As celebrations across this nation today memorialize the sacrifices of brave women and men killed in wars present and past, it occurs to me that my job gives me the unique honor of meeting the heroes still with us. I’ve been to Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital numerous times and have seen the indomitable human spirit of women and men who, as one doctor described the grave nature of the injuries he regularly sees, have “no business” being alive. To be exposed to this type of courage truly gives me perspective in life.
This week, I had another opportunity to gain this type of perspective. We did a story on soldiers who have lost limbs in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, using golf as both physical and mental therapy. Golf pro Jim Estes and his friends at the Salute Military Golf Association provide free lessons, clubs and venues for vets to learn and play golf. After spending two days with Jim and the soldiers, it’s clear they both come a way with a great deal from the experience.
A couple of weeks ago, I spent the day with living history. Frank Buckles is the 20th century. At age 106, Buckles is the last surviving WWI vet to serve overseas. Tonight, this spot, crafted by Bob Faw, will air on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Producer Andy Gross has a preview of the story on MSNBC.COM.
It’s an honor I don’t take for granted, that I often find myself in the presence of truly courageous people, whose indomitable spirits are part of what makes this nation great.
~~~~~~~~~~~~UPDATE~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Bob Faw piece on Frank Buckles is available on MSNBC.COM
