National Cemetery – Presidio of San Francisco, California
I served at the Presidio from 1981-1984 as a Regular Army Captain, Judge Advocate Generals Corps
On this Veterans Day, 2013, I am reminded of all those with whom I served as a soldier, a Judge Advocate, a military judge; in uniform, in service to our country. Some are no longer with us.
I officially retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, Army of the United States, this October, 2013.
My retirement is bittersweet as I take a few minutes to reflect that “We Were Soldiers Once . . . And Young”. The title of a New York Times best seller written by Bardstown, Kentucky native Lt. Gen. Harold (Hal) G. Moore with war journalist Joseph Galloway. This book detailed the first large unit battle in the Vietnam War.
For all those soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines; active duty, reserves and the Guard; alive today and those who have paid the last full measure, I salute you this day.
To my father, Theodore “Ted” Stevens, a disabled combat Army veteran of World War II and the Battle of the Bulge, and my brother, Theodore R. (TR) Stevens, II, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War who sustained disabling conditions from his service, both of whom are in God’s hands now, watching over me and my family. Both are sorely missed, and even though I am their age when they departed, I will always be dad’s baby boy and Teddy’s little brother. All three of us were soldiers once. . . and young.
“Some Gave All”
by Billy Ray Cyrus
I knew a man called him Sandy Cane, few folks even knew his name
But a hero yes was he
He left a boy came back a man still many just don’t understand
About the reasons we are free
I can’t forget the look in his eyes or the tears he cried
As he said these words to me
All gave some some gave all
Some stood through for the red white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me think of all your liberties
And recall some gave all
Now Sandy Cane is no longer here but his words are oh so clear
As they echo throughout our land
For all his friends who gave us all who stood the ground and took the fall
To help their fellow man
Love your country live with pride and don’t forget those who died
America can’t you see
All gave some some gave all
Some stood through for the red white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me think of all your liberties
And recall some gave all
If you ever think of me think of all your liberties
And recall yes recall some gave all some gave all
