Other Columns by Thomas D. Segel
Thomas D. Segel Bio

Printer-Friendly Version

In the early days of Vietnam I commanded a 150 Marine replacement unit arriving in country by ship. As we entered port the ship's Captain summoned me and ordered a perimeter established around the Seabee compound where we docked. It had been receiving probing attacks by the Viet Cong.

When the unit was in position I called my four Staff NCOs and told them to move up and down the line all night to keep everyone alert and their spirits high. I reminded them these were very young Marines and that they had never heard a shot fired in anger.

One Staff Sergeant gave me a funny look and then asked, "Who is going to keep our spirits high? We've never heard a shot fired in anger either." It was then I realized I was the only combat veteran in the unit. All were very young men.

Traditionally, we send our youngest, bravest and best off to war. Why? Well, it is understood they are among the most physically fit of our citizens. The young are easy to train. They develop strong loyalties, accept the commands of their leaders, and wear patriotism as if it were body armor.

From birth they have been taught to accept the words or promises of parents, teachers, coaches...anyone in a position of authority. So, it follows they accept the word of their government as carved in stone.

The politicos of our country have historically taken advantage of our service personnel. All of the "Washington In Crowd" understands those who serve in uniform are politically naïve and can be spoon fed most of that beltway blather without any questioning.

The political game of promise...then promise again. Delay...then delay again goes on and on and on.

Because of their faith...their sense of duty...their love of country, these brave young people risk everything, including their lives. Many who make it through the horrors of war carry scars for life, including disabilities far beyond the understanding of the average citizen.

They return home expecting a grateful nation to honor all those pledges and promises...only to find they were just pawns in a never ending political shell game.

Military retirees were promised earned health care for life, only to find they were given a substandard pseudo-insurance plan that most doctors wouldn't honor.

As they reached the twilight years of their life, retirees found health care did improve, but they were still forced to pay for and accept Medicare, when they had been promised their medical needs would be fully funded by the government.

Widows of military retirees thought their spouses had provided a solid survivor benefit, by paying for years into a program that assured a significant portion of retired pay would continue after death. Then widows discovered the government reduces that benefit when they reach the age where they qualify for Social Security.

>> Continued -- Page 1 2