We honored those who served in our country’s armed forces this week. Let me take a minute to honor those in my family who have served: my husband Christopher Smith; father Russell Beard; grandfather William Beard; brother Lywn Beard; uncles: JO Bright, Kenneth Bright, Jason Hollinger; several cousins, and myself.
I am one of those veterans who doesn’t really like to stand up and say so. I wasn’t there long enough to count — turns out I’m not strong enough physically to endure the rigors of Army life, and that was just training. If you knew me in high school, when I struggled to open the door at Pizza Hut and was the only girl in weightlifting class trying to gain weight, this does not come as a shock to you.
It did come as a bit of a shock to me, but that’s not today’s story. Today’s story is, I was willing. Some of our veterans weren’t willing — but they went anyway. They served.
Some who were willing, weren’t up to the task. My uncle Gene Bright was willing, but not able. He was classified 4F and ineligible for the draft, but he served anyway.
Not in the armed forces. He served working on the railroad. He served at a gas station in a tiny town on the Iowa/Missouri border. He changed tires and pumped gas. He served mentoring countless young people and chatting with the old folks who would stop into the station. His service mattered.
My aunt Glenda Bright served 40 plus years as a teacher — coming back from a devastating stoke in her 40s, learning to read and write again and using that experience to help students who struggled with reading and math. Her service matters.
I have friends who currently serve as policemen and firemen in their communities. They’ve chosen a life with uncertainty, both as to whether they’re coming home for dinner and whether they’re coming home at all. Their service matters.
I interviewed two gentlemen last week: one who served in the army for two years — not by choice, and one who has served our community on seven boards and in his job at Southwestern Community College. Their service matters.
I would never take anything away from the honor our servicemen and women deserve, and I’m sure Tom Lesan would never want his career compared to their sacrifice, but it all matters.
Some people serve by helping keep us free and safe. Some people serve by opening the door to opportunities. Some people serve by going out in the freezing cold to push the snow off of our roads so we can drive safely. That matters.
Some serve by raising their children and not standing in their way when they choose a life of service. Some served by losing their child or spouse or parent to war. Some serve by keeping the faith at home while a loved one fights in a war or helps prevent one.
What are you doing to serve your community and country? I know for a fact that we have boards and volunteer opportunities in Creston that are going undone or being done by the same 20 or so people.
The Creston Area Food Pantry would welcome your help (speaking of people who serve!). The Union County Historical Society is currently down one board member. Pitch in with the Creston Area Little Stuff, either with some labor or a few dollars. Shovel your neighbor’s sidewalk if you know it’s hard for them.
Maybe you’re beyond the age limit to join the army or marines, but you’re never too old to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Is there a kid you know who just needs a safe place to be? Can you spare an hour or two on Saturdays cleaning cages or playing with the animals at the pound? Can you cheer on a high school sports or academic team? Support the arts — P.S. the Creston Community High School musical “Brigadoon” is this weekend.
The holidays are coming. There will be many opportunities to serve: food to collect, bells to ring, angel trees to be organized. Take a child you know shopping for a present for their single parent.
If you served in the military, thank you for your service. We cannot repay the sacrifices you offered and paid.
If you have served in countless ways, large and small, in our community, thank you. Keep up the good work.
Find a way to serve: large or small, for one person or many, in our community or beyond. It matters.