VETERAN: It's not just a knife

Last Saturday I received a commemorative Buck Knife for my military service and as a recipient of the Purple Heart I received in Vietnam in 1969. I have to tell you, this meant more than I can express in these words. Coming home in Novermber of ‘69 to be spat upon, cursed at and made to feel unlike anything I had ever felt, left a lifetime impression on a 21-year-old 1st Lieutenant. In the years after that greeting and my dealings with what is now called PTSD, only my family and a few close friends ever knew I had served my country in Vietnam.

Since learning about your generous gift with the help of Graham Crutchfield and Chuck Buck, I have begun to come out of my self-imposed denial and realize that what we did in South Asia, we did at our country’s calling and we should be proud of our service.

Last Saturday’s event was the first public display of appreciation and recognition I have participated in in almost 45 years, and it is only because of you and the others that I can thank. You made me proud once again to have served my country.

STEPHEN S. WARNER

Former 1st Lt. USA

Spokane