As the nation gears up to celebrate its 250th anniversary, veterans from the Baltimore area gathered to share their diverse experiences of military service during a panel discussion hosted by WMAR-2 News. The event served as a living timeline, featuring veterans from various conflicts, including Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the post-9/11 wars.
Among the participants was Carol Sonny Smith, a former Marine who served from 1965 to 1969. Enlisting at the age of 17, Smith expressed his long-held desire to serve in the Marine Corps, a dream rooted in his childhood experiences in Baltimore.
Nancy Harris, who began her military career in the Army Reserve in 1987, later transitioned to the West Virginia and then the Maryland Air National Guard, where she became a C-130 loadmaster. She emphasized the opportunities military service provided her, stating it was one of the greatest experiences of her life.
Van Hess, a member of the Maryland Air National Guard since 1985, reflected on his 41 years of service, highlighting his multiple deployments in support of various operations, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. He expressed no regrets about his long career in the military.
Ryan Kules, an Army veteran who served from 2003 to 2007, shared his journey of being medically retired after being wounded in Iraq. He spoke about the importance of being part of something larger than oneself and the valuable lessons learned during his service.
The conversation began with the veterans discussing their motivations for enlisting. For Harris, family influence played a significant role, while Smith was inspired by the sight of Marines during parades. Kules noted that the events of September 11, 2001, solidified his decision to serve.
As the discussion progressed, the panelists compared their experiences, particularly regarding the reception of veterans returning home. Kules acknowledged that the warm welcome he and other post-9/11 veterans received was influenced by the treatment of Vietnam veterans like Smith, who felt shame upon returning from war due to societal attitudes at the time.
Throughout their dialogue, the veterans also discussed the evolution of military life, particularly in terms of technology and communication. Harris noted the stark differences in how service members connect with loved ones today compared to her earlier deployments, where communication could take weeks.
Despite the changes, the veterans agreed that the sense of camaraderie remains a constant across generations. They emphasized the importance of support networks for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
As the panel concluded, the veterans reflected on what America should remember about those who served. Hess reminded attendees that "some gave all," while Smith urged recognition of the sacrifices made for freedom. Harris highlighted the commitment of service members and the pride that comes with serving.
Looking to the future, the veterans expressed admiration for today's service members, who enlist in an all-volunteer military. They shared that the skills and experiences gained through military service are invaluable, and many maintain a commitment to serve even after leaving the uniform.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).
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