eFax of Life from CBMC Heartland
A Weekly Inspirational Thought from Ken Korkow
Letter to Mr. President
Steve Wiese and Ben Long saved my life back in 1968 - while we were serving in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. Today Steve shared with me a letter he sent the President of the United States - and I'm asking that you read it all the way through. For countless reasons - I'm forever grateful for Steve and Ben. After 42 years we remain very, very close friends. Because of Christ. - Ken Korkow
Mr. President,
It's 4 a.m., and again my mind will not allow sleep.
Let me tell you a bit about myself. I'm a Vietnam Veteran. They tell me I suffer from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), a fact that I cannot deny. I went into the Marine Corps at 17 years old, and went to Vietnam at 18 years old, I proudly served 3 1/2 years in the Marine Corps, of which approximately 18 months of that was in Vietnam. I was with Bravo Company, First Battalion, 26th Marines. I cannot tell you how many men I have seen tragically wounded and killed. I was involved in countless patrols and night ambushes. I also endured the horrific 77 day siege of Khe Sanh. February 25, is the anniversary of "the Ghost Patrol", and March 30, 1968 "the Payback Patrol" These two dates in particular bring back very painful memories for me. I was combat wounded twice and have two purple hearts and many emotional scars to show for my efforts.
Please understand that I was and am proud to be a United States Marine and was honored to serve my country and the fine young men that I lived and died with.
It is said silence is sometimes the best answer, but I feel I can no longer be silent. You see, I recently took a flight to Washington, D.C. to visit the Vietnam Memorial "the wall" which was very emotional for me, because too many of those men were in my squad. Upon going through security, I was picked out of the line for further scrutiny. This would not have been so disturbing if it weren't for the fact that I have flown three times. Two of the three I was picked out of the line for further scrutiny, which I don't understand. I'm 6'4" tall and have blonde hair. I didn't think I fit the typical terrorist profile. What did offend me, there were people boarding that were wearing robes and head gear and covered up quite well, yet they were passed through, when I asked why they weren't checked, I was told that they didn't want to offend them by stereo-typing them. My answer to that is, "We are at war! " There have been terrorist attacks on USA soil. I think the safety of American citizens should come before their bruised egos and what is 'Politically Correct'.
Mr. President, why is it we have the freedom to pursue the religion of our choice yet prayer has been removed, nativity scenes cannot be displayed openly," In God We Trust "is being wiped out, but foreigners can stop several times a day at work, get down on their knees and pray, and we are not allowed to say anything as we might offend their religious rights. What happened to my religious rights? When I was a child, we used to say the Pledge of Allegiance in school. This is no longer allowed. Why? It might offend someone? If they don't want to say it then don't, but don't take away my right. How many people under 30 even know the Pledge of Allegiance anymore, how many know the words to the national anthem? Why does it bother me so much when the national anthem is played, and I see so many people that do not stand? Is patriotism becoming a thing of the past? The United States is a tall and mighty tower, but it's being chipped away at the base.
We are a nation of the free. We will allow almost anyone to become a US citizen, and I think this is only right. As long as they follow the procedures that has been in place for many years. Mr. President, when you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging. I do not think that if you are an illegal alien and you sneak across our borders and have a child that that should automatically make you a citizen. What that makes you is an illegal alien with a child. Has the definition of illegal changed? Our hospitals and welfare systems are overly burdened. Stop supporting the illegal aliens and start supporting the US citizens that are too poor to pay medical insurance. How can you give citizenship and all the bounty this nation has to offer to people who won't even pledge allegiance to this nation?
Mr. President, if you were to talk to people that know me they would surely tell you I'm not an overly religious man, although I feel there must be a higher power looking over me to have gone through what I did in the war when so many fell around me. I can assure you I'm not a radical; I am an American, a concerned American. I fought long and hard to defend this country that I'm so very proud of. Mr. President, what I would like is for you to tell me these men who laid down their lives, who were horrifically disfigured and carry the wounds of war, both physical and emotional, did not and are not doing so for nothing.
Sir, please remember the disabled veterans that answered the call and paid the price. They should not have to live in poverty for it.
Thank you, Sir, for your time.
With respect,
Steven Wiese,
Lincoln, California
Read the previous eFax of Life
Cowboy Logic:
When you get bucked off - get back on again - if you want to Finish Well.
"Rise, let us be going" -Matthew 26:46
eFax of Life is an outreach of CBMC Heartland, which is a not-for-profit organization supported by tax-deductible contributions. If you or a friend have been encouraged by these articles and would like to make a contribution, please make your check payable to "CBMC - Heartland" and write in the memo line "eFax of Life support." You can mail your contribution to: Ken Korkow - c/o CBMC Heartland, 1065 North 115th Street, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska 68154-4423. Contributions are not necessary to continue receiving the Fax.
