VIEWPOINT: A Unique Veterans Day, And A History Of Service

By Lieutenant Commander Robert Scribner, U.S. Navy

After the cessation of 20 years of combat operations in Afghanistan, this Veterans Day is distinctly unique to me, and to countless other veterans who served during the War on Terror after 9/11. For many veterans, military service in Afghanistan was significant and special in many ways.

Here on the East End of Long Island, we have personally sacrificed so much during the last two decades in Afghanistan.

U.S. Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy of Patchogue was the first Navy service member to receive the Medal of Honor in Afghanistan for selflessly giving his life to make a radio call, under enemy fire, to get help for his team in Konar Province.

Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Louis M. Bonacasa of East Patchogue gave his life on a mission outside Bagram Air Base.

U.S. Army Green Beret Staff Sgt. Keith R. Bishop of Medford gave his life when the helicopter he was aboard crashed in Darreh-ye Bum.

U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant Joseph Theinert of Shelter Island gave his life during combat operations, while leading his platoon on patrol in Kandahar.

These are some of the thousands of U.S. and allied service members who sacrificed their lives in Afghanistan in support of our nation. On another front, our community also sacrificed in Iraq — most recently with the passing of the Jolly 51 crew, when their helicopter crashed in Anbar Province, four of whom were from the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach: Major Andreas O’Keefe, Major Christopher Zanetis, Master Sergeant Christopher Raguso, and Staff Sergeant Dashan Briggs.

Each of these names have family, friends and comrades that miss them every day and face painful reminders of their absence during holidays, life milestones and daily life. We celebrate their lives and their service as a community each Memorial Day, and I am always humbled to do so as a veteran.

Countless East End residents have served over the last two decades in Afghanistan, Iraq and many other countries across the globe, all to keep our homeland safe. Our community answered the distant call of President John F. Kennedy to “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” with courage, persistence and sacrifice. We answered this call as volunteers, motivated by patriotism, to do the right thing without being asked to.

Sacrifice is well known to the East End of Long Island, and has been since the founding days of our country.

This Veterans Day is unique because it is particularly challenging for those who served in Afghanistan, as well as those who have loved ones who did, to include family and friends who never returned. Many veterans are facing difficult reflections on the withdrawal of ground forces from Afghanistan. Reflections on host nation and coalition forces that fought alongside American forces, time away from family, risks undertaken, and sacrifices made over two decades are not easy to reconcile with the current events.

I did not have difficulty reaching out to those I served with in Afghanistan, and, in fact, most found me first. Having conversations with those I served with was the best thing I could have done. I highly encourage any veteran reading this to consider doing the same.

Further, we are very fortunate to have a plethora of resources available, to include the Veterans Crisis Line, available 24/7 by calling 1-800-273-8255 (press 1), or by sending a text message to 838-255.

Our community is home to veteran organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, which bring together veterans with experience serving in many different conflicts. The connections between service members of different conflicts is stronger than one might imagine; I have personally received valuable mentorship from veterans at my VFW Post 5350 in Westhampton Beach who served in conflicts from Korea to the present. The special bonds of understanding each other is invaluable.

Veterans continue to serve widely throughout our communities in different capacities. For example, World War II veteran and former Westhampton Beach mayor Ham Andon, who was an integral presence in the community, personally mentored me when I joined the Westhampton Beach Fire Department, and he is missed by the many he inspired. The Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance organization was founded by war veterans and, through name and service, dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in war.

Along with many other local veterans, I am extremely proud to volunteer with the Westhampton Ambulance and view it as a natural extension of duty to country and community.

As another example, VFW Post 5350 encourages students to dig deep and express their civic spirit through patriotic essay contests, with scholarship prizes. Veterans also teach at the Westhampton Beach High School and serve as role models to our youth. If there is a venue for community support or service on the East End, I am willing to bet that you will find a veteran giving their time.

On this Veterans Day, though it is a challenging time for many veterans, particularly those who served in Afghanistan, I say remain humble and be proud of your service. Over the past two decades, American service members have demonstrated heroic acts and lived up to the best values America has to offer. In Afghanistan alone, 18 Medals of Honor were awarded, countless Silver and Bronze Stars were awarded, and daily acts of courage and valor were routine at every level of action.

Current service members and veterans stepped up honorably to keep the promises we as a nation made to our Afghan counterparts, who risked their lives to protect ours. The camaraderie between myself and those I served with is unbreakable, and I am honored for the privilege to have served our great nation in Afghanistan. I am grateful for the opportunity to share these reflections and am thankful to those who have served our nation and our community alike.

Lieutenant Commander Robert Scribner is a U.S. Naval officer who served in conflict zones in the Middle East and Africa, various overseas diplomatic postings, and is an expert on national security and defense issues. An East End native, he is a life member of VFW Post 5350 in Westhampton Beach and has been a volunteer with the Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance since 2005.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.