Some veterans find it hard to return home

Gulf War veteran Philip Edds, of Branson, left, talks with Vietnam Marine veteran John Porter.
Phil Surratt | Branson Tri-Lakes News

By Phil Surratt
Staff Writer
Originally published Nov. 10, 2009

As the war in the Middle East continues, there are some veterans coming back to the United States trying to fit into a society that has changed since they departed.

On Saturday, when a small group of Gulf War veterans met for a reunion at the Tri Lakes Center, it wasn’t a time to get back together with old buddies, but one to talk with fellow veterans about trying to put their lives back together.

The Branson Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America was there to help.

Bill Groninger, the chapter president, said today’s veteran needs to be respected like any other veteran of previous conflicts.

“When I returned from Vietnam, I was fortunate to receive many ‘thank yous’ for my service to our country and to this day I still do,” Groninger said. “I’ve gotten enough ‘thank yous’ over the past 35 years. Now it’s time to give those ‘thank yous’ to our Gulf War vets.”

Todd Harris, of Nixa, was one Gulf War veteran attending Saturday’s reunion. He was an Army medic stationed in Turkey. It was Harris’ wedding anniversary Saturday and his wife surprised him by taking him to the reunion.

“I don’t talk to my wife about a lot of this stuff, so I was shocked when we got here,” Harris said. “But it was good to talk with these other guys. A lot of their stories are just like mine. They were just in Vietnam during another conflict at a different time. Sometimes I wish I was still over there helping out.”

Philip Edds, of Branson, served in the Army for six and-a-half years. He has been out since 2007. Edds worked on hydraulic systems for Blackhawk helicopters and other military equipment.

Edds said he was glad to meet with fellow veterans, but said it’s sometimes hard to talk about his previous life.

“It’s hard for people to understand if they have never served,” Edds said. “Sometimes there’s an anger that wells up. It’s very difficult at times.”

Harris and Edds experienced a lot during their tours of duty.

At the age of 18, they were exposed to death and destruction like many other veterans.

But both were involved with a war that has been going on for many years.

“I don’t think it will ever end,” Edds said. “There are so many people over there that have no respect for life and are convinced that dying makes them a hero.”

At Saturday’s reunion, a painting by Branson artist Ron Allison titled “Beyond the Wall” was on display.

The painting honors veterans from World War II, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf.

The soldiers from World War II and Vietnam are offering a hand to the Gulf War veteran.

“We want these veterans to go beyond the wall they may have around them” Groninger said. “We want to help them out.”