We view veterans and Veterans Day through our own lens. At a recent East Greenbush Honor a Veteran Ceremony, “Ted” Shelby Edward Summers was honored, along with his brother Harold, and David Caneen. Ted was a B-24 pilot during WWII in the pacific theater. After returning home he earned his master’s degree in chemistry and attended MIT for quantitative electron microanalysis. His work and research contributed to the development of medical imaging. Ted spent his time in combat gaining a high-altitude perspective, and when he resumed civilian life his fields narrowed substantially – geographically and socially. The dichotomy is noteworthy. I thought about the success Ted earned as a scientist, and the difficulties veterans encounter after combat while readjusting to civilian life. How did he remain steadfast in his professional and personal pursuits? A large part of the answer is his family. Speaking with his family at the ceremony in East Greenbush broadened our view of his experience. His family was a stabilizing force and no doubt a galvanizing factor. Ted’s family enabled him to retain focus as he acclimated to civilian life. Having a reliable and positive support system is essential for reintegrating veterans. When this variable is absent, perceptions, focus and ultimately lives can become disoriented. Conversely, the Summers family provided a wonderful example of how we can share the responsibility of steadying the aim of our reintegrating veterans.
“Happy Veterans Day” and “Thank you for your service” are common expressions of gratitude we’ll share on November 11, as well we should. Whether we have served, or have family members and friends who’ve donned the uniform, it’s important to display our appreciation. In a time when we are reminded by social media about birthdays and anniversaries, I believe it’s important to take a few minutes and contemplate the sacrifices of those who chose to serve. How many birthdays were celebrated while they were away? How many anniversaries passed by in their absence? How many funerals and first days of school slipped by while they were doing what less than 1% of our citizenry embraces? Imagine having to adopt the lifestyle of a single parent for extended periods of time, wondering if, or how, your spouse will return. Consider the strength of the families while their service member is preparing to deploy, is already deployed or has returned and is reintegrating. Our freedoms rest on this enduring collective effort that is carried out by so few. All families encounter turmoil and hardship, some more severe than others – but these families opted to shoulder it through a life of service. Please remember them too on Veterans Day and each day we act upon our freedoms as Americans.
Editors Note: Assemblyman Ashby is a combat veteran, having served tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and twice having been awarded the Bronze Star. You too Assemblyman have our respect and gratitude on this Veterans Day.