It is the young who boldly serve

To the editor:

Such letters are normally reserved for veteran-related dates, so I have somewhat strayed from this habitual expectation.

At an early age I was somewhat fascinated in knowing the earth’s surface was 71% water. Sailing to distant shores piqued my interest but the sea did not back beckon. That term is too dramatic.

I did however, have a desire to roam and at age 17 the practical way to accomplish this was on Uncle Sam’s dime. By age 44 my desire was diminished but fulfilled and seeking permanent residence on solid ground became a reality.

Between those two ages I humbly offered up my carcass to the eager clutches of a navy recruiter. Somehow I manage to survive the initial 10 weeks mentally and physically intact and although somewhat raw, was considered qualified to obey orders. And whether or not I understood the reason agreed, if called upon, to engage in extreme violence on or from the water.  

Twelve years later, many of them before the mast, we entered the realm of a troubled land causing moral concept to take center stage. For years, I took the king’s shilling and therefore was obligated to mount up, sally forth to Vietnam and apply my craft in slaying the dragon. Center stage was brief and soon faded.

History reveals in the past 4,000 years only 250 have experienced total peace. This is testimony that war fighting, unlike some vocations, will never be a perishable skill.

Allow me a philosophical approach to the madness of armed conflict. Since 1962, over 19 million Americans have come forward to serve in this violent profession but only in rare cases have we ever (this may be stretching it) physically engaged a self inspired opponent appearing before us. This is a per se trademark of stand-alone terrorists who may or may not be sanctioned by higher approval but choose to march under a rogue banner fueled by some radical agenda. 

Our boots-on-the-ground clashes are not with organized evil adversaries but an extension of an evil government compelling its citizens to force its will on others. Too often, these actions result from dire threats imposed by ruthless leaders as opposed to American aggressiveness driven by a strong sense of duty in helping the world maintain its sanity. But warring factions gathered on the field of conflict, regardless of reason, are the results of a common denominator. All are obeying their governments.

Our motivation can be intense, causing many to come forward and leave the one they cling to at night. The stronger this bond, the longer those left shall watch as you depart. To dwell on this humane approach may be costly. War runs best on extreme action resulting from aggressive thinking.

Those who chose to dare for a righteous cause have a right to feel noble as they walk among us. The closing paragraph will elaborate.

With few exceptions, every individual who honorably wears a military uniform under active federal service is equal in status with those who govern this land. And if required to engage in or support armed conflict, those military members become vastly superior to any president, cabinet or Congress that ever presided, met or convened. For when the highest tier of our nation’s leaders, with their immense knowledge, wisdom and experience, fail in their diplomatic efforts, then America’s youth must bear her arms and too often pay the ultimate price.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Roy Leverich

Portland