Swapping stories and respecting military service were on the menu

By Paul R. Huard for Ashland.news

Dozens of Ashland-area veterans of the United States armed forces enjoyed a free breakfast in their honor Saturday, a Veterans Day “thank you” offered to acknowledge their choice to serve their nation and protect their fellow countrymen.

Co-sponsored by Ashland Scout Troop 112, American Legion Guy T. Applewhite Post 14, and Ashland Elks Lodge 944, the breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs and assorted trimmings was served by members of the Scout Troop, who also set up the Elks Lodge ballroom for the event.

But the breakfast was more than a meal, said several of the veterans interviewed. It was a chance to meet with others who shared something in common: The experience of dedicating part of their lives to national service, something that civilians who have never been in the military rarely understand.

“Every time I get together with other veterans, it is always a good experience,” said Kevin Calkins, 66, Scoutmaster for Troop 112. Calkins, a retired chief petty officer, served in the Navy for 22 years.

“We get to tell a few stories, crack a few jokes, but it is always a good time,” Calkins said. “I’m the poster child for having a good time in the military.”

He estimated that within the first hour of serving, more than 40 people attended the meal. Calkins said he anticipated even more diners by the time the Scouts stopped serving breakfast at 11:30 a.m.

Although the meal was free-of-charge, donations were collected, Calkins said. Any money collected minus expenses would be given to the Elks Lodge veterans assistance fund, he said.

Indeed, camaraderie was as much of a draw as the meal. Veterans sat at tables in groups of two and three apiece, indulging in a little “barracks humor” and comparing stories from their time in the military.

Tim Hernandez, 72, was a technical sergeant in the Air Force. He can tell anyone his length of service to the day: “20 years, five months, 10 days,” he said.

But Hernandez said he loved his job in the military: crew chief, the individual responsible for supervising and performing maintenance on aircraft. “It’s the No. 2 job in the Air Force,” he said, putting “pilot” as the only other job that is more in important in that branch.

Hernandez worked with multiple generations of fighter aircraft at air bases around the world during his career. Once he was asked by a civilian attending an airbase open house why his job mattered.

“I said, ‘See that name on the side of the aircraft,’” Hernandez said. “‘That’s me. That’s my aircraft. I take care of an $80 million piece of equipment — and that can be your job if you want it.’ A general who overheard me talk to that young guy told me later, ‘You ought to be in recruiting.’ I said, ‘Sir, with respect I am where I need to be.’”

Another veteran said there is a bond that servicemen have that is difficult to share with people who were never in the military.

“The breakfast was wonderful, but what was even better was the chance to talk to people who understand what it is like to be in the service,” said Eddy, 63, a veteran of the United States Army who said he didn’t want his last name in print. “If you were drafted or joined on your own, you sacrificed. There’s not a lot of that anymore.”

For their part, Boy Scouts said they were impressed with the veterans and their self-sacrifice.

Kit Metlen, 15, a Life Scout and the troop’s senior patrol leader, said Scouting emphasizes public service and a sense of duty, something he believes Scouts have in common with those who have served in the armed forces.

“In Scouts, you work together, camp together, and serve together,” said Metlen during a break from supervising other Scouts in the troop as they set up for the breakfast. “It’s the basis for a similar experience.”

“Also, I do feel the duty to give back to the veterans,” he added. “And I enjoy working with the younger Scouts.”

Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in United States. (Girls, as well as boys, are welcome to join since 2018 at the Cub Scout level and since 2019 at the Scout level — 11-17 years old.)

Inspired by the Scouting movement launched in the early 20th Century by Lt. Gen. Sir Robert Baden-Powell, a British Army officer and social reformer, the Boy Scouts helps prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.  Traditional Scouting programs emphasize outdoor activities, public service, physical fitness, and developing life skills.

“Scouts opens up a whole array of opportunities that you never will have any other way,” said Michael Runyen, 17, also a Life Scout in the troop. “In the process, you build friendships and learn leadership skills along the way that you never would have learned without Scouting.”

Calkins, the troop’s scoutmaster, said he hoped that everyone attending would learn what he believes is the most important lesson about Veterans Day.

“I want people to know that those old guys walking around with a hat that says ‘Vietnam Veteran’ or ‘Desert Storm Veteran’ are more than just someone who went somewhere,” he said. “They come out of the military with a different outlook on life. They know how to get the job done, they have zero tolerance for stupidity, and they have a camaraderie like nothing else. The military is not for everybody, but it is a good place to grow up.”

Email freelance reporter Paul R. Huard at [email protected].

Below appear portraits of other veterans at the breakfast.