Wednesday – 1/18/2012
“All gave some…Some gave all.”
Rather than talk about myself today, I decided to use this platform to voice my opinion about another issue – our men and women serving and dying in the military. Not sure what possessed me to go this route, but woke up this morning with an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards those who protect our liberties and freedoms.
It’s easy for everyone, myself included, to grow complacent and forget all that is done for us on a daily basis by the brave men and women who voluntarily choose to serve. If there is a more noble calling, feel free to let me know and I will be sure to let you know how sorely mistaken you are.
When I was a junior in high school I began the application process to the United States Military Academy. My dream as a teenager was to attend West Point. Applying to the Academy consisted of a formal application (similar to that of a regular college application), a Physical Aptitude Examination (PAE), a thorough medical examination and letters of recommendation from a United States Senator and Representative. I had the grades, received stellar recommendations from former Senators John Glenn and Howard Metzenbaum, as well as US Representative Eric Fingerhut, and performed exceptionally well on the PAE. In fact, I set a record in one of the events (standing broad jump) for Northeast Ohio in 1993. I also managed to bang out 22 pull-ups (which was 3rd highest in Cuyahoga County).
As a result, I was one of the 1,800 individuals (out of more than 10,000 applicants) to receive an Appointment to West Point. My Appointment was contingent upon passing by medical examination. This should have been a piece of cake, considering I was a full-time athlete with less than 8% body fat who wasn’t happy unless I was breaking a sweat. Unfortunately, I had asthma at the time, and once this was discovered my Appointment was rescinded. This was at the time of the first Gulf War, and the military was beginning to realize how damaging respiratory issues could be to a soldier. Despite numerous appeals and personal phone calls from the Senators to the Captain in charge of admissions, I was denied entry.
I was devastated by the Army’s decision, especially since my asthma was under control and not a problem. I eventually attended Lehigh University and was denied entry into their ROTC program as well. I ultimately ended up taking a few ROTC classes anyway (as a civilian) for my personal satisfaction. In the end, I told myself there was a reason for the setback and it was all part of God’s plan. However, my disdain towards the USMA selection committee never dampened my extreme gratitude towards those who did make the commitment to serve.
Last year while participating in an SCI study at the VA hospital in Cleveland, I was constantly surrounded by individuals who paid a steep price for their service. Missing limbs, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and posttraumatic stress disorder were just a few of the reminders of war that were constantly present in the halls of the hospital. There were times when I felt ashamed and embarrassed to be involved in the study since I was not a veteran. Oftentimes, others would look at me and offer a slight nod of their head as if to thank me for my sacrifice. I would just smile and lower my head not sure what there was to say. However, I have always known what to say any time I cross paths with a veteran in public. Whether at a shopping mall, a movie theater, church or even a nursing home, I always went up to veterans and thanked them for their service. I learned to do this while growing up by watching my father, a former Army grunt, thank countless men and women for their service.
If you haven’t thanked a veteran lately, ask yourself why not. It doesn’t have to be Veterans Day to appreciate these individuals. In fact it’s a travesty that only two days (including Armed Forces Day) are set aside for this great country to show its appreciation to its former and current military personnel.
To all those reading this who have served, are currently serving or lost a loved one as a result of serving, Thank You. I am extremely appreciative of the sacrifice you made.
Stand Strong!
Scott
10 Comments
Nancy
January 26, 2012We are so blessed in this country and our military personnel deserve all our support. both while serving and when becoming a civilian again. Like the others, I have close family that have served in various branches of the military during war time or peaceful times along with policemen and firemen. These people risk their lives daily for our freedoms and safety. We should thank them whenever possible. Lee Greenwood’s song–Proud to be an American–also reminds us to be grateful!
Thanks for the reminder to honor all our vets!
Cherry Marsh
January 23, 2012Hi Scott,
Thanks for reminding us of the debt we owe to our service men and women. You can certainly appreciate what a great many are going through.
God bless you,
Cherry
Mary McFeely
January 20, 2012What a glowing tribute to the men and women who sacrifice their lives every day for our freedoms (that we take so much for granted).
God Bless You, Scott. As always, you spoke so eloquently. I hope you write that book some day.
God Bless You,
(Bobbi’s friend)
Beth Turk
January 19, 2012Scott, I have to say thank you!! I currently have two sons in the Army. My oldest son, Jim, is an army ranger, stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington State. He graduated from the University of Dayton two years ago and will be deployed in November. My son Erik, is in Fob, Afganistan right now. He was deployed last month. Thank you so much for recognizing these men and women.
You are a remarkable person Scott. We have never met although I have followed you closley.
I had the pleasure of working with your mom in Cleveland and Lindsey at Camp Cheerful.
Beth Turk
Beth Malarkey
January 18, 2012Thanks Scott…My father was a soldier in WWII and paid a steep price. I also grew up next door to a P.O.W. of the Korean War. My neighbor was brutally tortured…yea torture is brutal well he was brutallly tortured yet endured. I too talk to my kids about such individuals and what they give so that we can be free. My mom always talked about my dad saying that we had to keep it off of our soil….and we did until 9/11….but we have since and that means sacrifice to do so. God bless all of those that have served, do serve, will serve and ALL of those that support them.
Donna
January 18, 2012Great post, Scott. My dad was in WW I, both brothers saw action. My husband was in the Navy. I have an admiration for anybody in the military. Sometimes, I think our young people have no concept or appreciation of the hardships that a solider gives to his country.
Mike Eyre
January 18, 2012Scott -
Just to finish … take care my good friend … Stand Strong! … Army Strong!
Mike
Mike Eyre
January 18, 2012Scott -
On behalf of all of us in uniform, it’s an honor and privilege to serve our great Nation! Thank you as always for your continued support … your words struck home as I read them while sitting in my office at the Pentagon. As you recall, the last time we were together was in Winchester (having drinks of course!) as we were both getting ready to depart Trex … you to a new job back home near family and friends, and me to Iraq. You were there for me then … know that I am here for you now! Take care my g
Traci Nichols
January 18, 2012Awesome Scott! And…..I thank a veteran every day!
Kristin Martin Mancia
January 18, 2012Scott, you have touched my heart with this one. (although most of your posts do) As the daugther of a retired national guardsman and the grand-daughter of a WW2 vet, I hold our men and women of the military in the highest esteem. And I hold YOU in the highest esteem. So how appropriate that you would focus on them today. Thank you. You inspire me every single day, Scott Fedor!!!