I’ve said before that I am not a particularly sociable guy at times. The only time I ever really approach strangers is if they are wearing a ribbon on their lapel, or something similiar. I’ve learned from IVAW that thanking someone for their service means nothing, but my experience has been drastically different than that. So, when I see someone wearing a CIB or like medal, I say hello. Not easy for me to do being the Hobbit I am, but I do it anyway.<\/p>\n
Today I saw a gentleman on my Metro wearing a CIB, and so, as usual, I compliemented him on his choice of lapel accoutrement and told him I have one as well. And I thanked him for his service. We started talking, and only then, being the observant chap that I am did I notice that his left hand was missing, and he instead had a hook. Further discussion with him revealed we had some common acquaintences. This gentleman was Fred Downs, formerly of the 4th Infantry Division, now the head of the VA’s Prosthetics Division. <\/p>\n
Anyway, our mutual friend told me to look up a video of him on 60 Minutes, and I did so. And I want to share it with you now. This kind of thing is exactly why I defend the military and VA medical systems when they deserve it.<\/p>\n
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On Edit, I corrected the spelling of Mr. Downs’ name, and per commenter Brian, am adding a link to Amazon for Mr. Downs’ book: From Amazon: About the Author
\nThe Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War.<\/a><\/p>\n
\nFrederick Downs received four Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star with Valor, and the Silver Star for his service in the Vietnam War. He is also the author of Aftermath and No Longer Enemies, Not Yet Friends. He is currently the Director of Prosthetic and Sensory Aids for the Veterans Administration. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"