Veterans: Ft Hood Past and Present
by A soldier pays tribute to all those who serve and to those that will answer duty’s call.
Nearly ten years ago I served at 1st Cavalry Division, FT Hood, TX. While conducting a gunnery exercise, a soldier lost his life from a horrible accident. His tank caught fire and the crew was unable to rescue Chavez in time. The military funeral was my first real experience witnessing two boots, an inverted M-16 adorned with Kevlar helmet and dog tags. The emotion was overwhelming.
Minutes before the tragedy, life seemed to flow with its usual dilemmas. Looking in the commander’s eyes after the tragedy revealed he was desperately searching for answers. His man – his watch, everyone could read his thoughts. Captain Gunnison provided the unit with courageous strength, thanking the Chavez family for their son’s faithful service.
Take this emotional scene and multiply it by thirteen. Veteran’s Day from past to present takes me back to Central Texas. The profession of being a soldier is extremely dangerous. After this year, home still seems unsafe. Unfortunately, in war and in peace freedom asks for more sacrifice than communities can save. The FT Hood tragedy could have bankrupted the system if had not been for previous soldiers’ pledge to serve. In order to maintain liberty, civilians must continue to enlist. They will train. They will go through validations and screenings preparing them to take the fight to the enemy. They must remain vigilant in the face of courage, an attribute that is not developed by an institution but birthed by the American spirit.
What will we learn from the tragedies at FT Hood? Soldiers die everyday, some making national news while some remain local. I can assure you looking at one display or thirteen will always be a sobering experience. As strong as America is, she will always be frail compared to the men and women who secure her democratic frame.
Terrorism will not defeat our soldiers’ spirit. A soldier’s rampage cannot deter us from what must be done, nor will it prevent us from continuing our preparation. Those that live must honor those that have died. Our fallen heroes are why America shall survive. There are young people waiting to answer Glory’s call. Not to die but to serve courageously, because history will always tell the story of greatness. The fact that Veteran’s dare to be great, we shall not forget.
Fourteen pairs of boots, fourteen M-16s turned upside-down, fourteen Kevlars with dog tags dangling, plus millions more are added to the price of freedom.
May the fallen always be honored while we are living.
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