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VETERANS!<br />
JOIN<br />
32<br />
<strong>August</strong> <strong>2023</strong><br />
US!<br />
There’s a<br />
lot more to<br />
us than a<br />
bunch of<br />
good looking<br />
guys in<br />
funny hats!<br />
For more information and a personal invite<br />
call: Larry Brower/Post Commander<br />
702/747-9840<br />
Doc Enos Post 983<br />
Henderson, NV, 89053<br />
Veterans: Love ‘em or Hate ‘em<br />
By: Chuck Dean / Vet 2 Vet<br />
Is it really possible for some individuals to hold<br />
negative views towards Veterans?<br />
I would say so. Lest we forget: soldiers returning<br />
from Vietnam routinely had garbage thrown on them and were spit<br />
upon as they walked through airports while wearing their uniforms.<br />
The contributions and sacrifices made by veterans are often revered<br />
and respected. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that not everyone<br />
holds a positive view towards veterans…even today.<br />
As veterans, we may wonder why that is. Maybe shedding a light on<br />
the nature of these prospectives will help.<br />
Back in the day, anti-war people<br />
had their reasons - right or wrong.<br />
Today, anti-gun people (perhaps<br />
those as the ‘Nam days) have their<br />
reasons.<br />
Why? Because veterans have<br />
been trained in weapons of war,<br />
and usually are not anti-gun and<br />
support safe and sane gun ownership. However, there are some other<br />
underlying reasons that may serve to enlighten us.<br />
Lack of Understanding. Without firsthand experience or exposure to<br />
the realities faced by veterans, it becomes difficult for individuals to<br />
empathize or appreciate their sacrifices.<br />
In certain cases, negative attitudes towards veterans may stem from<br />
political or ideological differences. Veterans are often associated with<br />
military intervention or wars that might be deemed controversial<br />
or unjust, and some may harbor concerns about the potential risks<br />
associated with veterans’ military training or war-related trauma.<br />
Worst of all, misplaced anger towards the government or military<br />
institutions may be transferred onto veterans who were only serving in<br />
the line of duty.<br />
Negative experiences with individual veterans can shape one’s<br />
perception of the entire veteran community. It is crucial to recognize<br />
that negative incidents are not representative of the entire veteran<br />
population.<br />
While it is important to acknowledge and respect the sacrifices<br />
made by veterans, it is equally vital to consider the complexities that<br />
may lead to negative attitudes towards them. Misconceptions, lack<br />
of understanding, political differences, personal experiences, can all<br />
contribute to negative views.<br />
To help fix it, we can promote dialogue and education to help<br />
bridge the gap for better understanding of the veteran experience.<br />
Ultimately, it is essential to approach this topic with compassion and<br />
open-mindedness to foster a society that appreciates and supports its<br />
veterans.<br />
Chuck Dean served as an Army paratrooper in Vietnam and<br />
through that experience was led to address the many transitional<br />
issues veterans struggle with. He is the author of several important<br />
books for veterans. Readers can contact him at skysoldier503@<br />
gmail.com
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