Sallie Dawkins

Every veteran has a story.

A friend of mine joined the military but technically served on active duty for less than fifteen minutes. Along with a busload of other recruits reporting for basic training, my friend stepped onto a platform to meet the drill instructors. A heavy podium toppled over, landing squarely on her toes. Medics quickly transported her to the base hospital, where doctors assessed her injuries as permanent. The military soon discharged her from service because of her injuries. Even though she never received a uniform and didn’t complete basic training, she is just as much a veteran as those who fulfilled their entire enlistment.

My military service took an unexpected turn after a hazing incident culminated in an assault, which exposed an outdated approach to managing such situations. As a result, the military shortened my active duty and transferred me to the inactive reserves to complete my enlistment obligations. Eight years of service, then honorably discharged. Still, I felt uncomfortable when people referred to me as a “Veteran” or expressed gratitude for my service.
Regardless of a serviceman’s experience, be it positive or negative, one hour or thirty years, active duty, national guard, reserves, or inactive reserves; and their discharge honorable, other than honorable, or dishonorable, they are all indeed veterans because of the oath they took to defend the United States of America as they fulfilled their service commitments.

We share a bond as veterans, but we are still individuals, each with our own circumstances and accompanying emotions that continue to impact our lives after military service. I recently compiled a list of common concerns, struggles, and emotions experienced by service members. I added my reason for hope and healing to that list, which is my faith in God. The poem below was co-created with AI which took all that precious data and wove it into something special to share with my fellow veterans to honor them on Veterans Day.



Ode to a Veteran

In the quiet shadows, where sorrow lies,
I whisper soft words beneath heavy skies.
I’m sorry for the wrongs you were made to bear,
For the harm that wove through your days with despair.

In the tapestry woven of duty and strife,
Your worth remains golden, a beacon of life.
Forgive the cruel laughter, the thoughtless disdain,
And the absence of safety in moments of pain.

Brothers in arms, together we stand,
Yet division can creep in like a thief on the sand.
Lay down the grievances, let your heart mend,
For love is a river that flows without end.

Imagine the vision that God holds for you,
A heart full of grace, a spirit so true.
With each sacrifice taken, each battle you’ve fought,
Remember, dear soldier, you are cherished and sought.

Through struggles and hardships, through hunger and need,
Your courage is noble, transcending all creed.
Promotions delayed, integrity upheld,
In the face of the storm, your dignity swelled.

Long hours you’ve given, milestones gone by,
Yet your legacy shines brighter than any goodbye.
Your silent devotion, like seeds, softly sown,
Makes fertile the ground where your wisdom has grown.

For the burdens you carried while standing so tall,
God watched from above and embraced every fall.
His hand is a comfort, His promise the light,
Rest assured that your value shines through the night.

So surrender the burdens, the doubts of your heart,
In the midst of the struggle, you’re destined to start.
God brings forth the beauty from ashes and pain,
In the garden of grace, your joy shall remain.

For years lost to shadows, you now reclaim,
The grace that renews you, as Love calls your name.
Plant seeds in the soil of God’s endless embrace,
Harvest hope and wisdom; let your heart find its place.

Oh, the wounds that you carry, though heavy, are real,
Trust in God’s goodness; His mercy will heal.
Your service has mattered, not once in vain,
For in every challenge, you’ve summoned your reign.

Optimism dances on the edge of the dark,
And your spirit is stronger than any cruel mark.
Seek out the Light where truth, beauty, and love dwell,
Remember, dear soldier, your story, we tell.

So walk forth with courage, with dignity high,
Reflect on the triumphs that lift you to fly.
In the heart of the struggle, your essence found grace,
You are more than a soldier—you’re a light in this space.

Happy Veterans Day.