Letter to the Editor: Chaplain Doug DeWitt

I had the privilege of serving in the United States Air Force from 1971-2013. I served as an enlisted medic, Squadron Commander, Mobility officer, instructor and finally as a Chaplain around the world in time of peace and in combat areas.

Since our shameful withdrawal from Afghanistan, I am once again being asked the same question I have been asked for every war and hostile activity we were in except for Granada: “Are the depths of the men and women killed in Vietnam, Marine Barracks in Beirut, Libya bombing, Khobar Towers, USS Cole, Desert Storm, Iraq or Afghanistan now meaningless?”

Were these warriors deaths wasted? No! Just because the government failed them, does not mean the warriors failed the American people. They kept their oath and they did their duty.

There is meaning and honor in every one of their deaths, which can never be diminished. They did their duty and kept faith with their comrades. They went where sent and did everything in their power to accomplish the mission. All of us, who have worn our nation’s uniforms, gave our promise to the American people, we would even give up our lives when a politician orders us into danger. Those who have died, have kept that promise to the fullest.

I studied war until the military said I was an “expert” to teach history and tactics to those who would become our senior officers. These senior officers knew and still know how to win the wars, they just didn’t and don’t have the will to do it. They were/are more worried about promotions and the untrained media second guessing them, than about victory and lives of those under them.

After Viet Nam, government and military senior leadership said “we have learned our lesson and will never wage war like this again - we will fight to win.” However, in Desert Storm, we were told to stand down despite being within a few hours of taking Bagdad and capturing all the Iraq leadership. When the media said the deaths were too high in Iraq and Afghanistan we pulled back into fortified sites, sending our patrols, but not taking and holding ground.

Our leaders, who promised they would never leave us behind, left living POWs in Viet Nam and Americans in Afghanistan.

This is why we veterans always go, if physically able, to Memorial Day events, long after our country has forgotten about the wars we fought, and the men and women who died. This day isn’t about the country. It’s about those who have worn the uniform and to pause in remembrance of those, who like us, took the oath, put on the uniform, and went where ordered - giving their lives in doing so. By going to Memorial events, we are continuing to do our duty and keeping faith with our departed comrades.

It is so important that we Veterans put our stories in some type of archives. In these stories we can tell about those who died, were wounded, or served and came back to loved ones. We who knew and loved them must speak their names, let future generations know the truth of who they and we are, and what together we did. Don’t let the media, politicians, or Hollywood be the keepers of our stories.

As a combat chaplain, I still want to minister to anyone having a difficult time not only with what is happening in Afghanistan, but with any issues veterans may have. Because a chaplain is a pastor, anything told to me is confidential between the two of us. You can reach me at 931-796-7801.

Chaplain Doug DeWitt,

USA (Ret)

Hohenwald, Tn 38462