Letter from a veteran, letter to a veteran

  • Published
  • By Maj. John Knack
  • 660th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Upon returning to my office after a six-day trip, I found a lot of paperwork waiting for me. I sifted through the performance reports and decorations to be reviewed and signed, the security badge paperwork and a folder full of birthday cards that I needed to sign and deliver.

 At the bottom of the stack was an envelope postmarked in Alexandria, La., and addressed to "Commanding Officer, 660th Aircraft Maintenance Sqdn." Curious, I put the other paperwork aside and opened the envelope. 

The handwriting was cramped, painfully so; as I read further, I understood why. The style was meticulous and respectful; when I saw the letterhead, I knew why. 

I have received requests for unit and Air Force memorabilia before, and I have responded. I am thankful for every opportunity to tell what an incredible job our Airmen do every day, launching and recovering our aircraft so our aircrews can safely deliver fuel, cargo and passengers in support of the Global War on Terrorism. I put aside the other paperwork and focused on this letter. 

The writer, a United States Marine, was a 100 percent disabled Vietnam veteteran. As a result of combat in Vietnam, this hero "started as a quadriplegic, but eventually became a paraplegic." He apologized--he apologized to me!--for his writing because both his arms had been affected by his combat wounds. He asked for any memorabilia I could send because "mail call" was the highlight of his days and his way of coping with his condition. 

This combat veteran, in a style both eloquent and touching, summarized the sentiments
I try to convey to my fellow Airmen, to my friends and family, to my neighbors and to all who will listen. He admires our "great sacrifices," at home station and while deployed, and states that some have made the "ultimate sacrifice." All our service members and their families voluntarily give of their time, energy, and abilities to serve their country and to preserve our way of life. I would lay down my life for my family. I would die for my nation. It is hardest for me to see and know the sacrifices of our families as they send us forth to serve in harm's way. 

This Marine has seen "major changes in our military" since he enlisted in 1965. I was 7 years from being born! He knows we have the best technology and the "smartest, [most] well trained and toughest [force] to date." I wholeheartedly agree! Our all-volunteer force of professional warriors is extremely capable, well educated and innovative. We arm our Airmen with the finest equipment we can because it is our duty as leaders to organize, train and equip our forces to serve and to fight on our nation's behalf. 

This Marine's letter inspired me so much that I read it to my squadron members at our recent commander's calls. His words reminded me to get up and step out more often, to focus on leading and praising people, not pushing papers.

 I hope his plea inspired our Airmen to think about why they serve our nation and how vital their service is. I pray it inspires you to appreciate those who wear the uniform today and those who have gone before us, for their service and sacrifices.