Writer wonders, who is a veteran?

Who is a veteran? I am not one. I served four years in the Air Force from 1959 to 1963. The only time I was in harm’s way, was when I was changing light bulbs on 90-foot microwave towers.

Vern Schmitt is a veteran; turned 18 at the Battle of the Bulge. My brother-in-law is a veteran. Flew Hueys in Vietnam, two tours. My Uncle Herb was at Normandy. He is a veteran.

I knew a guy that wore a “Vietnam Veteran” hat. He was stationed in Germany. ... veteran? Larry Green was a veteran. Crew chief on a Sea Stallion. Flying Evac in Vietnam on a night mission. Lost at sea. Never met Larry. Just saw his name on the “wall” and I adopted him. Ira Hays was a veteran. Humble. Most “veterans” are.

These are my thoughts. Yours may be different.

— Bill Hoffrage,

Madera