by bbontemps » Fri May 06, 2016 5:51 pm
Harry,
Thanks for inviting me to yesterday's lunch. It was great meeting everyone, talking to Jay, and on my drive home, feeling a sense of closure. For the past 48 years, every May 5 has gone by for me, reliving those experiences by myself, when no one else I was around had any idea.
Today I had a staff meeting here at work. For those who don't know, we have programs here at Goodwill in Peoria to help veterans get jobs and reintegrate back into society. So today I wanted to tell my staff about yesterday, with the idea that we all need to be sensitive when we meet new veterans. I often wonder when a new veteran walks into our program, if maybe that particular day is his May 5.
As many times as I have told my story over and over, to myself, often when I cannot sleep, it just wouldn't come out today. But I know my staff, and they are good at reading the faces of veterans when they come through our door. And we're here to help them. I guess that is what I like about my job, helping men and women who have given part of their lives for our freedom.
To all of you in 1/50th, and especially to those of you who made it through 5/5/68, Thank You For Your Service and Welcome Home!
God's Blessing to you.
Have a great weekend.
Bill