Service to Country is Family’s Tradition
Civil War - (National Archives Collection)
Veterans Day is a day when thousands of people will be thanked and recognized for their service to our country. Most of them will say, “I was just doing my job…” and be somewhat embarrassed by the attention. The word HERO is often used by many on Veterans Day, but most of these military heroes fought for freedom before they had a day to be recognized. My Heroes are Johannes Herrold-Pennsylvania Naval Militia, Revolutionary War (1776-); Fritz Randau-3rd Missouri Field Artillery, Company C (1861-1865); and Timothy and John Luckinbill- 4th Iowa Infantry, Company C (1861-1865). Timothy died in combat in 1862 in Helena Arkansas, during the days of the Civil War. These men were the beginnings of my military family heritage. These men put their lives at risk, some for a nation that didn’t even exist at the time of their service, just so that we can enjoy the freedom we know today.
Millions of men and women from every walk of life and every corner of the country, volunteer to join the military forces for as many reasons as there are soldiers. I was soldier with the U.S. Army from 1986-1994 and 2001-2004, both active and reserve duty. Enlisting soon after high school graduation, I wanted the opportunity to gain direction and life experience, while serving for the greater good. I served with different units based in Iowa, Germany, Washington, Saudi Arabia, and Kansas. In my 10 years of service, fellow soldiers included most notably a former gang member from D.C. , a ranch hand and high school dropout from Oklahoma, and an ISU nuclear physics student who graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Each had their own reason for joining. We all had one thing in common, though, a willingness to risk our lives for freedom.
‘FREEDOM ISN’T FREE’ is a motto seen in print on the backs of Army t-shirts. It is more than just words and can be interpreted in various ways. The base meaning, though, pertains to exactly what is given for the price of the freedom we experience on a daily basis. A military person can experience job interruption, family disruption, time away from friends and loved ones… and worse yet, bodily injury and possible death. To fully understand the true meaning of these three words, one must embrace them- for they show the greatest act of love:
TO PUT ONES LIFE ON THE LINE TO KEEP OTHERS SAFE AND FREE.
When you meet a Veteran today, embarrass them. Take a moment to say, “Thank You”. Show them that you remember. Trust me, they will never forget.
Reg Randau
