November 10,2007

Today I went to volunteer at the Sisters of Charity, Carmel Mound. I was looking forward to volunteering because I had not volunteered for a couple of weeks. In the activity center Joanne ( worker in this facility) was showing a video of her father in the Korean War, since it was Veternans day this past week. I helpped transfer a couple of sisters to and from thier rooms. The movie was eye-opening. I usually do not have an interest in the events in history, but it was interesting since I had a personal connection to the person being interviewed. Buster Welter, Jo's father was drafted into the Korean War for two years when he was 18 yrs old. He discribed how he was GI ( government property) This meant that he worked for the government, but you were basically just like a tool or weapon because they did care who you were. I found this really disappointing and shocking because it reminds me how some individual's in society do not think those with disabililties have emotions and feelings. Therefore, these individuals do not always recieve the appropriate education, or services necessary. Also, many people may stare at those with disabilites, when really all they want is someone to talk with them. Buster relates being in the army to hunting. He used to always go squirrel hunting because you are out at night looking for the Chinese, and waiting for them to show up, then you fire. The only difference between squirrel hunting and the army is the Chinese fire back. I believe the community that Buster was appart of had to have a really close bond. There had to be a sense of trust, communication, and support. All of the army members needed to support eachother, and motivate one another to keep fighting for thier country even if one individual felt they could not continue. There needed to be strong communication so that all members new their role and responsibilies. This movie was very eye-opening and I thought i was able to relate some of the content to what we are learning in our religion class.