Six veterans who served in three different wars were honored Monday morning at Dallas’ Veterans Resource Center.
The event’s host, U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, knows something of their sacrifice, having served as the chief psychiatric nurse at Dallas’ VA Hospital before entering politics.
“We know the challenges veterans face when they come back,” said Johnson, whose father, grandfather and husband were veterans. “We try to make sure we give that support.”
Fisher, 96, sat waiting and smiling, his black cane resting between his long, lean legs. A recipient of six different medals, he said it was nice to be honored again. An ordained Baptist preacher, he reflected on his service and the shock of Dec. 7, 1941, the day Pearl Harbor was attacked.Those honored Monday were Vietnam War vet Frank DeVault, Korean War vets Frank Zoeller and Buck White, and World War II vets Thomas Benton, Lee Roy Fisher and Anne Prejean.
“It was a Sunday,” he said. “That’s what hit me so hard. That’s what’s disturbing. I prayed for them.”
Johnson works closely with the Homeless Veterans Services of Dallas and the Veterans Resource Center.
“No veteran should be homeless,” Johnson said. “But since there are [some who are], I’m glad there’s a place for them to be.”
That sentiment was echoed by Fisher, who said he still tries to stand for justice and what’s right.
“Treat people as human beings,” he said. “We owe that.”
Source: Dallas Morning News
