When I wake up each morning, I am not fearful of my safety. I know I am protected and free, and that it is a privilege to live in the country that I do. The United States of America is ranked as the most powerful country in the world, and for good reason: we have an incredibly impressive military force. We owe our rights and independence to those who have fought or are still fighting for us. To me, a military veteran represents someone who is brave, strong, and above all else, selfless. They find gratification in knowing they are serving a greater good, even if it could potentially result in a loss of their own life – and there is nothing more noble than that.
The United States of America first became free of English rule during the Revolutionary War, in which my ancestor and veteran, Peter Pence, fought alongside George Washington in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Fast forward 175 years: my grandparents immigrated to the United States from France after World War II, in hopes of a better life. My grandfather, Bogumil Korusiewicz, served in the Polish Army, and was taken as a prisoner of war in a concentration camp. Fighting for his life, he was somehow able to chew through a fence with a few other men. He escaped, and later worked in the French Underground. Though he unfortunately passed a few years before I was born, I have learned from my mother and grandmother what a wonderful man he was. He was their hero: incredibly hardworking, intelligent, brave, strong and supportive. The way my family revered my grandfather is not unique, and this is because military veterans are indeed all heroes. Specifically, U.S. soldiers not only fight for the citizens of our country, but also have the courage to protect others around the world that need help. The United States will often provide international relief to those who have experienced disasters of many kinds.
When I think of veterans, I also think of people we should be doing more for. They give up their lives for not only the years they serve, but also for years beyond that. Many may suffer from different psychological disorders once returning from war, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. In fact, less than half of veterans in need seek mental health treatment. This could be due to access to mental health care, or overcoming social stigmas surrounding mental health treatment. That is why a push for government intervention is so important: we need to not only invest in military equipment and those who proudly serve us during their time, but also after. A bill was introduced to the Senate last year, called the Save Our Servicemembers (S.O.S) Act, which received bipartisan support. It requires the Department of Defense to review and standardize military suicide prevention programs.
I am so honored to know my close family friend, Jack Buttacavoli Sr., who served as an Army medic and cook during the Vietnam War. When he returned, he even started his own restaurant, using the skills he learned while serving, and hired many other veterans. Further, I am also grateful for all of the men and women throughout our country that have served that I do not know. We have an immense amount of rights and freedoms, all of which would not be possible without them. It is because of their courage and bravery that I, and many others, are able to live in peace knowing we are protected. Military veterans are truly the backbone of this country.