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![Merit Badge in Honoring All Who Served
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Congratulations! Third Prize Winner, Honoring our Veterans, May 2019.](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/badges/group-Honoring_All_Who_Served-433283_1.gif) Outside the VA Clinic Mostly men in somber colors cluster along the covered walkway, sitting or standing near the white metal benches that line one side of the cement VA Building. The absence of cigarette smoke drifting from the green "smoking area" allows the scent of roses that grow groomed on the other side to dominate the Spring air. There is a cacophony of laughter, a cough and bass and tenor voices that drawl in conversation. A jacketed, sad-eyed PTSD Dog hugs the leg of his young master whose hand absently strokes a silky ear. Bob sits a little taller in his chair, sporting his Korean War cap, as I wheel him to the entry door and a Viet Nam vet, opens it for us. The savory, sweet taste of camaraderie is extended to each newcomer in a nod, a hand, or a word. Brothers born of war. ~~Judi Van Gorder Notes: ▼ |
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3rd Place: May 2019 
