On August 24, 1967 Farmington resident, Jay Hess was among the fighter pilots in the Vietnam War that were on a mission to stop supplies traveling from North Vietnam to South Vietnam. Their goal was to destroy the steel mills. However, the enemy began firing missiles at the planes and Jay Hess’s luck wore out as he was shot down and captured. He remained in Vietnam for the next five and a half years as a Prisoner of War. During those years, Hess’s goal was to one day get home.
When the war was over and the POWs were released, the country rejoiced as the brave men and women came home. “There were many celebrations and everyone was happy the war was over,” Hess said. Since Hess was a POW he was honored with much celebration and has received more respect then that of the typical Veteran.
“I don’t think you can ever give a veteran enough respect. What they do [for their country] is unknown to most people. You can never really appreciate what a veteran does,” said Hess. Recently he received a letter from Cynthia Catudal expressing her gratitude for what he did. Enclosed with the letter was a bracelet which bore his name that she had worn in high school, over 40 years ago. In the letter she wrote, “When I first obtained a POW bracelet I didn’t understand what it all meant, I still can’t comprehend it all, but since I’ve been married and living the army life, I realize a little better what was happening at the time.” This is just one example of how Jay Hess has been shown respect over the years.
In regard to showing respect on a larger scale, recently ground was broken for a new facility for veteran care. Representative Julie Fisher from District 17 was among the cosponsors for a bill to fund the new Ogden Veterans Care Center. “It was such a privilege to honor those citizens who sacrificed for our freedom,” said Fisher, “We don't often see a bill that has that much support. When it comes to our veterans, Utah cares.” There are other was to show respect to veterans, a simple “thank you” is appreciated by many. “There needs to be some way to express appreciation for what they have done,” Hess said.
Sometimes veterans are perceived as an annoyance in society. According to the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients, it is estimated that nearly 200,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Conservatively, one out of every three homeless men who is sleeping in the streets of our cities has put on a uniform and served this country.
Unfortunately, many people of shown extreme disrespect for our veterans by using the title of being a veteran or a POW. There were 600 POWs from Vietnam and yet more than 1200 people claim to be one. “Why they want to exaggerate and do this is just a weakness in human nature, [that is] to make up a big story about who you are,” Hess said.
The next time people think about whether or not to show respect for veterans, they should think of a statement said by Father Dennis Edward O’Brien, a Sergeant in the USMC, “It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.”
