereotype that demeans the other.

I don't like the fact that at times I am an opinionated ageist sexist dominant culture male with a need to be right. I am that sinner.

The Love Chapter, 1st Corinthians 13 convicts me each time I read it. Unless I have love, I am nothing at all. I, we need to get out of our box and touch another. Regardless of OUR race, color or creed. Perhaps then we all can join celebrating those real American heroes who live next door.

Thanks to my friend who challenged me to write again.