Letters to the editor

Veterans Day

Whether it's your grandpa talking about World War II or a wounded stranger wearing his regiment's trucker hat, everyone has had some sort of interaction with the stereotypical veteran.

In my high school, twenty hours of community service were required of each student every year. Since I lived close to the local Veterans Association Hospital and had golfed several after-hours rounds on their private course, I decided there was no better way to fulfill a requirement than by truly giving back. I was able to get a volunteering position during my sophomore year, but much to my surprise, I wasn't put in charge of bingo for the WWII vets.

I was asked to be with younger wounded soldiers from our current wars and assist them in writing e-mails or letters to their families and friends. These seemed like daunting tasks for a 15-year-old. During the first week, it was only jitters being in the isolated hospital. It was hard for me to come back for the second week, but I stuck it out and eventually met Pvt. Alan Blacklock of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division.

Only three years older than I at the time he had enlisted, Blacklock said the Army was the only option if he wanted a college degree and that education is the stepping stone for a successful future. Just several months after having finished his basic training, the war in Iraq was official and Baghdad was the target.

During the invasion of Baghdad in April, 2003, while his Humvee was driving in caravan with others, the front axel snapped, causing the driver to lose control and crash into a building, resulting in Blacklock being tossed from the vehicle's top-mounted machine gun turret.

Though he broke both wrists, his left collarbone and had several ligament tears in his knees, Blacklock considered himself fortunate enough to be able to have the peace of mind knowing that he would be able to go back to Iraq and help out his friends.

During the course of my talks with Blacklock, I realized that without people like him, this country would not be as great as it is. Whether one agrees with the wars or not, and it is obvious where most stand, one should always back the troops.

Alexander Deluca

Communication '10