Vets luncheon
Dear Editor,
Sooner or later a topic arises that makes us pen that first letter to the editor. Recently our local Pennsylvania State Representative Kathy Rapp held a thank you gathering to honor those fine men and women who served during Viet Nam.
In the past those who served during WW II and Korea were also honored by Representative Rapp at previously held special events. It is heartwarming to know as a veteran we have someone in Harrisburg that supports the veteran's community.
While a member of the Pennsylvania Veterans Commission I had the pleasant opportunity to testify before Senator Baker's veteran's affairs committee in regards to Act 66. House member Rapp showed up at a Senate hearing in support of the commonwealth's veterans.
When the late Medal of Honor recipient John Gertsch was honored at the grove across from the capital building our rep was there. When a new bridge was built in Sugar Grove she was asked to get it named in honor of POW/MIA's. Kathy Rapp got the job done because she was asked by veterans. With all this in mind I find it somewhat disturbing that some Viet Nam "in country" veterans had issues with individuals who served in other locations attending this "thank you for serving" gathering. Some actually didn't show because of this issue while others stood around and complained after the fact. If I recall our military training taught us that none of us was "special". Some of you know a medic that kept a wounded warrior alive. A lot of us witnessed men who were wounded bad enough to be shipped out of country to locations like Japan. Some of the doctors and nurses that put them back together didn't serve "in country". Now someone finally wanted to show respect and admiration to say thank you, but no, that wasn't good enough. Some of you feel it's your duty to pick and choose who gets thanked and respected for their time serving America. I am disappointed by such behavior. What happened to team? Over the years I have always felt that ALL veterans did their part for America. Veterans are all brothers and sisters together. I never felt better than any other veterans because I was in combat. Some of my "brothers" have let me down. A well respected veteran is one who is for the whole team. I can't see it being any other way. Kathy Rapp "Thank You" for your dedication to all veterans.
Your for veterans,
PDC Gary Fry
AMVETS National Vice Commander
Sugar Grove
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samibigelow
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10-28-09 3:00 PM
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oopss.....Fry......sorry, more coffee, please.
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samibigelow
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10-28-09 3:00 PM
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As a member of the Am. Legion, I am thankful to our veterans, the combat and non-combat ones. They do what they must to aid each other and fight the fight. Thank you to Rep. Rapp for recognizing their worth. I never served but tried to enlist my last year of college, I did not qualify to be able to, though. It is sad that Mr. Frey has had some negative interactions but judge not everyone by what a few do.
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Morrison
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10-28-09 7:48 AM
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Everyone who was in during the era could have been shipped to Vietnam. The VFW exists for those who served in a particular proximity and time. The Legion and AMVETS serve all. I know very few who don't consider "non-combat" or even "peace time" (cold war) vets deserve a thank you. I am aware of hard feelings by some that they can't join the VFW. In that case, go back to what you learned in your service about following rules. Let's face it Gary, our generation is the last to say "wasn't everyone" in the service?
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