With each passing generation of soldiers who pack up and ship
off to war, the location may change, the people may look different,
but the concept is always the same.
With each passing generation of soldiers who pack up and ship off to war, the location may change, the people may look different, but the concept is always the same.
Fighting for freedom, whether it directly affects American citizens or not, is the underlying focus that propels men and women to leave their families behind and come together to further a cause.
However, over the years the public’s perception of the veterans who risk their lives has changed, along with the way veterans cope with the return to civilian life after dealing with the perils of war.
When Vietnam veterans returned home they were spit on and berated, while the public is much more accepting of Iraq vets, said Jim Perales, commander of the Hollister chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. And while the Vietnam vets made a safe haven for themselves with organizations such as the VFW or American Legion, the younger generation wants no part of it, he said.
“The folks who received us gave us a thumbs-down. They called us baby killers and old folk killers and told us we had no reason to be in Vietnam,” said Jim Perales. “Now every once in a while someone will shake your hand. But the (Iraq vets) are welcomed with open arms and gifts.”
Perales, who did five tours in Vietnam in the Air Force, believes the stark difference in the public’s opinion of Iraq veterans stems from the overall perception of the war – that Americans are fighting terrorists in Iraq to protect the home country, while Vietnam was fought simply for political reasons.
But Perales didn’t risk his life trudging through the jungle for politics. He too, like the thousands of men and women who brave the desert heat of the Middle East, left home to fight for freedom.
“We had a passion because we knew we were defending our country. You’re there for a reason – freedom’s not cheap,” he said. “We couldn’t let the Communists take over, we had to kick their butts out. It’s the same thing with Iraq.”
Hollister resident and Iraq veteran Adam Britton fosters the same passion, which is why he volunteered with the Army National Guard and left his wife and small daughters at home. And although he was severely wounded and has since suffered through six surgeries on his shoulder, hand and knee and has substantial spinal damage, he would go back if they’d let him.
“I’m a father and a husband and I wanted to give them (Iraqi citizens) a chance for freedom and a chance for life. The women have a chance to be treated as equals,” he said. “I’ve got two little girls. I want to give them the same chance my children have here. It’s incredible seeing children eat out of the garbage. It’s not right, and that’s the way it was before we went over there.”
While Vietnam vet Bill Rodriguez, who did a one-year tour with the U.S. Army, expressed resentment at the way he and his fellow vets were treated by the public when they returned home, he believes the public now sees Iraq vets as heroes due to the Sept. 11 attacks.
But Britton said public sentiment is mixed. He’s had expletives spray painted on his car and insults spat at him, however he’s also had people thank him for his service. Yet nothing compares to what Vietnam vets went through, he said, which is another reason he feels uncomfortable being part of the VFW.
“They got a raw deal, and I feel guilty because of the way they were treated,” he said.
While the passion has not changed over the generations, the desire of veterans to join fraternal organizations such as the VFW or American Legion has. VFW member Charlie Scott said vets’ association with social organizations has been steadily decreasing since the 1970s.
At first the older vets didn’t want the younger vets involved, however now that the older vets welcome the new blood, the attraction to the younger generation simply isn’t there.
“The younger generation is coming back from war and they have other things to do with their families – they don’t want to waste their time,” Perales said. “They’re trying to make up for the time they lost (at war).”
Britton is a member of the local VFW chapter, however he rarely goes to meetings or functions because he doesn’t feel like being part of a social organization centered around the military, he said.
“You don’t feel like you’re a part. It’s mostly Vietnam and World War II vets, and it’s like your war didn’t really matter,” he said. “It’s hard – you can’t adjust to them, but you can’t adjust to normal civilian life. And I’m bitter with everything with the military (because of) the way we’re treated – there’s no benefits, it’s upsetting. Our wives don’t want anything to do with it because of the way we’re treated.”
Although both Perales and Rodriguez support the men and women willing to put it all on the line for the concept of freedom that many people back home often take for granted, Perales is fiercely against the war because of the lives it’s taken and the lives that remain to be lost.
Rodriguez said he’s not for it or against it – struggling to give a black and white answer to a issue leaden with shades of gray.
And while Britton is dissatisfied with the military’s treatment of him back home and hopes Iraq doesn’t become another Vietnam, he’s sure about one thing.
“If we were to leave now everything we’ve done would have been for nothing,” Britton said. “I think we’re giving them a hand so they can have a future.”
Erin Musgrave covers public safety for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or
em*******@fr***********.com
