Veterans support overseas operation, empathize with soldiers now fighting
(Above) Gerald Haak stands next to one of the bunkers he called "home" during the Korean War. (Below) Haak and a fellow serviceman clean the firing lock on one of the 105 Howitzer guns used during the war.
By Jolene Farley
With Operation "Enduring Freedom" in full swing in Afghanistan and many of America's soldiers fighting to maintain our way of life, Veterans Day holds added meaning this year.
Many men and women either fought for our country in past wars or did their part to support those fighting. Many veterans have an opinion on "Enduring Freedom."
Now 69, Gerald Haak, Hills, was 20 years old when he was shipped to Korea in 1952 as an Army corporal.
He stayed until the truce was signed, and he remembers "a lot of noise and destruction" from his time in Vietnam.
Haak's company moved frequently, providing artillary support to the infantry. They moved along the enemy lines knocking out enemy positions with a Howitzer 105. "We were just like sitting ducks out there because we were moving so much," he said.
Haak remembers a very cold climate. His company slept mostly in bunkers, never in buildings, in snow more than a foot deep at times.
He clearly remembers lying in bunkers listening to the firing, day and night.
Haak and the others in his company were awarded the Bronze Star for their bravery.
Despite harsh conditions, Haak thinks it was "worth it all," and he thinks Operation Enduring Freedom is worth it, too.
"We can see how we depend on freedom. I think they are doing the right thing," said Haak. "If we don't protect ourselves they will just come over and run over us. Terrorism won't stop."
Haak fears a long, drawn-out battle. Americans all need to do their part and work with the nation's leaders and stand behind them, according to Haak.
"We took freedom so much for granted we thought nothing else could happen," said Haak, "This was a real awakening. We need to stand behind all the people in the military."
Haak added, "We all have to pray."
Vietnam veteran Gawaine Diekevers, 53, Steen, agrees with Haak. "We can't let terrorists continue," said Diekevers. The Army drafted him in the spring of 1968 and by fall he was on his way to Vietnam.
Diekevers served in an artillery unit and a supply unit. Later he became a liaison person, mapping locations for infantry and artillery units.
The majority of the enemy fire occurred at night, Diekevers said. Heavy rains forced his unit to move frequently. The enemy took advantage of the moves by firing on the troops.
"There were times you would wonder if this is going to be the end," said Diekevers.
Diekevers credits his Christian upbringing with providing strength during the difficult times. "Whatever would happen I never feared death," he said.
President Bush and his cabinet should be upheld in prayer and supported in any way possible, according to Diekevers.
"I feel for those serving their time over there," he said. "I give them a lot of credit for going over so we can keep peace."
He said subtle dangers, not as worrisome in past wars, could be an issue in "Enduring Freedom," such as a danger to the food and water supply or the danger of contracting various diseases.
"So often it is not until years later when these things show up," he said. Soldiers sacrifice for their country by spending years in the service and find out later they have also sacrificed their good health.
"I've never seen a religion yet who could destroy lives in the way they do and call it a holy war," Diekevers said.
Sixty-four-year-old Orv Sundem, Hills, was a member of the Minnesota National Guard for 12 years. Sundem joined the day after his 17th birthday, eventually achieving the rank of E-6 in an infantry division for a mortar platoon.
He took a break from the Guard for nine years, then rejoined for three years. He was never called for active duty but was always prepared to serve, particularly during the Cuban Conflict.
Sundem is sympathetic toward the loss of innocent lives in the Afghanistan conflict but says "that's part of war.ÕÕ
He agrees with how the United States is handling the situation. "I think it's a job that's got to be done," he said. "Otherwise we are going to see a lot more of it (terrorism)."
All the men agreed everyone should take the time this Veterans Day to remember those who have served in the past and also those who are currently defending our country under inhospitable conditions.
