Lermon: What those who serve their country deserve
The Washington Times invited our own Mike Lermon to respond to their October 19th article disparaging the traditional Veterans Service Organizations. If Mike wants to tell you his screen name here, he can do that in the comments. But he hit many of the points that I did, but he was much more artful;
I’m writing today in response to The Washington Times article by Jacqueline Klimas on Oct. 19. Interestingly enough, I read this piece in the lobby of my local VA clinic on Monday morning. The broad-brushed “out of touch” characterization of groups such as the VFW and American Legion, and the overall tone that permeated much of the article, was very surprising and disappointing as I watched groups of selfless veteran volunteers — mostly from the Vietnam era that forms the majority of their membership — diligently helping the clinic staff and cheerfully assisting every one of their brothers and sisters who walked in the door. Based upon my experiences with the veterans from this visit and other similar encounters in my community, the people who make these groups worth supporting are out helping their fellow veterans at 10 a.m. in places like the VA clinics and Vet Centers, instead of just drinking and smoking at the post hall.
You should click over and read the article to let the Times know that we veterans are watching.
Category: Veterans Issues
I am a member of the American Legion (AL) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW.)
To some degree what the author wrote in the article is true. Yes, there are some grouchy old farts that sit around the bar, complaining about everything, telling the same old stories over and over, and generally just looking around for their next drink. And yes, there are some people in the AL and VFW that are posers. I’ve had run-ins with several people like this.
However, the vast majority of the members of the AL and VFW are quick to volunteer at the VA Hospitals, at their home posts, within their own communities, and just to help a brother when he needs it.
I have a couple of horror stories from run-ins with some of the malcontent-members. But those are far out-weighed by the members (and staff) that are willing to pitch in and help out on a moments notice. Take my case in particular. Since becoming a member of the AL and VFW I have moved across the country three times. As I am confined to a wheelchair I cannot pack and unpack boxes, load and unload moving vans, rearrange furniture, etc, etc. At every move it has been members of my local AL and VFW that have come to my house (for free) to pack or unpack my household goods and get me moved. There’s no where else that I would be able to go in any community to get that kind of brotherly comradeship.
Additionally it’s usually the lady bartenders of my local AL or VFW that come in and clean my house, fold and hang my laundry, run errands for me, help me cook, and make sure I get to medical appointments.
Do I get frustrated with the members that sit around and do nothing but drink all day? Of course I do. But to paint every member of those VSOs with such a broad brush based on such a small example of members is moronic.
I will add that yes, when the members have come and packed or unpacked my house they always turn down money, but I always provide pizza and beer. And I always pay the ladies that come in to do the house chores that I can’t do.
Gravel…Thank you. The veterans from VSO organizations in my area do a great job in and for our community. Both individuals in need, veterans or not and for the community at large. Here, in my experience of them, they make me very proud.
And NO, before someone asks, I am not Mr. Lemon.
Very well written Mr. Lermon.
Mike Lermon…Thank you for a great response to a poor article. An article by someone who is not so much “out of touch” as “completely out of the loop” of VSOs. Perhaps if Jacqueline Klimas had done some personal research by getting off her ass at the WT and visiting a VA or a VSO and talking to those helping, she may have written differently. I doubt it though, since most articles like hers and her type of reporter come from second, third and fourth hand comments, previously Google searched articles and a lot on innuendo. But rarely, first hand research and interviews.
Thank you again for your response to her.
Okay I’m not prying at all but an old TV show just crossed my mind.
From “To Tell The Truth”:
“Will the REAL Mike Lermon…please stand up!”
Kitty Carlisle, would have been stumped! 😀
Really though Mr. Lermon, please keep your anonymity if at all possible. It pays in the long run around here Sir. What with all the LaWyEr TyPeS lurking, you don’t want to be moved from a “John Doe” category to a real name. 😀
Thank you again for your well written response to Jacqueline Klimas.
No doubt, Sparks. There are a few malcontents out there who, knowing that they are failures at life, attempt to bring others down to their level. An anonymous angel on our shoulders is much appreciated. Keep up the good work, Mr. Lermon.
But Orson Bean would have nailed it!
….. am I dating myself here?
Damn good piece of writing: straightforward and responsive to the article that prompted the rebuttal. I hope that Jacqueline Klimas reads it and says, “Ouch.”