In it to Support

​Since the war began in Ukraine, we've seen numerous veterans putting the armour back on to ride off into battle. Whether it's on the frontline as an operator longing for the tip of the spear or in any of the numerous roles along its edge, there is a very clear theme, service is never done. 

​We've seen ex-combat arms troops, hard chargers, putting together the gear they'd sworn never to wield again. We've seen Veteran kick starters and Go Fund Me campaigns organized from out of nowhere. We're in contact with an ex-soldier, negotiating checkpoints in the heart of Ukraine  to get troops the basics for battle. An ex-infanteer negotiating roadblocks to acquire the basic necessities for life. Yesterday we met an ex U.S. Special Forces Afghan interpreter, running a camp for refugees from all nationalities and today we met an 80+ year old Texan, a Korean War Veteran, we'll call him "J".

​"J" was apparently tired of watching the war unfold from the safety of his home, and hopped a plane to help the refugees who lost everything. The gist of the conversation as we walked in was, "...But Ma'am, I have three houses back in the United States. These people need homes, and I got ‘em!"

​I reiterate, service is never done. It's not indoctrination, it's not brainwashing. It is a fundamental need to help, to run toward the fire. Royce and I stood in awe with our load of food and art supplies, like looking into an almost certain future. 
"I think this is what we do now, I think this is our job." 
All I could do was nod.