Appreciated column on vets

A couple of weeks ago, The Spokesman-Review printed a fascinating article by Rachel Toor, professor of creative writing at Eastern Washington University, called “Teaching Vets; Learning Even More.” The timing was interesting as our grandson, who did two tours in the Marines in Afghanistan, was recently named in the paper being on the Honor Roll at another college. He didn’t even know it until his grandfather called him. He was thrilled and is eager to graduate soon, the first one on his father’s side to graduate from college. It hasn’t been easy.

I appreciated Toor’s candor in admitting she learned from the vets in her creative writing classes. It’s difficult to translate into civilian jargon what those having served in various capacities in the military have experienced and endured.

This weekend I watched former President George W. Bush being interviewed about his recent book “Portraits in Courage.” It is the story of his painting the portraits of returning veterans, many injured in the service of their country. They are the 1 percent who answered their country’s call. They are the ones who have earned a Ph.D. in life before entering a classroom - majoring in duty, honor and country.

Donna Kuhn

Spokane