I got this picture from Cliff, a combat wounded Army helo pilot (and good friend). As a Vietnam veteran, this picture has a special meaning to him, and a depth to it that only he and those who also participated will fully understand. There is no author given, so I cannot credit anyone. But the image and words are very powerful.
It is that way with all combat veterans, including those who fought in OIF and OEF. They understand each other in ways the rest of us – even those who wore the uniform but never saw combat – can never fathom.
It does not mean that we should not try. In the meantime, we must continue to respect and honor their sacrifices in service to the country, and lend a hand from time to time to ease their transition back into the civilian world.
That is something, I believe, that we all understand.
