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Then and Now America’s Armed Forces Stand and Protect

photo by Photo Provided

photo by Matt Bushee

Tuesday November 11, 2014

By Cookie Steponaitis

Veterans Day comes but once a year with people and the media focusing their attention on the armed services of America and those who have served.  However there are 364 other days that the nearly one million women and men in uniform continue to protect our nation and its interests around the globe as America goes about its business.
    When spending time talking with American veterans about Veterans Day as a national holiday and one of recognition, it is also distinctly personal and in many cases a private time for thought and reflection. Walter Kuehns began his service to his nation in 1957 and continued to his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army in 1981. Kuehns served as a pilot and flew fixed wing aircraft, multi-engine aircraft and Huey helicopters. During his career Kuehns moved twenty four times and served three tours of duty in Vietnam in the 1960’s as well as being stationed in Turkey from 1976-1978 where his duties took him to Pakistan, Iraq and several locations in the Middle East.
    Kuehns paused in the conversation when asked to share his own reflections on Veterans Day and remarked, “Freedom simply isn’t free. America needs its military and always will.” Kuehns went on to share that Vermonters seem to collectively understand the importance of the day and the role of the service men and women because so many Vermonters have served and some even have been on multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. When asked how Americans could make the day special Kuehns smiled broadly and remarked, “There is nothing that I love more than seeing American flags flying proudly all over the streets and homes of our state and nation. That brings me joy.”
    Private Jacob Bushee made the decision to join the Marine Corps in honor of his brother Josh Bushee and has always wanted to join but was not able due to a series of knee surgeries. “I wanted to challenge myself and do something very few people have been able to accomplish,” shared Private Bushee, “so I took the journey of earning the title of Marine. Stationed at Fort Leonard in Wood, Missouri, Bushee is currently finishing up his MOS schooling and is set to graduate  January 15, 2015 as a motor vehicle operator. Bushee has set some career goals and plans on going to college to earn a degree while serving his country.
    Veterans Day for Marine Private Bushee is a way to show his utmost respect for all military branches and those who have served or are currently serving. “Anyone who has the honor to serve our country and sacrifice for that country deserves to be remembered. Without them and their sacrifices we wouldn’t be the nation we are today. I think Americans should know that we chose to make the decisions we did for them to protect their rights and freedom. As far as what it means to me, to wear the uniform I have earned is more than an honor to me. To me this uniform represents the honor, courage and commitment we as Marines have for one another and everyone else wearing a uniform or just being a civilian. To know the history and legacy of what this uniform means and all the brave young men and women to have worn it before me and are currently wearing it now with me, brings home that we do this to protect those we love and the nation we love.”
    Now as the election results fade from the media and America turns its attention again to one of the two days a year where those who serve and have served are front and center ask one simple question. How do you honor these Americans and how does your family value and use the freedoms you have been given? May the flags fly high in the streets of your town, on the poles at our homes and may we all stop to  reflect and remember what Winston Churchill told the world at the close of World War Two, “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.” The Valley Voice salutes all in uniform past, present and future and your dedication, determination and commitment to our nation.

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