Commentary: Heroes are everywhere Published Nov. 10, 2015 By Col. George Farfour Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- As we approach Veterans Day, I am reminded that those of us wearing the uniform have a special bond with those who have worn the uniform -- our veterans. We share an identity that transcends any differences we may have. We unite in a duty to serve and sacrifice for our great nation, to ensure liberty and freedom continues to have a solid foundation in America as the beacon of hope for the world. I recall an experience with a veteran that reminds me of our obligation to our veterans. While at the base clothing store, I noticed an older gentleman struggling to pick out some merchandise. I asked if I could help him find something. I was relieved when he turned and pleasantly said, "Yes, I can't seem to find the American Defense Service Medal ribbon." I noticed a sheet of paper organized in lists in one hand and ribbons in the other. He was reconstructing his old ribbons and medals for display or wear. We worked through the list together, talking as we went. He told me how he was finally going to get all of his medals together and put them in a shadow box on the wall for his grandchildren. The list outlined awards and decorations from World War II and Korea. He acted glad that I'd helped, and was even more appreciative when I asked the clerk to run a copy of the "order of precedence" ribbon chart for him to take home. As he walked to the counter to pay for his ribbons and badges, I told him I was honored to help him. As I walked toward my car, my thoughts turned to the hundreds of injured soldiers he must have helped, the faces he must have looked into and reassured as bombs fell around them and bullets whizzed by, the helplessness he must have felt as he watched someone's son, husband, father and brother die in his arms. The thoughts of great battles and the fear of death he faced each day swirled in my head. Each time his country called, he was there, ready to do what had to be done. I owe him -- we all owe him, and all those like him -- for what we have today. This world is not perfect, but it is closer due to their sacrifice. From the beaches of Normandy to the hills of Korea, he served his country with pride and, from the number of awards, with great distinction. There are many veterans out there with a similar story. Whether it is the jungles of New Guinea, the deserts of Africa, Kuwait or Iraq that their stories highlight, the frigid cold of a Korea or an Afghanistan winter or the rainy season in the Mekong Delta, they all have done this country a great service. When we think of war, we tend to think most often of the dead, but Veterans Day is a day to also remember all those who served their country. Gen. George S. Patton said it best in a post-World War II speech: "Everyone always talks about the heroic dead, well damn it, there's a lot of heroic alive ones out there, too!" We see those "heroic alive ones" every day. Perhaps it's a Veterans of Foreign Wars cap, a sticker on a car, a pin on a suit, a Purple Heart license plate, an American Legion shirt, or maybe it's your dad, grandpa, brother, sister, uncle or just a close friend. If you see one of these "heroic alive ones," go over and shake their hand just to say, "Thank you." It's a small gesture, but a meaningful one. Their greatest pleasure is the freedom we still have, due in large part to their sacrifice and example. I met a hero. And though I haven't been asked to do what he did, I'm ready when my country needs me. Meeting him, seeing his example and accomplishments, strengthened my resolve and boosted my pride. Some people say there are no heroes left and our kids can't look up to anyone. Well, I say they're blind. Heroes are everywhere ... you just have to look. I met one in clothing sales.