For many Americans, Veterans Day is all too often just another day off from work; a chance to enjoy an extended weekend. But for thousands of men and women who defend our republic in the vast stretches of Afghanistan, it is one more day of war; one more day to seek out and engage a cunning and determined enemy.
This is my second tour in Afghanistan, and my fourth Veterans Day deployed overseas. Every day I watch the best and the bravest of America’s young men and women as they put their lives on the line to defend the country they love. I recently had the chance to spend some time with one of those American heroes, with whom I share not only the same hometown but the same high school alma mater as well.
Sgt. Zach Runyan is a paratrooper with the famed 82nd “All-American” Infantry Division. Zach is a close friend of my oldest son, Stephen. Like me, Zach is from Terre Haute, and like me, he is a graduate of South Vigo High School.
Zach graduated in 2006; I was in a slightly earlier class: 1975. Zach was always quick with a smile and easy to make your acquaintance. After high school, he joined the Army, and volunteered for the demanding and dangerous trade of the paratrooper. When I was called back to active duty in late 2011, Zach was already in Afghanistan and based at Kandahar Airfield. When I was boots on the ground I looked him up; Sgt. Runyan also spent some time at my FOB (Forward Operating Base) at Tarin Kowt.
Despite our differences in rank and age, we shared the common bound of comradeship forged by war and separation from family and friends. Sgt. Runyan is a superb soldier and a warrior who should make everyone in the Wabash Valley proud. It was remarkable to see the young man I had known for so many years as a seasoned veteran and confident and capable leader. We both enjoyed the chance to reminisce about Terre Haute and the friends and loved ones we miss.
Sgt. Runyan is one of those heroes that you should remember today. He endures the trials of wartime deployment with a sense of humor and the strength and courage expected of a paratrooper. Many Americans have lost their faith in our republic and expect only catastrophe and collapse. My chance to serve with extraordinary warriors like Sgt. Zach Runyan convinces me otherwise. Our armed forces are filled with dedicated and brave soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
The finest young men and women in our country have left their homes and loved ones to serve and defend our great nation in distant lands. Some of them never come home. They should be an inspiration to every American patriot that the greatest days of the United States are yet to come.
Sgt. Zach Runyan and his generation have answered the call of duty. Their selfless service, courage and sacrifice should fill every American with pride and hope this Veterans Day.
— Lt. Col. Hal Johnston
76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Multi-National Base Tarin Kowt
Uruzgan Province
Afghanistan
Opinion
Answering the call with courage and sacrifice
- Opinion
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The celebration season
Spring has been a bit elusive at times in 2013, which is its nature.
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RONN MOTT: Frustration
For those who know me well, they can say without contradiction I am not a patient man. But in this hustle and bustle world I’ve been a part of all my adult life, I’ve had to learn a little patience. On occasion, however, I find some experiences extremely frustrating.
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news: MVC tourney an event worth having
It’s been a long time since the Missouri Valley Conference chose Indiana State University to host its post-season baseball tournament, but Terre Haute had never been more prepared for an event such as this.
- READERS' FORUM: May 23, 2013
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EDITORIAL: Cleaning up voter rolls
It’s not a lot of money in the big scheme of things, but the $2 million designated in the recent session of the General Assembly will begin the messy but necessary process of cleaning up Indiana’s voter registration rolls.
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READERS' FORUM: May 22, 2013
Rich history all along the river
Great work by Duke employees
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RONN MOTT: Rabid Republicans
The so-called news people at Fox News can hardly sit still long enough to report on the latest gossip or untruth about our sitting President. They can hardly contain themselves.
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READERS’ FORUM: May 21, 2013
• Great response to annual golf outing
• Doing your part on climate change
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LIZ CIANCONE: Smell of fresh air gave way to dryers
Remember when clean clothes smelled like fresh air and sunshine rather than fabric softener and dryer sheets?
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READERS' FORUM: May 20, 2013
The dangers of a little knowledge
Students enjoyed Rose study trip
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Mark Bennett: High-profile mural connects historical dots from city to river
At 96 feet wide and 2 stories tall, the power, impact and value of the Wabash will be evident.
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EDITORIAL: Waging the ‘readiness’ campaign
Almost every Hoosier who starts college intends to finish. Unfortunately, those who arrive on campus unprepared in key academic areas are far less likely to fulfill that aspiration.
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READERS' FORUM: May 19, 2013
• Flawed reasoning on gun checks
• A hint of things yet to come?
• Are the ‘makers’ doing the ‘taking’?
• The ‘Obamination’ is finally revealed
• Pondering effects of Obamacare
• Fantasizing on the ‘Apocalypse’
• Another view of Hinduism
• Great experience for HCMS students
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FLASHPOINT: A legislative session of missed opportunities
Given the nature of politicians, grand claims of accomplishments and overblown rhetoric about “historic” efforts are to be expected at the close of any legislative session.
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RONN MOTT: Mushrooms = Hoosier happiness
Someone wrote or said a few years ago a statement that would define the word “Hoosier.” According to this urban legend, a Hoosier is somebody dribbling a basketball around the Indy 500 while eating a fried, morel mushroom. It did not define me, at the time.
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EDITORIAL: Insult to an independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
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READERS' FORUM: May 17, 2013
Hinduism doesn’t deserve ridicule — Shefali Purohit, Terre Haute
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RONN MOTT: Israel’s Air Force
Recently the Israeli Air Force bombed and rocketed a convoy leaving Syria going to Lebanon with rockets that were going to be used to attack Israel. It did not get there. It was destroyed.
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news: Dashing finish for the Sycamores
It’s always thrilling to see Indiana State University’s athletic teams do well in high-level competition, and two specific teams rose to impressive heights last weekend in the Missouri Valley Conference outdoor track and field championships.
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Readers' Forum: May 16, 2013
Moving Deming folks sounds ‘nuts’
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Readers' Forum: May 15, 2013
Participants rise to the challenge: I would like to write a letter congratulating all the Wabash Valley Roadrunners that competed in the One America Indianapolis Mini Marathon.
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RONN MOTT: Media merry-go-round
Round and round it goes, where it stops nobody knows. That isn’t a unique phrase to this writer or to this era in time. But, when it comes to the musical chairs of broadcasting, it certainly applies.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Courts see a different appearance than cops
Have you ever noticed the transformation between the arrest of an accused lawbreaker and the first appearance in court?
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READERS' FORUM: May 14, 2013
ISTEP failure exposes flaws
Community hasn’t changed its spirit
Egregious threat to nation’s defense
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READERS' FORUM: May 13, 2013
• Women’s group criticizes Bucshon
• Let’s hope this doesn’t come true
• Many get thanks for fest success
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MARK BENNETT: Life at face value: Mom’s simple advice still presents a valuable daily challenge
Most moms don’t base their advice on scientific research.
(Unless, of course, your mother is a scientific researcher. If so, carry a No. 2 pencil and take good notes.) -
EDITORIAL: Better monitoring needed to prevent local environmental messes
The nasty, hazardous messes lurking in the community raise a bottom-line, red-flag question. Could these environmental problems have been monitored and, thus, prevented?
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GUEST COLUMN: Nursing more than medicine and bandages
Being a nurse … Like most nurses, I chose this profession because I had a strong desire to help others and no other career would allow me the opportunity to touch lives the way I have been able to through nursing.
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READERS' FORUM: May 12, 2013
Vigo Youth Football, entering 45th year, seeks new support
Media ignoring important case on abortions
Proud to be old-fashioned
Guns in school? What’s next?
Promoting hate not a ‘brave’ act
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FLASHPOINT: Again in 2013 General Assembly, middle class generally ignored
Last year, the people of Indiana entrusted the Republican Party with some of their most precious possessions.
- More Opinion Headlines
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The celebration season
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Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
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