Are all service members and veterans heroes?

2014-08-07T17:14:29-04:00

I think this article hits on several important points, including how we are mindlessly idolizing everyone in the military. http://taskandpurpose.com/call-veterans-heroes-getting-it-wrong/

If You Call All Veterans Heroes, You’re Getting It Wrong

As far as what you can give to veterans, don’t bother with the handouts. Just make sure veterans get what they were promised when they joined.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 7 at 2014 6:54 PM

2014-08-07T18:54:49-04:00

Probably not but neither are overpaid athletes. We've come so far from the under appreciation and disrespect of our Vietnam vets, why are we questioning the fact that people are trying to appreciate SMs again. The only people who aren't are the members of our own government.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2014 8:38 PM

2014-08-07T20:38:57-04:00

I am NOT a hero. I would say any Soldier with a decoration for valor (including Soldiers Medal) is a hero.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 8 at 2014 7:11 AM

2014-08-08T07:11:18-04:00

SCPO Davis, thanks for sharing this article. I had to read through it twice. The first time I read it I got the wrong impression of the author (and I'll leave it at that) and didn't realize his intent until the end. On the second read, understanding his intent, it was much more poignant than bitter. He makes many good points that should be given some deep consideration and leaves me wondering just how much of the 'gratitude' our service members have received is actually an attempt to atone guilt.
Points to ponder.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Aug 8 at 2014 8:08 AM

2014-08-08T08:08:35-04:00

I find that the author of the article makes some good points about our society today and the differences generationally between the WWII American society and today's, but my own feelings about those who put on the uniform day in and day out are that they are heroes. You, them and I VOLUNTEERED to serve our great nation and it's citizens at a cost up to and including our lives if necessary. Whether someone wears the uniform for 3-4 years and then honorably leaves the services or is a lifer like I was, we chose to do something that less than 1% of the nation chooses/chose to do. It does make me feel uncomfortable at times when veterans are honored at certain events because I like almost every Soldier I ever knew didn't seek out any kind of "glory" or acknowledgement for "doing our jobs". I agree with the author as well that most of the folks that acknowledge us do so out of some sense of obligation rather than heart-felt pride or honor in our service. I have had meals paid for at times while in uniform and it came as a nice surprise when the waiter/waitress informed me that my bill was taken care of and that the persons responsible wished to say thank you for my service by doing this. I think collectively since the end of DS/DS, that the country has tried to make up for the manner in which the veterans returning from Vietnam and even back to the Korean War, were treated by the citizens of this country of ours.
But, like I said, personally I view all service members that have donned the uniform, whether they have "gone outside the wire" or not as heroes; especially my son, SPC Shane Swartz, who is currently serving in Kuwait with an eyeball turned towards Iraq.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 8 at 2014 8:10 AM

2014-08-08T08:10:33-04:00

"Heroes" is probably too strong of a word. I don't consider myself to be one. With that in mind, however, we HAVE all demonstrated a commitment and sacrificed for the common good of our country a hell of a lot more than the average citizen, so that's something.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2014 1:45 PM

2014-08-11T13:45:46-04:00

SFC & MAJ, I think some of us are questioning it because we feel that "hero" has a meaning that far exceeds what we do each day. Somehow, to describe SGT York, Audie Murphy, NYC Firemen on 911, and me as "heroes" cheapens what all those other guys did. I was in in the Pentagon on 9/11; what did I do? Got myself out of the building and made sure my partially sighted co-worker was able to get home safely. Was that heroic? I sure don't think so.

I deployed to Bahrain (not even remotely dangerous at the time, unless you count the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption). We had a LT who volunteered twice to go TDY to Iraq to brief the MND on Iraqi history, politics, and the (growing at that time in 2003) insurgency. He never returned alive from the second trip. I could buy he was a hero, in some respects - but not me.

I'm on my second deployment to Afghanistan - the most heroic thing of done so far was confront an abusive Master Sergeant about the way he was treating his people (some of whom were "my" people). Even that doesn't count as remotely heroic in my book; the Chief's Mess trained me to take care of my people and live by Honor, Courage, and Commitment - and the Navy pays me to do it. It is true that many people fail to live up to those values, but does that make doing so heroic?

I saw a t-shirt yesterday defining Veteran as (paraphrasing) "someone who wrote a blank check, valued for up to and including their life" - but does being willing to do that make you a hero? Again I come back to Audie Murphy, etc... - didn't they do so much more than most of us? Isn't calling all of us "heroes" the patriotic equivalent of "everyone gets a trophy"? To me, the differentiation between a veteran and a hero is important, a veteran has volunteered and is willing, under the right circumstances to take the actions that will make him or her a hero. Nonetheless, those circumstances never arise for most of us.

Let's call those who go above and beyond, without regard for their own safety, heroes. Let's call those of us who volunteer to serve our country something else - maybe "patriots."

Response by SGT Chris Birkinbine made Aug 11 at 2014 2:05 PM

2014-08-11T14:05:41-04:00

This is a sore subject I have found with veterans and active duty alike. It is my opinion that taking an oath and putting on the uniform does not make you a Hero. No more than choosing to be a Police Officer, or a firefighter.

What it does do, just like those other professions, is have a greater likely hood of putting you in a position to act heroically.

There ARE heroes in the military. We are not all heroes. Sorry if you disagree, but it is my opinion to think otherwise is truly delusional, and disrespectful to those heroes who are among us, and who have come before us.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 7:30 AM

2015-02-05T07:30:37-05:00

Maybe not true American Heros unless we put our lives in danger to save someones life. But tell that little 5 year old boy that idolizes Soldiers that we are not heros. Crush that little boys dreams if you want to. We all may not be those True American Heros but in those young kids eyes we are. So I will leave it at that and pray that noboby ever gets put in the position to be a True American hero.

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Apr 20 at 2015 1:21 AM

2015-04-20T01:21:05-04:00

I wouldn't call Bergdahl or Robert Bales heroes. But for those that served with decency, yes.