Today I had the absolute honor and privilege of being the anesthesiologist for one of the last remaining members of Easy Company. What an absolutely fascinating and humbling experience to be in this man’s presence and to be responsible for his care. Even as an octogenarian his personality and strength were still readily apparent.
I knew he was coming in today so brought in my well-read copy of Band of Brothers as well as the DVD collection and had him sign both. While we were chatting I found out a really embarrassing thing. I have lived within 10 miles of him for the last 8 years and didn’t even know it. However, he has promised that I’m invited to his next get-together as long as I’m a beer-drinker. I assured him I was.
During his case I just had to sit and imagine all that this man has gone through and seen during his life. I had so many questions I wanted to ask him about how he feels having sacrificed so much for the freedom of our country only to watch it being taken away by our own government.
I didn’t of course. I’m guessing it wouldn’t have been all that appropriate to get him worked up right before taking him back to surgery. But what a betrayal of these heroes is taking place during their lifetime. How quickly we forget.
It was even evident in the OR staff how little this man’s sacrifice means to them. I’m forty, but even those in their thirties looked at me with amusement as I kept asking them, “Do you realize who that is?” “Do you know what he has seen, done, and been through?” Someone even laughed and told me I should get the guy’s autograph since I was so excited to meet him. Then I showed him the book and my DVDs. “Now that’s ridiculous,” was the response.
Is it any wonder our country is headed in the direction it is when even adults are unimpressed by a man like this anymore?
I, for one, will go home a changed and blessed man tonight for having met him. I must have thanked him for his service twenty times and it still seems like I didn’t thank him enough.
Phenomenal story. I recently treated a veteran of Vietnam who was part of the special forces community. Truly amazing… especially considering he was more then willing to talk about his experiences.
It would have take almost superhuman self-restraint to keep me from punching that son of a bitch in the mouth and spraying his teeth all over the floor. :mad:
I work in the Toccoa area and go to the museum and hike Currahee on occasion. If you’re ever in the area, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. I have also had a Tuskegee airman as a patient, and he was without question the most dignified gentleman I have ever had the honor of meeting.
Even if the others at work don’t appreciate who this man is, I’m glad someone (you) do. Awesome that he invited you to hang out and swill some beers… Those WWII vets won’t be around forever.
I humbly lift my glass to that man and say “I am not worthy” What an honor and thanks for sharing that experience. There is still such a thing as honor in this country, just not as much as there used to be.
Semper Fi
but my hats off to you. You done right! Makes me feel better to know some folks still give a damn. At least you knew…unlike so many these days. Once upon a time I had the honor to buy a gent who had “The Medal” a beer. It was right after Gulf 1 started and he showed up in our E-Club. Ya just don’t ask why he had the blue ribbon with the white stars around his neck, ya just buy the guy a drink and say thanks.
I was at the VA hospital the other day and looking around at all my brothers and sisters and I felt like a heel, the only elephant I ever fought was bad storms and surf, trying to get the survivors and my crew to shore without capsizing (Surfman Ret.). It just never seemed the same as dealing with shots fired in anger in my head, those are the real hero’s.
You were lucky mate, and you did the right thing. Thanks-WW
The good thing about being an NCO is that I can pull all of the enlisted staff and civilians aside for training. That man’s sacrifice and experiences are part ofArmy history and it is the NCOs responsibility to make sure that the customs, traditions, and history of the Army are passed on. If they still don’t get it (MEDDAC syndrome), I would make arrangements for said service member to go downrange and get first hand knowledge of what sacrifices a Soldier makes while in the CZ. Here at Brooke Army Medical Center the staff gets it. Our staff only reacts with some apathy and trepidation when we are stuck treating illegals for extended periods (why do they always run and go boom?).
Not many of these brave men left. We just had another lier here in Oregon telling his story about all the places and things he had been and done. Not one was true, a couple 'fuck yous" and a punch in the mouth is not enough for those who dont get it.