Not being ‘in country’ doesn’t diminish service

Last month, the country was giving out 50th anniversary lapel pins to any living military member, regardless of duty station. This means “in country,” “overseas” or “in the states.” I have read and heard that “in country” veterans were refusing to get their lapel pin because it was being given to all veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War. Some of these “in country” veterans say, “if you weren’t in country, you are not a Vietnam veteran.”

I can, somewhat, see their point, but if they really think about it, everyone put in their time and served a valuable service during the war. Did everyone who trained them from the beginning serve “in country?” Did all the people who took care of them medically, fed them, or got them their gear serve “in country?” My guess is no, but they served a valuable service to those who did. These people did what they were told and went where the military needed them.

Look back at World War II. There were many people who stayed in the states but did a valuable service. People trained pilots to land on carriers in the Great Lakes. In Oklahoma, people taught bomber pilots to fly and many other “services” like this. They were all considered World War II veterans and received the Victory Medal when the war was over. Only the people who served “in country” received the Vietnam Service Medal and that’s the way it should be. It is a sign of your service in Vietnam.

The lapel pin is just a symbol of the anniversary of this war and a “thank you” for all who served during that time. It takes nothing away from those people who served “in country.” To think it does is petty. GREGORY WEEKS Springdale