The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Thanks, to the men and women who serve!

by Dessa Rodeffer

Quill Publisher/Owner

email: dessa@hcil.net

November 10, 2021

Ever since I can remember, my brother Gary, who is six years older than me, talked about history – family history and American history, and WWI and WWII. He could tell you every date of family deaths, births, marriages and remember all sorts of historical stories and facts that went along with it. As soon as Gary graduated from high school he signed up for the United States Marine Corp and off to Camp Pendleton he went. He served his country and it was one of his proudest accomplishments.

Gary died at the age of 60, from cancer Nov. 25, 2011, right after 9-1-1 and Veterans Day Nov. 11th, which was the day The Quill had its huge 75th Anniversary celebration by honoring the heroes in our midst, which included police, ambulance, fire departments, those who serve politically or help in our communities, and of course our military and veterans. So many came and I had wished my brother Gary could have been there among them to see the appreciation of the 1500 in attendance.

Like many families of veterans or service members, we couldn't be prouder of their service to this unique great nation of America.

With all its troubles we discuss today, the United States remains strong and worthy of our patriotism and the support of its veterans and military who keep us independent and free.

It takes great U.S. leaders to insure our military is kept strong and respected for their service. Should they be given special attention? You bet ya!

Where would we be without their sacrifices and their willingness to serve. It makes me angry and disheartened to see some disrespect our flag for it is our veterans and service men and women who have allowed it to fly and who have given us our free country.

As a mother, I think one of the hardest things to do, would be to watch your child go off to military and off to war. The training itself is very difficult and for some, the first time ever away from home.

My very first editorial was written after my mother prodded me to write something about my first born daughter going off to college. It was short but touched so many people at how hard it is to leave your child, far away for the first time, especially knowing they are homesick and scared.

What really got my attention was the comment I received from Virginia Pullen of Gladstone of how much it had touched her. Their only child, Thomas Pullen was in the military and she told me that she and her husband had driven him to the airport to get on the plane for Vietnam during the terrible crises (later declared war).

She said neither of them showed their true feelings until after he boarded the plane and then they both hit a bathroom to unleash their emotions.

It made me feel how trivial taking my child to college was compared to their sacrifice of sending their son to war.

Fortunately Tom returned to become a successful Chicago attorney and Deputy Chief Judge of Immigration in Virginia, and now retired in rural Gladstone serving on boards in the community.

That is just one of many stories. Each of our villages have many patriots who served. Some did not return, some died young never to have families, some were prisoners of war, others disabled or suffered from effects of war while others returned and worked, raised families, and continued serving in various areas of their communities.

The least we can do, and most importantly, is stop to say "Thanks you! We appreciate all you did for us, and what you did to keep America safe and free!"