An ex-Navy friend and I (retired Air Force) have had a similar conversation (and disagreement) for decades. He served on an aircraft carrier off the coast of ‘Nam. I served in country (though not in combat). He believes he should be entitled to same level of respect as people who were on the ground (or in the air above) ‘Nam, and I disagree. I don’t disparage his service—however, I think there are distinct gradations in that service, from front-line combat (highest regard) to those who, for whatever reason, may never have left the CONUS (still entitled to respect, but in much less measure).
Perhaps this is where you and I will disagree. I volunteered for the Navy, (’88-’92). I went where assigned, and did my duties as best I can. I was assigned as a direct support person to various commands (Ships and Shore), but was not deployed into the Persian Gulf. I received no medals or awards (other than the National Defense Ribbon). If I had been assigned those duties, I would have gone - as was my oath.
We don’t pick and choose our assignments - we do them all with the single-mindedness that it deserves. If I was a screw-up, and took someone off the front lines to be in the rear-with-the-gear as I was, that would be a disservice. Doing my job, as assigned, to the best of my ability and allowing those assigned to the front lines to do their jobs is in no way deserving of more RESPECT.
Frankly, I realize I ‘missed’ an opportunity, and I actually look back on it with regret. I also know that I did what I volunteered for, and was subsequently asked to do. The things I worked with are in widespread use today, and while I will never see any public, or private, recognition for it, I PERSONALLY recognize the contributions I made to the service(s). Respect the decision of the volunteer, whether they end up in Iraq, Afghanistan, or sitting on a cruiser. Whether they spend 3 years at sea, or 3 days. They did MORE than was required, and they did it with pride, and the only thing that matters - self-respect.
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