'We cannot thank you enough'

COEUR d’ALENE — Linda Bengtson wasn’t wild about being singled out for her military service

“It’s kind of embarrassing, a little bit,” she said Friday during a ceremony at Brookdale Coeur d’Alene. “I’m not the only one that served. There’s a lot of veterans that need the recognition.”

While Bengtson smiled with pride as she accepted praise for her two years with the The Women's Army Corps during the Vietnam War, it brought back some painful memories. As a hospital medic who worked in the orthopedic ward, she cared for injured military members who returned to the U.S. 

“There were a lot of heartbreaking times,” she said. “You get close to those guys caring for them. You see things you can’t forget. No arms, torn up, some had Dear John letters. Being a medic, it was tough.”

About 20 veterans at Brookdale, a local senior living community, were honored with roses, certificates and accolades. A flag ceremony, the Kellogg High School JROTC, and cake were part of the hourlong event attended by about 25 Brookdale residents.

“Thank you for your service to this country. Your bravery, your sacrifice and your strength do not go unnoticed,” said Becky Dow, activities director. “We will always be indebted to you and your families for all that they have given to our country.”

“We are honored to have you as part of our Brookdale family,” she added.

Donald Johnston was among the vets.

“Where are the free drinks?” he said, laughing as he held his certificate.

Later, he joked with Patrick McNabb, Brookdale executive director, about receiving free rent for a month.

“We’re not quite there yet,” a chuckling McNabb answered.

In a short talk, McNabb said Veterans Day “is one of the greatest days of the year.” He said it was a privilege for Brookdale to serve those who served.

“We have freedoms in this country because of you veterans,” he said. "We cannot thank you enough for your service.”

Dow said while they wanted to spotlight all veterans, they chose Bengtson for special recognition.

She said Bengtson was a medic at a time when being a woman in the Army was still relatively new.

Dow said Bengtson saw things during the war, “she would rather not remember.”

“We truly are thankful,” Dow said. “Thank you, Linda.”

Bengtson, born and raised in Post Falls, was 21 when she joined the military. A cousin in the Women's Army Corps, the women's branch of the Army, “kind of” talked her into it.

“My parents didn’t really know I joined the Army,” she said. “My dad was not real thrilled.”

Bengtson thought she would travel in the military, but didn’t. Instead, she was sent to Alabama for training and then stationed in Georgia.

She had been a nurse’s aide, but it didn’t prepare her for what she experienced as an Army medic.

“Without the veterans, we would not have our freedom,” Bengtson said. “Others should be thankful to all the veterans that have served.”

McNabb apologized when Bengtson pointed out that her certificate said she served in the Air Force.

“Those are fighting words,” he said.

Bengtson nodded and smiled.

“Army,” she repeated. “I’m scared to death of heights. I would never be in the Air Force."

   Marine veteran Jim Zeorlin laughs during a ceremony to honor veterans at Brookdale Coeur d'Alene on Friday.

   The Kellogg High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps holds flags during a ceremony to honor veterans at Brookdale Coeur d'Alene on Friday. JROTC members, from left, are Ben Milholland, Zoie Lawson, Hannah Walsh and Sophie McLain.

    Veteran Richard Holley stops to smell a rose during a ceremony for veterans at Brookdale Coeur d'Alene on Friday.