Bob Kuepler struggles to hold back tears as he reflects on the three tours he served in Vietnam. Nearly 50 years later, Kuepler is still trying to cope with the repercussions of war.
“Everyday I live in the jungle,” he said. Kuepler, an Army veteran, doesn’t like to discuss the details of his missions in Vietnam.
“War is hell,” he said. “It’s really that simple.”
Kuepler said he gave up part of himself for his country and always looks forward to Veterans Day.
“I’m gratified and proud to have served my country and fellow Americans,” he said. “It’s not only a day to remember those who died in service to our country but also to recognize those who continue to serve today. People don’t realize when you see a veteran it means a lot to go up to them, shake their hand and thank them.”
Despite the positive reception veterans receive today, Kuepler said things were a lot different for Vietnam veterans when they returned home from the war. Kuepler is still bitter the lack of help Vietnam veterans received when they returned home.
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“I was one of those young boys when I finished my three tours in Vietnam. I didn’t have anyone to take my hand, lead me and give me the camaraderie that people have today,” he said.
But Kuepler said he’s optimistic that things are going to turn around for veterans in the future.
“It’s more appreciation for us now,” he said. “People understand that freedom isn’t cheap.”
Michael Vode, a Marine veteran and a Schererville Police commander, said Veterans Day isn’t a day of celebration but a day to reflect on the sacrifice thousands of veterans made.
“I appreciate the appreciation people show us for serving but I guess for us that have served and were fortunate enough to make it back, on Veterans Day we still think of those that were not so fortunate,” he said.
Vode said he originally joined the Marine reserves in 1989 and was activated for six months to serve in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during the Gulf War.
“It’s one of those things that you never forget and I would say it changes you in many ways,” he said. “Not all bad, in some good ways. It makes you appreciate what we have back in our country.”
Vode said he enjoys seeing the outpouring of support service members and veterans receive today but he makes “a point” to thank Vietnam veterans for their service when he sees them.
“They didn’t receive what they should’ve received when they came home,” he said.
Twitter @JavonteA