Retired three-star Army General addresses Coeur d'Alene Rotary

Retired Lt. Gen. Frank Wiercinski closed his Veterans Day address to the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club with a clear charge: Teach the next generation, respect the flag, and take care of those who served.

"Teach your children respect for the flag," he said Friday.

He said there should be no homeless veterans in America and that communities must care for the wounded and the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Veterans themselves, he added, need to seek help when they need it. 

“Nobody goes to war and comes back the same,” Wiercinski said, noting it took him years after combat tours in Panama, Afghanistan and Iraq to acknowledge the lasting effects.

The retired three-star general, who served 34 years and splits time in Hawaii and in North Idaho, spoke at the club’s annual Veterans Day program at the Hagadone Event Center.

Kootenai Health CEO Jamie Smith, an Army veteran and Rotary member, also spoke at the event. 

"That fraternity that we all have, having served in whatever capacity, has something really special," he said. 

Smith called himself "lucky" that his Army experience translated to his career in medical care. 

"A lot of times, the military, guys and gals, have to kind of make that shift into something that they really don't have any expertise in," he said.

Jim Faucher, who is on the Rotary club’s veterans committee, said the invitation came after members met Wiercinski at the Eagles Club. 

“Today, we hit a home run with the general,” Faucher said. “I said, ‘Would you be interested in giving a talk on Veterans Day to the Rotary Club?’ and he jumped on it.” 

Wiercinski, a West Point graduate and Hawaii Rotarian, simply told them, “Call me Frank.”

Wiercinski used a detailed combat account to illustrate the quality of today’s all-volunteer force and the demands placed on young soldiers. 

In early 2002, as a brigade commander, he led troops into Afghanistan’s Shah-i-Kot Valley during Operation Anaconda. His helicopter was struck by a rocket‑propelled grenade during a night mission.

Under heavy fire, the force took casualties within the first few minutes. He said 18-year-old soldiers followed 20-year-old sergeants under the command of 23-year-old lieutenants. 

When the unit was nearly surrounded and running low on ammunition, Wiercinski authorized a dangerously close air strike, giving the pilot his initials. 

To steady his men, he promised a post-deployment barbecue back at Fort Campbell and joked that he would dye his hair and get a tattoo. Most of the soldiers later got the same tattoo.

He said what veterans need goes beyond medals and thank yous. Communities must care for the wounded, support the families of the fallen, and ensure no veteran is left without a home.

He encouraged veterans to use the resources available through the VA, VFW, American Legion and similar organizations. He also urged residents to vote for officials of integrity and to ask hard questions when those officials visit.

After the speech, Wiercinski said he hoped people left with a clearer understanding of “how good” the military is and “how good this community is.” 

Putting the uniform back on for the event carried weight. 

“It’s an honor,” he said. "Only a veteran could get me into this.”

Bob Smee, a Rotary member and a retired lieutenant colonel with the Army, called the address the strongest of three generals the club has hosted. 

“I had tears in my eyes because it was very, very inspiring,” Smee said. “He pretty much hit everything. Our military, our community, and then what about the next generation.” 

Faucher agreed the emphasis on teaching children and remembering veterans was especially important. 

“Don’t forget them,” he said, echoing the general’s message. 

    Army veteran Bob Smee stood and clapped after Wiercinski completed his speech by quoting the song "Forever Young" by Bob Dylan.
  

    The room stood in silence as Army veteran and American Legion Honor Guard member Ken Johnson played "Taps" on a bugle.