Editor:
In 1967 I was hired by the former Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. plant in Pottstown. There my eyes were opened to World War II and Korean War veterans, men and women who made up more than half of the manufacturing base at that facility. While I loved the stories they would tell, not all would share their wartime exploits. What they did share was knowledge.
Those men and women completed my civics education and political, economic and relationship training. There was no goal that someone couldn’t tell me how to do. Along with teaching me my job, they taught me about buying furniture, appliances, homes or cars; they knew what to look for and how to get the right price. Plastering, woodwork, plumbing, car repairs, they knew how and would gladly share that knowledge.
If you had a problem with relationships, they offered a wealth of knowledge for affairs of the heart and home. No need to see a counselor, talk to one of the vets at work. It was a great experience. Truly the veterans, with whom I shared 13 years at that factory, completed my education.
This Veterans Day, as always, I revere and give thanks for the relationships I had with every one of those veterans with whom I interacted over the years.
World War II and Korean War veterans have a special place in my heart, but today I take the time to thank every veteran who has helped in the fight for freedom.
Robert Kauffman
Exeter Township
Source: Berkshire mont
Be First to Comment