Perseverance
Perseverance is steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose to overcome in spite of obstacles, difficulties, or discouragement. There are many different types, and it does not just come with an illness or handicap. Perseverance is about being willing to take on the tough assignments and hard tasks and complete them. Perseverance is more prevailing than any violence, and many things which cannot be overcome when they are together yield themselves up when taken little by little.
Types of Perseverance
I have said it before and I will always say it: the Army is the biggest violator of equal opportunity. They set different standards for men and women. They set different standards for age. The army should have one standard and one requirement no matter age or gender. I believe one of the greatest acts of perseverance ever made in this country (and this man will always be one of the best American leaders) was done by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He did not just overcome racism, bigotry, or violence. He persevered and lead many Americans to gain equal rights. If you ever want to know what true perseverance is, study what Dr. King went through! Here is another example, and it’s from bald eagles, not even from humans. They have become our nation’s symbol. There were decades where the bald eagles almost went extinct. In 1967, there were only about 400 in existence. Today it is a known fact that there are over 760. This is a true testament of perseverance and the ability of a bird to adapt to a more urban environment.
Don’t Always Think It’s Related to the Negative
When you speak of perseverance, people always seem to want to relate it to an illness, injury, death, or handicap, and actually, this is not always the case. One example is how two women just made it through Ranger School. I am a Ranger and an EOD, and I am damn proud they did because you don’t have to be born with male anatomy to fight for freedom. I can name a few females I have served with that were by far more disciplined and mentally and physically tough than some of the “Rangers” I have been in battle with. You are, however, sometimes put in a crossroads of “no way to win.” For example, the Army and even the military in general in their age and gender requirements.
Another good example is that of Navy diver Carl Brashear who is maybe one of the most famous military members. Carl Brashear not only overcame the hatred following his participation in Navy Dive School, he also overcame the loss of a limb and became the Navy’s first African American master diver.
Witness True Perseverance
I invite you to come visit a military wounded warrior facility. The wounds of a wounded warrior are deep: loss of limbs, blindness, etc. The people who truly persevere are not just the wounded warriors. It is also their chain of command. In my honest and true opinion, the ones who overcome the most persevere the most. The true heroes are the medical staff, the doctors, the nurses, the physical therapist, and the caretakers. These are the ones who must persevere daily. They see the wounded or injured every day, and they are there when the wounded or ill take their last breath. They must move on and help others. This is not just dedication, this is the true heart-felt show of perseverance!
To the medical staff of all VA hospitals and Wounded Warrior Facilities, you are the meaning of perseverance and you are our heroes! We all thank you.
