Thank a veteran

OPINION:

My Uncle Warren fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II. When he came home, he went over to Kegel’s in Rockford, Illinois, and bought himself a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He wore his boots from the war to ride his bike.

Like my grandparents, Uncle Warren grew up on a farm, and that was where he passed away. Since I ride a Harley-Davidson Road King, the family decided I should keep the boots from the war. I wore them once and then had them mounted with an American flag. They sit above my desk as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Uncle Warren and so many other men and women who proudly wore the uniform of the United States of America.

This week, as we should every week, we say thank you. Veterans Day should be more than a moment in time, but the feeling we have every time we enjoy the freedoms we hold dear. They are endowed by our Creator, spelled out in the Constitution, and defended each day by the members of the armed forces.

My Uncle Ken fought in the Korean War. So did my wife’s Uncle Bud. My senior counselor when I attended the American Legion’s Boys Nation program 40 years ago is a Vietnam War veteran named Bob Turner. He went on to be the first Vietnam War commander of the American Legion.

My friend Steve Nass served in Operation Desert Storm. He went on to serve in the Wisconsin State Legislature. My friend and former national security staffer for my campaign, Mike Gallagher, served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served two tours in the Iraq War. Each of these veterans has a very important story.

One of the most impressive is that of my friend Gary Wetzel. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service in Vietnam.

The citation reads: “Sp4c. Wetzel, 173d Assault Helicopter Company, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Wetzel was serving as door gunner aboard a helicopter which was part of an insertion force trapped in a landing zone by intense and deadly hostile fire. Sp4c. Wetzel was going to the aid of his aircraft commander when he was blown into a rice paddy and critically wounded by two enemy rockets that exploded just inches from his location. Although bleeding profusely due to the loss of his left arm and severe wounds in his right arm, chest, and left leg, Sp4c. Wetzel staggered back to his original position in his gun-well and took the enemy forces under fire. His machine gun was the only weapon placing effective fire on the enemy at that time.

“Through a resolve that overcame the shock and intolerable pain of his injuries, Sp4c. Wetzel remained at his position until he had eliminated the automatic-weapons emplacement that had been inflicting heavy casualties on the American troops and preventing them from moving against this strong enemy force. Refusing to attend [to] his own extensive wounds, he attempted to return to the aid of his aircraft commander but passed out from loss of blood. Regaining consciousness, he persisted in his efforts to drag himself to the aid of his fellow crewman. After an agonizing effort, he came to the side of the crew chief who was attempting to drag the wounded aircraft commander to the safety of a nearby dike. Unswerving in his devotion to his fellow man, Sp4c. Wetzel assisted his crew chief even though he lost consciousness once again during this action. Sp4c. Wetzel displayed extraordinary heroism in his efforts to aid his fellow crewmen. His gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.”

Gary uses a prosthetic arm. It would be hard enough for most of us to get by in everyday life, but he manages to use it to ride a motorcycle and even shift gears. I know because we’ve ridden together for years. It was my honor to invite him to the State of the State Address each year in the Wisconsin State Capitol during my tenure as governor. Per protocol, I would introduce him before all others in the crowd. What he was willing to sacrifice to save others still amazes me today.

So, we can all take a break this week from talking about football, Thanksgiving plans and the upcoming Christmas and holiday season. Instead, find a veteran and say thank you. Share their story and live a life worthy of their sacrifice.

• Scott Walker is a columnist for The Washington Times. He was the 45th governor of Wisconsin and launched a bid for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. He lives in Milwaukee and is the proud owner of a 2003 Harley-Davidson Road King. He can be reached at swalker@washingtontimes.com.