by Steven Sibley, Ret Army, DAV
Memorial Day has just passed and I want to salute all those who took the time to commemorate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Since 1775, records indicate that as many a 1.3 million lives have been lost by those who served in our country’s military. That is basically the population of Tulsa, Edmond, OKC, Moore and Norman combined. Imagine, almost half of them died in a senseless civil war that took nearly half those lives. The Civil War started because of uncompromising differences between the free and slave states over the power of the national government to prohibit slavery in the territories that had not yet become states. For those who fought for freedom for all, there was a familiar ring back to the words of Patrick Henry in March of 1775, “Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” The price of freedom for all is that great, that precious.
Our veterans have not only died, many have been wounded, maimed for life, and scarred both physically and emotionally. While complete statistics were difficult to find on this subject, it appears that on average, for every veteran killed, up to 10 were wounded. That is a significant number. It is why it’s so important for us to do the very best we can, to take care of our veterans. The heroic 1% of our population. This is one of the greatest needs we have as a country. It’s the greatest reason for those who are the top 1% of income earners in our country, to freely and responsibly give, in whatever way they can or must, to support these heroes, who have sacrificed so much for others to have the opportunity and freedom to succeed in our country at the highest levels.
Soon it will be Independence Day, 2021. This is my challenge to those who would seek to honor both those who have given their lives and those veterans who have been injured or disabled in the service of this country. Between July 4th this year and November 11th, Veterans Day, for those 5 months, would you purposely and proactively reach out to at least 1 veteran a month, and tell them you appreciate their service, and then serve them in some way. What ever you feel led to do, send them a card, buy them a meal, mow their lawn, take them to an appointment or just have a conversation with them. Imagine if everyone in Tulsa, Edmond, OKC, Moore and Norman reached out to just 5 veterans, that would be over 5 million times a veteran was talked to, recognized, appreciated and helped.
As a retired, disabled veteran myself, my wife and I do our part by helping veterans who transition into Medicare. We help them understand how those benefits work with their VA Benefits and Tricare Benefits. We provide support, advocacy and information about Medicare Plans offered by companies that have special plans for veterans, that offer additional benefits which they’ve earned and deserve. While healthcare issues and delivery of healthcare is confusing enough for seniors, it is even worse for veterans who have sacrificed their bodies and blood only to find red tape and bureaucracy standing in the way of the healthcare they desperately need. If you need our help, just call, there is never any charge, any pressure, just help. We are here to serve you at www.Sibleyinsures.com, (918) 404-0807.
