LEST WE FORGET!
Veterans Day honors service members, 11th day of the 11th month, safe and secure
Veterans Day honors service members, 11th day of the 11th month, safe and secure
In a complex and demanding contemporary world, we often forget and sometimes ignore the heroic deeds and sacrifices exhibited by brave men and women of the armed services to keep the United States and its citizens safe and secure. As the protectors of freedom, our veterans have steadfastly demonstrated altruistic behavior, often giving up life and limb for what our nation and its people stand for.
Nov. 11 is a special occasion to honor these men and women. TOTI Media is highlighting a trio of the many thousands of veterans calling Southwest Florida their home.
BRUCE HARWOOD
With few exceptions, United States veterans are outstandingly patriotic. Cape Coral’s Bruce Harwood is such an example. Flying the Stars and Stripes at his home has been a way to express gratitude for living in a society that exemplifies freedom. Now retired because of wounds sustained in battle, he says that it was an honor to serve his country, first as an enlisted infantryman in Vietnam and later as a Ranger-qualified captain and helicopter pilot. “Air Mobile,” he says, “originated in Vietnam and changed the entire concept of how soldiers got from point A to point B.” Instead of driving and going on foot, troops were airlifted to and from key spots, often at great risk to terrestrial and airborne soldiers, Harwood says. Patriotic pride, brotherly love and well-executed teamwork were crucial in carrying out this tactic successfully, he says.
During his time in Vietnam, Harwood earned four Purple Heart and two Bronze Star medals for wounds and heroism. The medals now grace the walls of his home office, along with other pictures and medals. Asked why he is strongly patriotic, he says that above all else, he realizes “the value of being free.” He is quick to point out that his father was a proud World War II veteran. Capt. Harwood is working on a book about his tours of duty.
FRANK MRAZ
Frank Mraz of LaBelle entered the U.S. Air Force, receiving a commission and subsequently retiring with a rank of full colonel. He served during the Vietnam War. He owes his respect for freedom and education to the armed services, he says, including earning a doctorate in business administration.
As a young man entering the service in the 1960s, Frank Mraz didn’t question the reason for war. He instead joined to pledge his loyalty to fight the enemy. When he became older and had experienced overwhelming battle conditions, he, more than many, understood the sacrifices men and women of the armed services have made to keep our country free. “Over 58,000 U.S. men and women died in the Vietnam War,” he says. “More than 150,000 had been wounded, and at least 21,000 had been permanently disabled. And only they and others who fought [in this and other battles] truly understand the atrocities of war and the anguish fighting men and women often develop under battle conditions.”
Bruce Harwood of Cape Coral is writing a book about his experiences in Vietnam. The former Army captain earned four Purple Heart and two Bronze Star decorations as a soldier and a helicopter pilot.
Capt. Harwood has been working on a book about his tours of duty.
BOB BAIR
Bob Bair of Naples proudly served with the 1st Army under Gen. Courtney Hodges during the Korean conflict. He says that his time in the Army, for which he felt honored to serve, strengthened his incentive to broaden his perspective in life and made him realize the nature and genuine value of freedom in a world that is sometimes overcome by strife.
These are but glimpses of wartime struggles that have been experienced by the millions of brave men and women who fought and have served the United States. They understand the rationality of the statement that freedom is not always free. From World War I (dubbed “the war to end all wars”) to World War II and battles in Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East and throughout the world, our veterans have given their all to protect our freedom, and deserve our undying support for their unselfish contribution toward national stability.
Let’s remember our veterans on Nov. 11―and always.
Henry Hermann is a Korean veteran, spending time in Pusan, Taegu and Kimpo, Korea (adjacent to the 38th Parallel). As editor of the base newspaper in Kimpo (The Mosquito Observer), he spent time between Korea and Fukuoka, Japan, in a journalistic and editorial capacity. He lives in Fort Myers.