I wrote this column in light of the fact that Memorial Day is just around the corner and the experience of covering the story on injured former-Marine Angela Madsen.
To read that story, click on:
Activist to row by Seal Beach on journey to Hawaii.
I hope it honors her courageous personal struggle to carve out a productive and positive life after being faced with challenges associated with becoming a paraplegic. Although it did not occur in combat, it was during her active service; albeit playing a sport she loved for a military team.
In her book, “Rowing Against The Wind,” she describes in detail the hardships and challenges she faced due to her injuries and a lack of proper treatment. It may be symptomatic of the treatment many veterans receive through the VA hospital system.
How much more traumatic it must be for people who are seriously injured in combat.
I can’t help but stop and wonder in awe of the sacrifices some people in this country have been willing to make in the cause of freedom. I also wonder if enough is done to take care of them when they return home.
I have often thought with some regret that I lost an opportunity earlier in my life to serve in the military.
Back in the day when I was of the age to serve, our country was just emerging from the dark shadow of that most unpopular conflict—the Vietnam War.
In short, the military, joining it or even supporting it, at that time was just not “cool,” whatever that means.
It was a confusing period that brought us Watergate drama, wide-scale protests and cruel treatment to many soldiers returning home from Vietnam. And they were the lucky ones because they got to come home.
Fast forward …
In the years since the end of the Vietnam War, our country has faced many new conflicts with some people whose hatred of us as a people and the freedom for which we stand has drawn us to seek peace on earth through our strength in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones. And yes, even mete out punishment to those whose crimes against us are so heinous as to deserve what they have coming to them. In order for us as a people to accomplish these goals, we have had to rely on the extreme bravery and sacrifices of those who choose to serve in our armed forces.
I have been happy over the last few years to see many new service organizations, non-profits and even long-established groups stepping up to give aid to our military people returning from the wars overseas. To name a few, they include: Honor Our Fallen, the Wounded Warrior Project and even our local groups like the Seal Beach Lions Club, Woman’s Club of Seal Beach and many more who have found a way to lend a hand.
This week I had the honor to meet and interview Angela Madsen, who is scheduled to start a 50-60 day rowing challenge from Long Beach, past the Seal Beach Pier, and off to Hawaii. Part of her purpose is to raise money to help honor those who have died in the service to their country—our country.
Godspeed Angela —wish I could go with you.
Dennis Kaiser is editor of the Sun Newspapers.
