Larry Hanks served in the Vietnam War as a Combat Engineer for the United States Army from 1968 until September 1969. As he reflects on what makes him proud and grateful for having served, Douglas MacArthur’s West Point farewell address comes to mind: “Duty, honor, country.” Because as Larry says, “Soldiers serve for the love of family and country.”
What was the most rewarding aspect of serving your country?
I understand how wonderful this country is and that freedom is not free.
What were some of the most meaningful lessons you learned while serving?
I think the greatest lesson I learned over there [in Vietnam] was that for people to really understand what freedom is and what it means, they have to experience it.
I learned a lot of leadership skills, too, because I was responsible for many people.
And when somebody was hurt or what have you, I had to go through their belongings. They weren't just guys in the battalion, in the unit. These were people who had a real life outside the military.
How do you believe we can all better serve our country, even if we're not in the military per se?
I think back home really should be grateful to the soldiers in the military. They're really what holds our life together. But the politicians and other leaders need to make sure that their ladders are on the right wall.
What does being an American mean to you?
It means everything.
When we returned from Vietnam and landed at McChord Air Force Base in Washington, as we got off the airplane, a large number of the soldiers on that plane knelt and kissed the ground because they loved the country.
What are you most grateful for?
Obviously I'm most grateful for my wife, children, and grandchildren; my sons-in-law and daughters-in-law. Second, would be my siblings and my parents. I'm grateful for the example they set for me. I'm grateful for the good people that taught me, either formally in school or as mentors—those intangible things giving me a wonderful life.
When we returned from Vietnam and landed at McChord Air Force Base in Washington, as we got off the airplane, a large number of the soldiers on that plane knelt and kissed the ground because they loved the country.