As I welcomed our guests to our virtual gathering, I was struck by the incredible work our veteran participants have been doing to support their fellow service members. These heroes have dedicated themselves to addressing some of the most pressing issues facing veterans today: feelings of disconnection from their communities, struggles with suicidal thoughts, and difficulties in accessing their hard-earned governmental benefits.
Our first guests from M.A.S.H. (Military and Service Heroes) were Lonnie (Veteran) and Elaine Duchane, a couple whose love for others shines through their unique mission. Lonnie explained their healing work with llamas: "We're bringing llamas to our veterans... We're trying to help prevent our guys that have suffered so much from thinking their only answer is suicide." Their dedication to spreading love touched my heart.
Lonnie's words resonated deeply: "The only way to get this thing right is to bring love in like Jesus showed us." It's a simple truth, yet so powerful. As they shared their story, I could see the passion in their eyes. Elaine chimed in, "It's so much fun to see people enjoy these animals. Just so many possibilities, so many places we can go to uplift people."
Next, we heard from Brother James R. Shannon, a Vietnam War veteran and community activist. His commitment to helping fellow veterans and addressing gun violence in Chicago was inspiring. James shared, "I've worked with youth nearly 50 years... You would be surprised if you just take the time to engage with them and to really find out what's on their minds."
As we discussed the challenges facing our nation, Peter reminded us of a time when unity prevailed, right after the tragedy hit: "This is the 23rd anniversary of September 11th... I remember here in Little Kentucky, when I walked the streets, even downtown Louisville, people said hello and waved at each other. We actually looked at each other's eyes and that humanity was pretty amazing."
Lonnie echoed this sentiment: "9/11, that brought Americans all together... I just wish it could be the other way that we all come together in peace and stay together in peace. And that's why this movement I think is so important."
Margie, a devout Christian, shared a personal story about her brother, a Vietnam veteran who overcame post-traumatic stress syndrome through faith and community service.
Finally, John Morris (Global Won) shared his experience working with people who choose to see challenges as opportunities. "Where's the opportunity? When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change." This approach offers a fresh way to address the issues facing our veterans and our nation as a whole, encouraging us to seek out the positive possibilities in every situation.
And finally,
As our time together drew to a close, I felt compelled to remind everyone of the foundation upon which our country was built. I read the preamble to the Constitution: "In order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity."
In the face of division, we chose unity. In the presence of despair, we chose hope. And in doing so, we took the first step towards healing our nation's wounds. As I've always believed, "Nothing starts with fruit. It starts with a seed." Tonight, we planted that seed together.
