SENIOR SCENE 11-10-2011

November 27, 2011 at 1:24 am | Posted in Senior Scene | Leave a comment

Armistice Day

Veteran’s Day

TAPS

Today we were honored to have as our guest speaker, Mr. John Champlin, Viet-Nam era veteran, and also the current president of the Tulsa Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. Mr. Champlin spoke about three heroes of the Viet-Nam War that he served with . . . although he just could have easily spoken of his own patriotic ancestors who served with General George Washington in the Revolutionary War against the British.

Then, we all have a great-grandfather whose brothers fought on both sides of that bloody, but revered Civil War.

Mr. Champlin shared about three special servicemen in his life . . . all of whom served with him aboard his Aircraft Carriers . . . Lt. J. B. McKamey, who was shot down on his 21st mission over North Viet-Nam and served 7 years and 8 months in captivity . . . how great a faith!

Then, there was Lt. Michael P. Cronin, who was shot down on his 125th combat mission over North Viet-Nam. He was held in captivity 6 years and two months.

And then, there was Ensign Wolf who, on his 20th mission over North Viet-Nam, was hit by a 14.5 armor piercing round. Even though  it was a near fatal wound, he managed to return to the carrier, and after numerous surgeries, he chose to return to flight combat status . . . all true American heroes and faithful comrades in arms.

Remembering the veterans who have all touched our lives along our life’s journey, we all have a Mr. Wilson, who lived down the block while we were growing up. Mr. Wilson was gassed by the Germans while serving as an American “Doughboy” with the U.S. Army in World War I . . . never once did we ever hear him complain, even though he could not physically do any job or chore that we take for granted.

Then there was a John, a chubby little guy we teased a bit . . . he played the flute in the high school band. John was killed in action during World War II and is buried in Po Valley in Italy while serving with the 45th Infantry.

And then there was a Leo, an orphan boy who had no family but lived with various town families . . . we played sandlot football with him . . . a real tough guy was he . . . took no “lip” from anybody . . . Leo is buried in Okinawa . . . a fighting Marine of the first order.

And can we ever forget little James . . . all five feet two of him. The Air Force made him a tail gunner on the B-17. One day his plane came back, minus the tail section, and no trace of James . . . another hallowed hero.

And, we should never forget Eastwood’s own personal hero . . .  Major Stowe’s plane went down in flames in Viet-Nam . . . both the plane and the load of ammo they were carrying exploded on contact.

And, as you honor your past and current veterans this Veteran’s Day, remember to give them your heart-felt thanks and gratitude . . . not because they need it, but because you need to do it . . . and remember, to the last heartbeat, each and everyone would do it all over again.

To close, we would like to share a poem that U.S. Army Veteran Charles Michael Province wrote years ago . . .

“It is the soldier, not the minister, who has given us freedom of religion.”

“It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.”

“It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.”

“It is the soldier, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.”

Mr. Champlin, we thank you for those gentle reminders.

Till next month,

Your Senior Adults