My Thoughts by Rick Stephens

He never sold a single record. He never performed in concert. He never made the headlines of Entertainment Tonight, and he was never placed in the public spotlight for questionable acts of morality. Yet he truly did bring the people of this world together. He broke the racial barriers like no man or woman has ever done before bringing all races, religions, and nationalities together. He caused people to listen and to respond simply by the words he spoke.

He was respected for his honesty, integrity, willingness to challenge the norm, for his compassion in times of difficulty, and for his pride in country when great achievements were accomplished.

He never moonwalked, but he did proudly walk on the moon with all of America on July 20, 1969. He never wore clothes with flashy military imagery, but he did wear the fatigues of Army green while reporting his findings of the Vietnam war effort. He was never called the “King” of anything, but “Uncle” Walter was a predominate news voice in America and will be remembered for his faithful reporting of such events as the Cuban Missile Crises, the Assignation of President Kennedy, the moon landing of Apollo 11, Watergate, and so much more.

We lost a true American icon this week. Walter Cronkite was like no other celebrity in my life time. There were times when I disagreed with him, there were times when I cried with him, there were times when I cheered with him. And when he spoke, I listened, as did all of America and the world.

I, for one, will miss the integrity, professionalism, honesty, compassion, and moral compass that Walter Cronkite brought to Journalism. His death was not surrounded in pomp and ceremony, national television did not preempt all other broadcast in favor of covering his funeral, and tickets were not sold on Ebay to attend the visitation, but his legacy will endure for many centuries to come. Good bye Walter.

And that’s the way it is, July 21, 2009.

To Your Success,

As we approach the 4th of July, our country’s Independence Day, I wanted to comment on a few things that have been on my mind lately. I am a veteran. I, along with millions of others who have proudly served this great country during its history, don’t wear that label on my sleeve or look for opportunities to stand up and be recognized.

Although we all appreciate the support and generous outpouring of gratitude that is springing up in this country, it should be said, that when I consider my own service, it pales in comparison to the thousands of others who have given more than I did. As the saying goes, “All gave some, but some gave all.”

I am a Vietnam era veteran. I was not drafted. I served because I love my country and I wanted to give something back for all it had given me. But when I wore my uniform, people jeered, threw things, cussed, and spit on me. No one asked me to stand up and be recognized or applauded me for my service. Nor did they console me when my buddies died.

My father served this country for almost 30 years. He fought in WW II, Korea, and Vietnam. He was also awarded the Bronze Star. Not once do I ever recall anyone at a public event asking him to stand up and be recognized for his service. He died before this new found patriotic movement began.

Please don’t misunderstand. I am appreciative of those who are encouraging patriotism in this country. But patriotism should not be a cyclical emotion. I will be the first to admit, that we have made some mistakes and I am sure we will make others in the future. But regardless of all that, I loved my country back when it was not popular to be a veteran, and today, nothing for me has changed. I will continue to support this country through thick or thin, and I would stand up and defend her still today if needed.

So, when I am asked to be recognized at events, parties, and other social gatherings, I proudly stand, not because I feel I did anything special, but because there are so many others, like my dad, who gave so much more, and were never asked to stand.

I am proud to be a veteran but I am even more proud to be an American.

God Bless the USA.

To Your Success,