Veterans Day 2015 and Hilcorp's Alaska North Slope Liberty Project
Yes, there is a link
Commentary by
Dave Harbour
It was a rainy, windy, cool day, that November 10, 1966.
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Our advanced infantry training (AIT) company had just run into the old WWII barracks classroom at Fort Dix, N.J.
When the 200 of us took our seats in the 1950s era classroom desk-chairs, cold water streamed from our nearly bald, shaved heads, down our necks, through the soaking fatigues to form puddles on the warn, wood floor.
"Tomorrow's our day, boys!"
The hard as nails, bullet spitting, wrinkly and tanned-faced old drill instructor (DI) leaned forward at the podium, his sharp eyes staring through our own as if to challenge our very souls.
He was the real thing, a nearly real facsimile of Clint Eastwood!
You don't see DIs cry…ever….
Then, unless I was imagining it because of the tenderness of his tone, I think I saw his eyes moisten as he slowly spoke of America's heritage:
- President George Washington's reliance on our Creator, verified in his Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, and
- Francis Scott Key's perfect national Anthem and reaffirmation that for those living in America's freedom, "in God is our trust", and
- President Lincoln's reliance on spiritual guidance, well evidenced in his Thanksgiving Day message, and
…then, our DI, tough-as-nails Staff Sergeant Kane spoke of his own recent wars: WWII, Korea and Vietnam, of friends injured, of comrades killed, of dreams postponed or destroyed, of families forever affected — all for the love of this free Country.
Then he told us that we were already soldiers, brand new veterans: not fully trained, to be sure, but members of the club of those who have served in an American uniform since the birth of the Nation.
He wanted us to know that the next day's approaching Veterans Day was not just for those who went abroad. It was for all who served, no matter when, where, how long or under what circumstances…for, all were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice.
You could have heard a pin drop on that old, rugged, wood floor.
Then, before returning to the class schedule, he proclaimed again, "Tomorrow's our day, boys!"
In the five decades since my Army days I've always thought that those in civilian life have opportunities — and responsibilities — to serve and support their country alongside active duty warriors.
There are many ways those at home may serve.
One of those ways is by enhancing the economic strength of America: supporting a robust energy culture. Without energy, a country is at the mercy of those with it. Those with energy extract wealth and opportunity from needy energy nation consumers.
Today, after attending a Veterans Day ceremony, I remembered SSgt Kane's tough instruction and touching review of our history and culture. I remembered my service on the Korean DMZ; of rapid promotions in four years from Private to Captain made possible by rapid Vietnam attrition; of dear friends departed; of a close veteran's bond with Senator Ted Stevens, beginning with our meeting in 1970 in Washington.
As a civilian once again, but one with an unshakeable veteran's sense of mission, today I remembered there was an energy support task that needed doing.
| Here is a letter RDC President Marleanna Hall submitted to BOEM. Our thanks to Carl Portman for providing it to our readers. |
So, I finished writing a Veterans Day letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) supporting approval of Hilcorp's Liberty Project. Last week, our readers learned of the opportunity to weigh in for economic prosperity, for Alaska's future, for America's strength.
Here is a copy of the letter I wrote today. I hope all of our readers will consider sending in their own comments. Here's how.
After all, I think we can all agree and reaffirm on this 2915 Veterans Day that, indeed, there is more than one way to serve our Nation.
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