Other Information
Other Information
Other Information
Other Information
The Importance of Freedom
Freedom is taken for granted by many people because of the fact that they have never known anything else. Because of this fact; the importance of freedom is not even thought about. Freedom is very important to people for varied reasons.
Having the ability to speak freely and to also pursue happiness is just two of the benefits that come with being free. Another benefit is that freedom leads to enhanced expressions of creativity allowing an individual the ability to think creatively, to be productive, and to enjoy a very good quality of life. And while this idea is multifaceted, it is sometimes viewed differently by every generation. There is a great value to freedom that can only be understood and appreciated by those who understand the past as well as human nature (Hahn, 2016). But freedom comes with a price that is sometimes not really understood by people who only enjoy the benefit of freedom without having to fight for it. Freedom sometimes comes with the price that includes war.
Why War?
History tells the story of the price for freedom which is sometimes war. Americans went to war to win their independence from Great Britain. Just weeks after the outbreak of fighting at Lexington and Concord, Congress appointed George Washington general and commander in chief of an army for the Defense of American Liberty; however, outmatched American troops sometimes retreated but returned to fight again even though they were frustrated. The British efforts to crush the rebellion failed. The American victory at Yorktown took away Britain’s will to fight. This was the War for Independence that occurred from 1775 to 1783 (The Smithsonian, 2016). This war was fought for the purpose of Americas being free.
World War II
When Hitler attacked his ally Russia on June 22, 1941, even though Germany and Russia had signed a treaty not to declare war on each other, the United States became involved in WWII to give aid to Russia. This event also brought about the need of aid to the English and the Dutch concerning embargoed oil shipments to Japan in an attempt to force them into an incident that would enable the United States to enter the war. There was a series of other events that happened over the next few months; however, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, history was forever changed. On December 8, 1941, President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan with the day Pearl Harbor was attacked being called the day of infamy (What Really Caused World War 2, 2012).
Vietnam
The causes of the Vietnam War were based on symptoms as well as components and consequences of the Cold War which was the simple belief held by America that communism was threatening to expand all over south east Asia. In 1954 world powers met at Geneva to discuss Vietnam and by July a decision was made to divide the country in two at the 17th parallel with Bao Dai leading the south and Ho Chi Minh leading the north. But an election did not take place and the split became permanent in 1956. After this non-election, Viet Minh became very active militarily with the Viet Cong attacking what was viewed as soft targets in the south. The Viet Cong used Ho Chi Minh Trail, a 1000 mile trail along the border with Laos as coverage from air attacks since this area was literally a jungle (Trueman, 2015).
The United States went to war in 1965 with Americans supporting the administration’s claim that it was fighting to stop communism in Southeast Asia with some people simply struggling about their daily lives being unaware that this slowly escalating war would tear American society apart (Trueman, 2015). It was believed that the people should be the ones to choose their government instead of being forced by the military to become communist.
Iraq
There is a diverse debate about what the Bush administration’s motives were for entering the Iraqi War with the immediate considerations being the events of September 11, 2001. This was global terrorism with weapons in a new era of worldwide unequalled war waged by non-state actors (Nikolas, 2015). When President George W. Bush made the State of the Union Address on January 29, 2002, he stated that the US would not differentiate between terrorist groups and nations which harbored them (Bush, 2002). This policy eventually led to the invasion of Afghanistan thereby motivating the need to remove al-Qaeda’s safe haven and training ground.
There are also unofficial considerations for this war to include the removing of Saddam Hussein demonstrating that the US military’s might against a visible enemy as well as the fact that Iraq had the world’s second largest reserves of oil. Whatever the reason, the world was affected by this war and in all actuality is still being affected even today.
This information discusses only three separate wars that show one thing and that is no matter the reason for war, there are the people who lose their lives, limbs, and sanity to protect their native land as well as the lives and land of others. This is an ultimate price that many do not even consider. Now let us look at those who serve and why they serve.
Those Who Serve
If you were to ask the solder why he/she joined the military, there would be a series of different answers. But there is a common denominator and that is that these individuals love their country and have a love for the people that live in that country. And while these individuals are willing to put their very lives on the line, there are those who would not even consider this act as an act of courage.
The Making of an American Soldier
In an attempt to look at different opinions Jorge Mariscal (2007) shared different opinions concerning the making of an American Soldier with suggestions of why young people join the military. Former President Bush believed that these people joined the military because they were patriots. Other reasons also include economic pressure to the desire to escape a dead-end situation at home to the promise of citizenship. Jorge Mariscal (2007) stated that although recruiters may not target ‘the poor’, that there is evidence that they do target those who have limited career options. Based on information gained from the 2007 Associated Press analysis, almost three-fourth of the US troops killed in Iraq had lived in towns where the per capita income was below the national average.
But there are also those recruits that come from families who are dedicated to military traditions where the grandparent, parent, and brother/sister had served their country with honor and pride. This shows that there generations of families who believe in their country and prove it by joining the military. But the true question is after these young men and women serve their country, how will their country serve them? (Mariscal, 2007).
Reasons to Join
When reviewing some of the top reasons people choose to join the military, the reasons include patriotism, defending the nation, and a sense of duty as many soldiers believe that there is no greater contribution that an individual can make other than to help the weak; pay and benefits as a person can join the military and after serving 20 years can receive a full pension with some receiving more than 75 percent of their base pay in retirement; full medical coverage for the military member and family as military members are immediately eligible for full health care benefits for themselves and their family members as soon as they enter service; and leadership opportunities that are of benefit in the military as well as after the individual leaves the service (Clayton, 2015). But now let us examine what happens when these military members return home from active duty.
The Issues Encountered After Serving
Celebrations and parades usually occur when service members return home. This would seem to be the right thing to do to honor those who protected their country or assisted those in need. But there are many issues that these service members experience that are personal as well as life changing. Here is a review of just a few of those problems.
Adjusting to Civilian Life
Statistics say it all and according to the PewResearchCenter (2011), out of 1,853 veterans who were surveyed, more than seven in ten veterans (or 72 percent) report that they had an easy time readjusting to civilian life, 27 percent stated that reentry was very difficult for them – a proportion that swells to 44 percent among veterans who served in the ten years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks (Moron, 2011). Other factors that increased difficulty in a military member adjusting to civilian life include being seriously injured, post 9/11 veterans who married while serving, post 9/11 veterans, veterans who served in combat, or knew someone that was killed or injured.
These are lingering consequences of psychological trauma. The probabilities of an easy re-entry drop from 82 percent for those who did not experience a traumatic event to 56 percent for those who did, which is a 26 percent point drop and the biggest of change (positive to negative) that is recorded in this study.
Health Problems
Military members also suffer from health issues to include musculoskeletal injuries and pain to include back, neck, knee, and shoulder pain with approximately 100,000 veterans of the Gulf War reporting chronic muscle pain; mental health issues; chemical exposure to include nerve agents like sarin that causes convulsions and death on the battlefield or long term heart damage. Environmental agents and toxic chemicals are very commonly used in combat. Infectious diseases to include brucellosis that could be persistent for years and campylobacter jejuni that causes abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea are just a few of the health problems experienced by veterans (Salamon, 2010).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Feeling on edge and recurring nightmares are just minor signs of PTSD. Any soldier experiencing severe trauma or life threatening events whether during a time of war or in a noncombat situation may develop the symptoms of PTSD. There are times when the symptoms do not surface for months or even years after returning from deployment. The symptoms can also come and go. Other factors can increase the likelihood of the occurrence of PTSD to include intensity of the trauma, losing someone who was close or receiving an injury, or having a lack of support after the event occurs (Stein, 2015).
The Interview
For this project, an interview with a Vietnam Veteran was performed. This vet whose name is William McMillan was in combat in the Vietnam in the early 1970s and agreed to the interview.
For the Record
The Difference between the Vietnam Veteran
Ken Moffett (2001) discusses what it was like for solders returning home from Vietnam. Because of America’s loss in Vietnam, there was total misunderstanding concerning the men who fought there with belief that those men did not measure up to the WWII and Korea wars. These soldiers returned home and were called names to include baby killers, psychos, drug addicts and other negative names. Protesters sometimes turned up at airports with signs filled with anti-war slogans for returning soldiers to see as they arrived home from the Vietnam War. Hollywood celebrities even demonstrated their lack of support for the war and the troops. These veterans were not celebrated for the price they paid in going to war with over 58,000 people losing their lives.
It is believed that even today’s military lives in the shadow of the Vietnam War. The soldiers in the Vietnam era were drafted though many of the soldiers in that era volunteered to serve. This war also casts a shadow over other issues that were occurring during that time at home in the US to include underlying racial issues, the roles that the news media played relative to the war, and the distrust that was developed toward the government (Moffett, 2001)
The Vietnam Veteran is believed to also be the most understanding and sympathetic of the issues that younger veterans are now experiencing. It has also been found that some of the biggest supporters of veteran issues have served in Vietnam. Eric Shinseki the former Army chief of staff serves as a secretary of veterans affairs; Senator Jim Webb of Virginia was a former Marines Corps officer and secretary of the Navy and is also a supporter behind the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Senator John McCain was a former Navy pilot and a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Truly these individuals understand what is happening with veterans and how those veterans feel when returning home.
Jogging the Memory
There was a series of seven questions asked to Mr. McMillan concerning his decision to join the military.
Were you drafted or did you enlist?
I enlisted because I really wanted to serve. At that time the draft was in place with so many of the people I knew being drafted. I made the decision to join even though my family did not want me to.
Where were you living at the time?
I was living at home with my parents and sisters in Valdosta, GA
Why did you join?
My uncle was in the military and when he would come home on leave, he would take me riding on his motorcycle. He would talk to me about being in the Army and how much he loved it. I loved him and remember being so proud of him and wanting to be like him.
Why did you pick the service branch you joined?
I joined the Army because my uncle was in the Army – it was just that simple for me.
Do you recall your days in service?
Yes – especially the training. I loved it.
Tell me about your boot camp/training experiences
It was 8 weeks of vigorous training with lots and lots of push-ups and obstacle courses. I loved the shooting and was a qualified sharp-shooter.
Did you experience any regret after joining?
Experiences
What war did you serve in?
The Vietnam War
Where exactly did you go?
Laos Cambodia
Do you remember arriving and what it was like?
Yes I do and the main thing that I remember is the fear and the smell of death. It was a nightmare that started at landing and did not stop until I left. We were shot at as we were landing.
What was your job assignment?
76 Yankee 30 – weapons and supply
Did you see combat?
Yes I did for the entire 2 years that I was there. Let’s just say that.
Were there many causalities in your unit?
Yes – everyday – not a good memory at all.
Were you awarded any medals or citations?
Yes – we received some metals – I have forgotten a lot of this because I wanted to – each metal reminds me of those who died.
Life
How did you stay in touch with your family?
Writing letters – we did not do a lot of calling at that time. All of us had one goal in mind and that was to stay alive and make it back home.
What was the food like?
Regular Army food. The food was decent. Focus was on surviving, not eating.
Did you feel pressure or stress?
Do you think? Yessssssssssssssss all the time – every single day and night.
Were there entertainers?
Yes – I remember a few rock groups and I believe Bob Hope. It has been a long time ago
What did you do when on leave?
Nothing – we stayed on base as there were bad things that happened to some of the soldiers who left the base.
What did you think of officials or fellow soldiers?
There was a lot of respect for the leaders and my fellow soldiers. Working together is what kept us alive.
Did you keep a personal dairy?
No – I did not. Living from day to day was a challenge with people sometimes dying right next to you. I just wanted to get back home!
After Service
Do you recall the day you got out of the service?
Yes – I was so glad to be alive. I was proud of my service but I was glad that I did not have to go back to fight. It was a nightmare for 2 long years. I just wanted to be free again.
Where were you?
I ETS out of Fort Carson which is in the state of Colorado with an Honorable Discharge. I remember just looking at the mountains and enjoying a view without mortar shells, bullets flying, and helicopters taking off and landing bringing in the wounded.
What did you do in the days and weeks afterwards?
I went home to see my parents and family but found it difficult to adjust. I remember finding it hard to stay in the house and sleep in a bed. I spent a lot of time by myself. This was a very bad time for me – not really knowing what to do.
Did you work or go back to school?
I did not go back to school and it was a long time before I went back to work. I simply needed time to adjust.
Was your education supported by the GI Bill?
Probably but I did not even look into that.
Did you make any close friendships while in the service?
Yes – we stayed in touch for a while but as time went on we separated. Adjusting to civilian life was different for everyone.
For how long?
May 2 years or so.
Conclusion
In talking to Mr. McMillan, I could see the pain that happened over 40 years ago. There were times when he would smile or laugh but there were times when his eyes would look different and would become teary. He also shared that his uncle was killed in Vietnam on his (uncle’s) 3rd tour. There were memories that Mr. McMillan stated he wish he did not have and that there were times when the memories of Vietnam would appear when he was not even thinking about the war. The memories still happen even now and he still has to deal with that. It is still hard for him but he has the support of his wife and children. His son also joined the Army and served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Military service is not for the one who is not strong. Being in the service can take an individual from the familiar into the unfamiliar in a moment. From this interview I could see that being in war changes an individual in a manner that is very hard to put into words. Even when reading about what happens in a war; there probably is not really a way to prepare someone for the real experience.
In talking with Mr. McMillan, I gained just a small bit of insight of what it must feel like to be in a strange country fighting for the freedom of others while realizing that at any moment life could be over. Talking about the sounds of war to include bullets being fired at you, mortal shells dropping near you, and experiencing fear non-stop for 2 years made me realize like never before what it means to be free.
Every veteran has paid a price in serving in the military that can only really be understood by others who have done the same. For the people who volunteered to serve I have a much deeper appreciation because to choose to serve not only shows bravery but shows a commitment that many never even consider. Freedom is a great benefit that is sometimes taken for granted by those who live within the United States. Military personnel know about the price of freedom. In fighting some soldiers have shed their own blood and have seen others die in battle. But if someone does not fight, then there is the possibility of losing the precious gift of freedom that is known in some countries and will not be known in others. I thanked Mr. McMillan in person for his service and thank all others who have also served as I now have a deeper understanding of what it means to ‘serve’
References
Bush, G., (2002). State of the Union Speech [online]. Available from: http://stateoftheunionaddress.org/2002-george-w-bush [Accessed 31/12/2014]
Hahn, H. (2016). Why is freedom important? Retrieved May 23, 2016, from http://www.harley.com/ask-harley/questions/freedom.html
Mariscal, J. (2007, June 25). The Making of an American Soldier: Why Young People Join the Military. Retrieved May 24, 2016, from http://www.alternet.org/story/52233/the_making_of_an_american_soldier:_why _young_people_join_the_military
Moffett, K. (2001). Coming Home: A Study in Contrast. Retrieved May 24, 2016, from https://www.deltacollege.edu/org/deltawinds/DWOnline01/cominghome.html
Moron, R. (2011, December 6). The Difficult Transition from Military to Civilian Life. Retrieved May 24, 2016, from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2011/12/08/the-difficult-transition-from-military-to-civilian-life/
Nikolas, M. (2015, March 9). One War, Many Reasons: The US Invasion of Iraq. Retrieved May 23, 2016, from
http://www.e-ir.info/2015/03/09/one-war-many-reasons-the-us-invasion-of-iraq/
Clayton, R. (2015, February 5). 10 Reasons to Join the Military. Retrieved May 24, 2016, from http://themilitarywallet.com/reasons-to-join-the-military/
Salamon, M. (2010, November 11). After the Battle: 7 Health Problems Facing Veterans - Retrieved May 24, 2016, from
http://www.livescience.com/8916-battle-7-health-problems-facing-veterans.html
Stein, Joe L. (2015) "Examining Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Plight of Vietnam Veterans," Iowa Historical Review: Vol. 5: Iss. 1: 7-22. Available at:
http://ir.uiowa.edu/iowa-historical-review/vol5/iss1/2
The Smithsonian. (2016). War of Independence. Retrieved May 23, 2016, from http://amhistory.si.edu/militaryhistory/exhibition/flash.html
Trueman, C. (2015, March 27). The Causes of the Vietnam War. Retrieved May 23, 2016, from http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/vietnam-war/the-causes-of-the-vietnam-war/
What Really Caused World War 2? (2012, February 2). Retrieved May 23, 2016, from http://www.threeworldwars.com/world-war-2/ww2.htm
