Published: September 07, 2008 11:52 pm            

Troops honored to serve America

Program recognizes military, vets, law enforcement

GREENTOWN — It was a surreal experience for Silas Stiner to be standing next to some of his former teachers, family friends and a large group of veterans representing World War II, Korea and Vietnam. It was strange for the 21-year-old to be put in the same category and held in the same esteem as the men and women he’d always looked up to.

On either side of him, veterans, law enforcement and newer military recruits were singing “God Bless America” as part of Greentown’s community program, Patriot Day Celebration 2008, remembering the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Sunday’s event was sponsored by American Legion Post 317 and WWKI.

The audience in the Eastern Performing Arts Center wasn’t only recalling the events, but the young men and women who’ve taken part in the Global War on Terror since — and the soldiers who’ve fought in years past.

Stiner was in eighth grade when the Sept. 11 attacks occurred.

“That had a huge impact on me joining,” he said. “I knew something had to be done and I didn’t know any other way to do it, except to join the military.”

Stiner enlisted in the Army National Guard in 2006 and became a specialist working in convoy security. After five months in northern Iraq, he recently returned to the states due to a lower back injury sustained during a convoy incident.

“I don’t like being here and not knowing what’s going on over there,” he admitted.

Stiner, however, welcomed the idea of seeing his family and friends again.

“I love seeing grass and trees. [Over there] it’s nothing. It’s dirt forever. I love being in Greentown, seeing the one stoplight we have,” he said.

The reception he’s received has overwhelmed him. During the program, many people referred to him and his fellow servicemen as heroes.

“I don’t think of myself like that,” he said. “It’s a job. This is what I do. To see people look up to you, it’s weird, shocking. To go from being a student — to some of your teachers thinking you’re a hero ... It’s overwhelming. I don’t think I’ll get used to it.”

People like Denise Young want to make sure Stiner’s “job” and the military careers of other servicemen overseas aren’t overlooked or forgotten. The president of the local chapter of Blue Star Mothers, Young reminded local residents to thank anyone they see who has a blue star in their window.

The blue star symbolizes a child, spouse or loved one serving overseas. “They’re doing what we taught them to do, fight for what they believe in,” she said.

Young’s son, Army Spec. Richard Young, plans to be overseas next year. While she recognizes the need for military presence overseas, his decision can be difficult for her and her husband.

“It’s kind of a double-edged sword. We’re as proud as we can be of him. At the same time, we’re terrified,” Young admitted.

That fear isn’t really shared by Lance Cpl. Tim McCoy, 19, and his older brother, Army Private Jason McCoy, 22.

“I signed up to protect this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” Tim McCoy said. “I didn’t sign up not to go.”

Despite his experiences, Stiner said he’d gladly return.

“I would have loved to go back,” he said. “We were showing a presence there. [We were showing them,] ‘we’re not here to take away your country, we’re here to get you back on your feet,’” he said, adding, “There were more and more convoys run by Iraqis and less and less by us.”

        

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