June 28, 2019 Issue, Page 3 of 20

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4TH OF JULY SPECTACULAR, Friday, June 28, 2019 PG3. the Pizza Hutt here. Bethel College is operated by the Chambers is a member of the Vietnam veteran and including Warm treatment Mennonite Church USA. VFW and American Legion. He the phrase “Don’t let the gray “I was very lucky,” he said Call of duty is more active in the American hair fool you.” The merchant about his treatment from people Growing up, Chambers read Legion here, while in his home- would not accept any money for in the U.S. when he returned “The Red Badge of Courage” town he was more active in the the painting, and Chambers was home from Vietnam. Some guys and “For Whom the Bells Tolls” VFW. moved by the gesture. he knew who went to California and he had family members who He and his wife were recently Chambers and Vicki have two were treated badly. People at served in the military, so being in in Israel and while in Jerusa- daughters: Sarah Senger [Pat] Fort Dix were normally coming military was in his DNA. lem they dropped by an artist and Carrie Chambers. Pat and from Europe, so the protesters Years after his service, he shop where Chambers spotted Sarah live in Elk City and Carrie weren't looking for them. didn’t tell people he was in Viet- apainting. The painting was an lives in Dallas. Pat and Sarah “When I got home and was in nam, though. the train station, before I left the “I didn’t want to engage ina image of a bald eagle in front have two sons, Carter and Evan, train station, I had two or three conversation with people who of an American flag, noting the 15. people offer to drive me on home. might have been against it,” he rm I told them I just wanted to said. “I just didn’t care to discuss walk in my hometown,” he said, becoming emotional. “That was a it.” Because of the distance of the ee Tow pretty moving experience.” Chambers. time with when the Vietnam War Both the Vietnam War and occurred, many young people the Iraq War had their share was a period of protest. today are not aware of the war’s of detractors, but veterans in “J just think there were pro- effects. But Chambers com- contemporary times have re- testers, there were so many of mended the recent documentary ceived positive treatment from them, [and] they couldn’t let it about the Vietnam War made by the public and protesters did go,” he said. Ken Burns. not generally personalize their Once he was in Vietnam, he “The movies they made about opposition by targeting the fight- did not think about the protest- it, I didn’t really care to watch,” ing forces. Chambers said the ers back home because it didn’t Chambers said. “Ken Burns did a difference between now, when change anything; plus, he was very thorough and very accurate veterans are treated well by the busy with doing his duty. job.” public, and then, when some He said there were peace He looks back at Vietnam now veterans were the object of scorn marchers at his college in his and said it’s a period of his- and repugnant behavior [spit- hometown, but of course, Men- tory that he hopes that America ting, for example], was just the nonites embrace pacifism and learned some lessons from. mood of the times of the 60s: It thus are conscientious objectors. “I think we did,” he said. Chambers after a night on guard duty. Submitted photo. “| believe in America because we have great dreams, and We would like to take time and remember those because we have the opportunity to make those dreams who worked hard to ensure a better future for all. come true.” — Wendell L. Wilkie Happy Independence Day from all of us at We would like to take this opportunity ee to thank our veterans and those who Sontinde to serve today for their service! asangtina (& HAINES WRECKE 580-225-4191 & U-HAUL R 2623 West Broadway « Elk City Licensed and Insured www.haineswrecker.com Thank you to all of our veterans - \_ including GAS employees and family members who “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be have served our country! achieved.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt ~ Jonathan Williamson ~ Aaron Medina Nicholas Smith iiyson ProutAgency, Kindon Kaiser _- Travis Hartley 580-339-1733 Mike Chapel The Trout Agency will offer a complete line of Financial, Farm, Auto, and Commercial Coverage. Jerry Smith