Love Our Local Veterans

I don’t typically use this editorial space to pontificate a publisher’s opinion. I prefer to stick to meaningful (we hope!) promotion of our community’s small businesses, organizations and events.

But on this inspiring week, and in honor of our local veterans, I’m going to speak my mind about what some may say is a little less standard.

I recently learned that one of our local veteran leaders is hurting very deeply. That’s not OK with me, and I hope it is not OK with you either. He and his wife have come under fire for their efforts to create a beautiful respite retreat for local and visiting veterans from across the country. They have worked hard to turn their natural setting, nestled in the deep woods of Chautauqua County, into a safe space for those who served our country to reflect, reconnect and heal. I’ve seen it. It’s well-done. It’s intentional and inviting. And I’ve spent time with this couple who are trying their best to make a difference.

I know very little about their reported accusations and it would be inappropriate and unhelpful for me to comment about a pending matter. Let the lawyers do the lawyering and the logistics of taking on a well-meaning nonprofit play itself out.

What I do know is that this gentleman is a veteran. And he - like all veterans - deserves our respect and gratitude. His financial affairs are none of our business. Honoring his service - for his forever, innate sacrifice - IS.

I won’t comment on a case of which I know nothing about, but I will comment on the character of a veteran. Most of us cannot imagine putting on a uniform that requires our accepting the possibility of the ultimate sacrifice. To follow orders higher than oneself in worldly efforts as critical as they come. To blindly and selflessly march forward, to preserve and protect our democracy. Most of us only know war from film. We haven’t seen death and danger all around us for months and years and multiple tours at a time. We haven’t felt that lasting physical and psychological trauma that too often comes with military service.

But among us, the most special community members - like this gentleman - have.

HE. IS. A. VETERAN. Get off your socials and the local rumor mill. Stop wondering, judging and postulating.

Show love and honor. Period.