Is there really any true camaraderie among U.S. service veterans?
I asked a local VFW hall representative if I could join the motorcycle club they had. The reply was “Well, we are looking for boots-on-the-ground vets. Were you in combat?” I replied that I had no combat experience but I do know for a fact that anyone serving in Korea (for more than 60 days) is qualified to join, as it was stated in the VFW eligibility section on their website. I was in Korea for a full year, not killing people, but busting my behind doing tons of training. I also was sent to Kuwait after tons more training, but did not enter into combat.
I did not know I had to kill anyone to get further respect from my fellow vets. I feel bad for all those rear echelon cooks and mechanics who will invariably get the same treatment.
Well, the illusion of brotherhood is gone now. Looks like I am an island after all.
Allen Bennett Russell
Vancouver
