Veterans Day is a special holiday for people all around the world. It is a day to remember those who fought for our country in battle and appreciate them for all they do. No matter what day of the week it is, the holiday is always celebrated on November 11, because on that day in 1918 the Allied nations and Germany went into battle on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month.
My step grandfather, Dennis Naugle was drafted into the military at age 21 to fight in the Vietnam War. He left home on January 5,1965, and did not return until around a year later on October 21,1966. He was in the Army, specifically in the 299 combat engineers located on post fourth court in Georgia, right outside of Augusta. During the long 13 months, he was a part of HQ company and supplies, helping with providing ammunition, uniforms, rations, and food.
Members of our armed forces serve all around the world and are stationed in many different places. According to studies it was shown that over two million veterans served in Afghanistan and Iraq, spending one out of three years serving overseas. Dennis was mainly stationed in Quy Nhon, Vietnam as well as Pleiku, another city in Vietnam. Most time was spent there, but then his group later moved up north to An Khe and took on the role of calvary.
Unfortunately after coming back from war, if soldiers are lucky enough, a good amount of people who served struggle with their mental health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is a big obstacle to overcome and sometimes it can lead to the commitment of suicide. It is shown that around 41% of veterans struggle with the mental illness. Even many years later those who were involved can struggle with hearing, have traumatic brain injury, and more. It is sad to see and know but that is why we have to be extremely grateful for our veterans because they worked so hard and have been through so much to save our country.
Although there are so many negatives in having to go to war, there are some positives too. Dennis said, “It was a true learning experience that makes you look at life differently. You have to absorb what other people believe in and realize that you can learn so much from everyone.” He was very fortunate to have lived in an 18 man tent while others were out in the forest when it rained and when it was cold. He was grateful and learned a lot from that experience. “One of the biggest lessons I learned in the military was just how great America is. Once you leave our borders and go see how some people are forced to live you realize just how privileged we are,” said Mr. Naugle.
For more information visit combatwounded.org/goals-and-achievements/veteran-facts/.
