Good one. I had the distinct privilege of knowing and working with Sgt Erwin. He was the Veteran’s Assistance officer at the Birmingham, AL VA Medical Center for many years. I was first a medical student and later a staff physician at the VA and in some months had almost daily interaction with him.
Although horribly disfigured from his wounds, and presenting a somewhat gruff appearance with the stub of a cigar in his mouth, he was kind and considerate in helping Veterans obtain the benefits to which they were entitled. Woe be unto the Veteran who tried to obtain something he wasn’t due. I heard Red dress down several Vets who were looking for a lifetime of support for a trivial service-related problem.
Good afternoon, CholeraJoe, and thank you for sharing your experiences with this brave hero. He could have given up so easily.