I graduated from Ballard High School in 1967. By 1970, the military got desperate enough to take me, even 4F, when I volunteered for the army. I had issues with my own maturation. It was my request that I serve in the infantry in Vietnam. I have killed many and directed others to their death for the “greater good.” This has greatly impacted my whole life.
I took my 16-year-old son to Meadowdale High School the morning they passed out the opt-out forms. I have tried to present a balanced view of the military to my son.
There are many good training and experience opportunities available for young people in the military that can set them on the road for a bright future. Or you can become a real macho killer.
I worked with the Seattle Veterans Action Center at the Monroe Prison in the 1980s after I got out of federal prison. The majority of prisoners held for violent crimes at that time were “combat veterans.” I helped them get social services, upon release, to reintegrate into society. The military does not do this. The Veterans Administration does not do a good job of this.
Foreigners and disadvantaged young people make up a large percentage of our service people. What happens when the military is threatened by the civil authority? What happens when the military is unleashed on the people? Are our middle class sons and daughters “too good” for the military?
It shocked me to hear my son talk about going into the military. At least he is looking for a job that trains him in a good civilian career opportunity. He is growing up. It is sad that it is in war time. But I think I have given him the tools to deal with it.
Douglas I. Kerley
Lynnwood
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