PrintJuly 30, 2008
While in Landstuhl the Wounded Still Lay... (a poem)
As a vet I know how these visits go;
They are contrived for the politicians,
Who posture, pose for network shows,
In controlled choreographed conditions.
Obama wants troops in his video loops,
To serve as his backdrop to glory;
But if the Army says no to a video show,
Then our wounded are no longer a story.
Once having been there I can certainly share
The excitement and anticipation;
Awaking to hear someone famous is near,
Come to pay the respects of the nation.
But then comes the word, infrequently heard,
The celebrity won't visit today;
Too bad for the troops, he's gone shooting hoops,
While in Landstuhl the wounded still lay.
Russ Vaughn
Vietnam 65-66
