SEMPER FI

Monday night, I had the distinct honor and privilege of helping to entertain the wounded at the Fort Vancouver Medical Center.
I met men with missing legs, shattered skulls, missing eyes, hands or fingers,  but none lacking spirit, none feeling self-pity.  No, they insist upon thanking us for our time, yet it is we who ought thank them for their sacrifice.  One, a Korea vet with parts of his skull and brain blown to powder more than 60 years ago, has not seen his family for years, not even at Christmas nor his birthday, nor for any other occasion.  Save for the attendant nurses, he is alone, utterly, irredeemably alone.  Thanks for your service, sarge.