Veterans event is learning experience for all

[unhappycamper]

Veterans event is learning experience for all
By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Sunday, November 11, 2007

WASHINGTON — James Warrington served as an infantryman in World War II and a chaplain in the Vietnam War, but he spent this weekend getting an education in what it means to be a veteran.

“I want to learn what it means to these guys,” he said of the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who spoke at this weekend’s annual American Veterans Center convention. “I saw World War II but didn’t see combat until Vietnam. But I want to hear their stories.”

Hundreds of former veterans attended the four-day convention last week, which featured lectures and presentations from heroes from every major U.S. conflict since World War II. Organizers said the event has become a popular stop for veterans of all ages to share stories and learn from each other about their common bonds.

~snip~

Lt. Col Walter Bradley, a Vietnam veteran who deployed as a reservist to Afghanistan, said one major difference between the elder veterans and today’s has been the public reception upon their return.

Thirty years ago, he couldn’t imagine a day where he and other veterans would stand before high schoolers and talk about what war is like. When he was offered the opportunity, he immediately accepted.

“You look at what the active duty guys are doing, and the guard and reserve and their role, it’s incredibly important to have that,” he said. “They’re all coming back and being treated as heroes, because they are.”


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50185



uhc comment: I guess they forgot to mention homelessness, jobs, socks, heath care and other 'stuff'.