November 26, 1994, I attended an IHS Health Conference held at Albuquerque Convention Center. The next day was a Sunday and I was walking the streets there that evening. It was quiet, dark and empty. I noticed there were a few people on the streets they call street people. To me, theyre still people. I remember a gentleman approaching me. He wore a black hat, and I knew he was Native as he approached me. He reminded me of my Iron Maker uncles. He had that Indian Horseman look. We shook hands left handed because he had only that arm. As we were visiting, I thought of my my mothers wise words, Dont ever think youre better than anybody, Ching, because youre not. Youve never walked in their shoes. I asked where he was from and told me he was from one of the Pueblos. Then all of a sudden he started saying, Its not fair. Its not fair, the way the Army treated me. I lost my arm over in Vietnam, and they gave me a dishonorable discharge. Its not fair. Its not fair. As I listened, I knew he was frustrated. I told him, Come to the conference and Ill introduce you to some people I know. He showed up the next evening, a little hung over, but most important, he showed up. I introduced him to people I knew who were sincere and were waiting for him to show. They treated him with dignity and respect. He was quiet as people were visiting with him and acknowledging his service. Someone told me I shouldnt be walking the streets at night, its dangerous. Thats why theres bars on the windows. It doesnt bother me, because I get to see real people who are down and out. For the life of me, Ive misplaced his address. I always think of him and other Veterans who are homeless, living on the streets, suffering from PTSD. Thanks Senator Bernie Sanders for your support.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 21:12:28 +0000
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