From L to R: Mike Seibel, Harold Whitson, Troy Johanson, Jon Burkhart, and Derrick Childs.
When you head to the VFW hall in Devils Lake, you can expect to have a nice drink, play some darts, and meet some veterans. We got to sit down and talk with some of the vets who regularly patronize the VFW. We talked to Mike Seibel, 69, who served in the Navy, Army (E-7 sergeant first class), and National Guard. Harold Whitson, 69, served in the Army (E-8 master sergeant). Jon Burkhart, 62, served in the Army National Guard (Sergeant first class). Derrick Childs, 51, served in the Army National Guard (First Sergeant). And Troy Johanson, 53, who served in the Army National Guard (Sergeant first class).
There are many reasons why people serve. A big one is that there is usually a family member, father, uncle, or grandpa who served. Seibel, Burkhart, and Johanson followed in a family member’s footsteps. Whitson and Childs had two unique beginnings. For Whitson, it was a “fast way out of [Rockford, IL].” For Childs, he wanted to cut class. “A recruiter came when history class was going on and I could get out of history by talking to the recruiter,” he said.
Serving your country leaves many experiences like no other and each man had a little something different to say. Seibel said he got to go to “15 different countries.” His top 3 were Australia (“we were treated like family”), Germany, and the Philippines. For Childs, it was “The people and the places.” He elaborated “The people you met you remember forever and the places you get to go. I got to see the pyramids of Egypt and the fortresses of eastern Europe that were pretty cool.” For Burkhart, he will remember all the “friendships made from all walks of life.” Johanson said, “We went from extravagant places to mudholes to tents… you’ll never forget the people you met.” Whitson had a very pragmatic response. “You remember the worst in humanity and I can remember the best in humanity. We go out to help out and you can see the inhumanity to humanity.”
The treatment of veterans was a topic that came up and is something that they all felt strongly about. Seibel said, “We’re treated way better now.” Whitson thinks the younger generation isn’t too fond of veterans. “I believe the younger generation perceive veterans as a threat. I think the veterans are perceived as nationalists and we do have an intense love of our country. I don’t have a problem being labeled as a nationalist. The younger generation does not see nationalists as a positive thing.” Childs thinks Devils Lake respects its veterans. “In this area, they’re treated really, really well. When you get into the bigger cities, [the younger generation] is brainwashed to a certain viewpoint.” Johanson said that if you’re in uniform people will say thank you for your service. “Overall I think we’re treated pretty well with respect. especially when you’re in uniform. “
If you’re ever at the VFW hall on an evening make sure to thank the vets we’ve talked to and all others for their service.
