Working in the heart of a large metropolitan area, many of the veterans I meet are homeless, unskilled and beset with problems that prevent them from living a normal lifestyle.
They sit at my desk and I see the scars. Some are scarred on the body but the greatest tragedy lies in those who are scarred on the inside, their injuries visible only in their eyes. Haunted by inward terrors, they are unable to maintain relationships, retain a job, or maintain a home. They don’t talk about what haunts them, but for many the unknown is as real today as it was when the trauma occurred. Too often, they submerge their trauma in alcohol or drugs. These are the Veterans who live under the bridges, along the shores of the Missouri River or in whatever shelter they can find. They exist by scavenging, trust no one and finally slip away into oblivion. Many are Vietnam Veterans. Few notice. Few care.
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There are those who do care. Some of them have homes on the internet. Some have pages where the caring is so strong, the concern so compelling that it exudes from their creation. They provide a service to all who cross their threshold just by letting others know of their concern and by helping the traumatized veteran defeat their demons by remembering, confronting, and slowly putting their trauma away piece by piece. Hopefully the Lost Veteran will find the assistance and resources people such as myself can access and find the support he needs. Perhaps through talking he will heal - for therein lies the cure.
It is for those pages which help and for those pages that bestow honor and dignity upon the Veteran that I have created my "Top Gun Award". It represents the best! A Top Gun is not a "hot dog". A Top Gun is a master at his craft who realizes that through self discipline and excellence in performance, he just might survive when others don’t.
If you are selected for the "Top Gun Award", it represents my belief that you excel and that your creation is a valuable resource. It is an important work and I salute you!
From Butte to Iwo Jima
Memoirs of a World War II Veteran.
Poignant, compelling and part of his daughter’s magnificant page.
Explore the complete work!
RHODEB
Excellent Veteran and Employment resources
from a Texas Veterans Representative!
Syop
Magnificant!
One Word Says it All!
The Meadow Years
"Gunny" Fallon's page
The "Dean" of veterans pages! An inspiration for us all!
Gecko Country
A thought provoking site with special honors for veterans.
It has nothing to do with gecko’s but
"You gotta see it to believe it!"
The Veterans Voice of Austin
A strong advocate for veterans' rights.
Masterfully done and well worth bookmarking!
The Blue Knight
An Honorary Veteran
A strong advocate for Veterans' Issues
Pick up a medal and other military and veteran graphics!
Alexandra's Home on the Net
A Marvelous tribute to the POW/MIA's by an 11 year old in Malaysia
with a Special Plea to
"Bring my Grandpa Home!"
12th Tactical Fighter Wing Association
A Place to remember, reflect and heal!
Welcome Home!
Dedicated to all Vietnam Veterans, a "Welcome Home" to those who are still
finding their way home!
LadyJen
She cares enough to establish a POW/MIA Ring!
Stop by and adopt a POW/MIA!
Odie's Veterans Page
A genuine "Welcome Home"
from one who just Returned!
A passionate advocacy for Veterans!
The Last Ronin
An excellent reference and resource center for Veterans!
The POW Forum
An extremely powerful voice for Justice
with many resources concerning the POW/MIA issue!
Close Encounters
Click on the POW graphic to enter a magnificent cry for justice!
A very powerful page!
Hanoi - POW Camps
This man was there!
Anyone who cares needs to visit this page!
B-24 Down!
A Magnificant saga of a families
attempts to find a missing World War II bomber crew
and bring the survivors families together!
The 487th Bombardment Group
A moving history of a heavy bombardment group
during World War II!
Veterans Employment Committee of San Mateo
An outstanding resource for anyone
seeking employment and Links to many
pages of interest to veterans!
CHAMPUS/TRICARE, Now The World Knows!
He's taking on Champus!
Contact him with your experiences!
U. S. Navy Patrol Squadrons
A very comprehensive history!
Prairre Ridge
Good Things are Always Happening Here!
Knights of the Air
They shall not be forgotten!
Marines!
A Marine's Marine page!
Looking Back - Vietnam 1969-71
This man hires vets!
The Canteen
The saga of the North Platte, Nebraska canteen
during World War II!
Veterans for a Change
Don't miss this page by a teacher
who is making a difference!
The Pledge Page
A different copy of the Pledge of Allegiance each week,
written and signed by a famous U.S. citizen!
Dedicated to all members and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces!
Veterans of America Honor Guard
A very impressive page to honor our deceased and living veterans!
Vet to Vet - Brothers and Sisters
A massive resource for veterans!
Laverne's Missing American Hero
A Beautiful Tribute and lots of resources!
Barclay Bingham Young
A beautiful POW/MIA page!
Dedicated to all members and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces!
Colorado's Room
Honor from active duty Air Force!
Stupid Vet Tricks
Don't let the name fool you!
This page is valuable for any vet with a service connected disability!
The Tackett's Homepage
West Point Academy and more!
This page is fun and important!
Welcome to the Mighty Eighth!
A moving tribute to a World War II father!
Andy's Homeport
Important links for any vet!
77th Artillery Association
Bringing them together, Helping with VA claims!
This veterans story is so compelling, I had to give him the award!
Read how he faces severe disability but refuses to quit!
My Adopted Hero!