Emma Harter and Rory Carrara
The American Legion Auxiliary’s
(ALA) mission is to foster a world that supports the lives of United States’
veterans. During the first day of ALA Girls State, a panel of ALA members gave
delegates the opportunity to ask questions. One of the most memorable questions
asked was, “What is the most rewarding part about being an ALA member?” Debi
Graziano had an immediate answer.
According
to Debi’s experience, the ability to be someone who veterans can open up to is
the most rewarding part of being an ALA member. Hearing veterans stories has
contributed to some of the most profoundly touching moments of her life. In
response to the question, “Why do you think so many veterans carry anger with
them?” Graziano somberly stated,
“They took care of
us, but we didn’t take care of them.”
Graziano’s
personal experience as the daughter of a Korean and Vietnam War veteran has
lead her to understand that this anger is a reaction to the disrespect and lack
of acknowledgment for veterans. The sacrifices made by those in the military
are often overlooked, which undermines the livelihoods of soldiers post
active-duty. Next, we asked Graziano how she feels after hearing stories the
veterans tell her.
“Short term: hold
back tears, long-term: (she pauses to consider) happy that I was able to be
there, listen, and give them some support.”
We could tell how Debi Graziano felt grateful that she was
able to help veterans through her work with the ALA. She now visits her local
nursing home to chat with the veterans once a week and has monthly visits to
the Bennington Center for Outpatients. It is clear that the ALA is a valuable
resource to veterans and their families.
Listening to the accounts of those
in the military is surely difficult, but Debi Graziano has shone a light onto
the benefits of simply letting veterans open up. The most impactful message
that we took away from this interview, and hope you did too, is the benefit of
respecting people involved or formerly involved in the military.
In the words of Debi Graziano, “let
them tell their story.”
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