This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In response to Mr. William Zuehlke's letter ("This veteran says thanks for thanking," July 11), first please accept my personal thank you for serving. I was in the U.S. Navy during what was arguably America's least popular conflict. I went to Vietnam three different times while in the Navy. When I was discharged and returned to Salt Lake, I was struck by the apathy at best and downright hatred of veterans and the military at worst.
Over the years I have noticed a great turn around in the attitude of the American public toward the military and our veterans. I am not ashamed to now go out in public wearing a tee-shirt and/or ball cap proclaiming my Vietnam veteran status.
Like Mr. Zuehlke, I would like to express my thanks to all those who have thanked me for my service.
I currently work at the VA, and I see firsthand what a word of thanks and a smile can do for our veterans. Don't wait for Veteran's Day or Memorial Day. If you know a veteran, thank him/her.
Kevin Greer
West Jordan