Being of Service

Gary O’Daniels was months away from turning 26 when he was drafted into the Vietnam War.

O’Daniels, a Missouri Valley native, graduated from college in 1964 with a degree in education. Later that same year he began teaching history and science while also coaching track, cross country and girl’s basketball.

In May of 1968, O’Daniels received word that he had been selected to serve in the Vietnam War. In June he was drafted into the United States Army and was sent to basic training.

“Each county had a selective service board,” said O’Daniels. “It was up to them to process the people who were eligible and of draft age. Shortly after I went in they started the lottery, where it was based off your birthday.”

Following basic training, O’Daniels began combat engineering training in Fort Leonard Wood. During this time, O’Daniels dealt with explosive ordinances, training to set up, handle and diffuse mines.

“I had to shape up and do things the Army way,” said O’Daniels. “It was a mental challenge.”

Transitioning from a civilian to a soldier was a challenging experience for O’Daniels. With 26 being the maximum age for selective service, he was one of the oldest recruits. Coming from a background of education, O’Daniels says it was different taking orders from people younger than him.

“Being a classroom teacher I was kinda used to being in charge of the situation,” said O’Daniels. I went to basic training and I was no longer in charge of my life. I had a 21-year-old drill seargent. I was used to taking orders from principals and superintendents who were older, but a 21 year old telling me what to do was a challenge for a while.”

O’Daniels left active duty in early January of 1970, heading back to school at the University of Iowa to achieve his Master’s Degree in Counseling. After graduating, O’Daniels spent three years as a counselor and coach at Dunlap, before moving to North Bend, Nebraska, to work as a high school counselor and cross country coach.

During the summer of 1986, O’Daniels moved to Creston to coach track at Southwestern Community College, where he has lived ever since. He later worked as an assistant coach at Creston Community High School.

Currently, O’Daniels is chairman of the Union County Veterans Affairs Committee, serving his fellow veterans and helping provide assistance where needed, particularly regarding transportation for veterans needing medical assistance. O’Daniels said, access to proper treatments is one of the biggest issues veterans currently face, as the closest veteran’s hospital is in Des Moines.

“They should not have to travel so far to get the healthcare they need,” said O’Daniels. “There is a program now where we can access local hospitals and healthcare facilities, but there is still red tape you have to work through to do that. There are road blocks that could be taken down to make it easier for veterans.”

O’Daniels ended his active duty 49 years ago, but the bond he has with his fellow soldier hasn’t changed. Despite differences in experience, background, branch or time of service, O’Daniels believe that all veterans share a common bond that isn’t experienced in the life of a civilian.

“We have different stories but we still have that common thread that brings us all together. You may have served different branches but you’re still a veteran. I don’t think a citizen can understand that bond,” said O’Daniels. “From World War II to Vietnam to Afghanistan to Iraq – we’re different but we still have the commonality of serving.”

For O’Daniels, Veterans Day is an annual reminder that this nation is only as strong as those who fight for it. The battle to protect the freedoms the United States holds dear is not an easy one to reflect on, but the feeling of being of service to the country and it’s people is a great point of pride for O’Daniels.

“Do the job you’re assigned to do and be proud of the fact that you’re representing the country, wherever you have to serve and whatever your job is. You’re serving the country for the benefit of everybody,” said O’Daniels. “It’s an opportunity to be of service.”