LJWorld.com

This nation and its citizens just celebrated Veterans Day, which recognizes and honors those currently serving in our country's armed forces as well as those who have served in the past.

The record of these men and women is glorious. Living American veterans have served the United States in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and now in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition to these specific conflicts, Americans in service have lost their lives in many other locations scattered around the world in various actions protecting this nation.

This country owes a great deal to the sacrifices made by those serving in military units as well as members of their families. It's a debt that can never be fully repaid, particularly for those who made the supreme sacrifice.

One such veteran who died in late October should be of particular interest to Kansans and those living in Lawrence.

Gen. Bernard Rogers, former U.S. Army Chief of Staff, Supreme Allied (NATO) Commander and commander-in-chief, U.S. European Command, died Oct. 27 in Falls Church, Va.

Bernie Rogers was a truly distinguished American.

A native of Fairview, Kan., the outstanding high school student-athlete went to Kansas State for one year and then entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

He excelled as a student and athlete at West Point and was captain of the cadet corps. His record following West Point reads like a Hollywood movie script: selection as a Rhodes Scholar, various command positions, distinguished combat service in both Korea and Vietnam and commandant of cadets at West Point.

In an item published by the Association of the United States Army, Gen. Gordon Sullivan said, "Our nation lost a great American soldier, warrior, scholar, statesman and patriot who served his country in uniform with distinction, dedication and honor for 44 years."

During the Vietnam War, Rogers was pulled out of combat and command positions several times to travel to other parts of the world to visit with leaders of allied nations, to bring them up to date on the war and to enlist their support.

In the news release reporting his death, it stated, "For eight years, because of his leadership and statesmanship coupled with his vast knowledge and experiences as a soldier and warrior, NATO became stronger than any time in its history and, as an alliance of strength, victory of the West was assured in the Cold War."

Rogers was a strong and effective advocate for the deployment of missiles in Western Europe as a deterrent and in defense of any Soviet aggressions. President Jimmy Carter was opposed to this strategy, and consequently, Rogers was denied the chairmanship of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Rogers' wife, Ann, is the daughter of the late Lawrence banker Chet Jones, one of the founding officers and owners of Douglas County State Bank. During some of the times Rogers was serving abroad, Mrs. Rogers and her children lived in Lawrence.

Rogers was a winner in almost every endeavor in which he became involved. He strived for excellence. This writer had the good fortune to observe the general when he served as commandant of cadets at West Point and saw the admiration and respect these cadets had for Rogers. Likewise, this writer was with Rogers when he served as NATO commander and witnessed his military skills as well as his diplomatic talents.

In another venue this writer saw Rogers deal in a highly effective manner with leaders of the American media as well as a high-profile news reporter who opposed his strategies in Vietnam.

The Fairview native could be tough as well as a charmer. It is said there were not many of those who knew Rogers who had a neutral feeling about the man. They admired, respected and adored this soldier who took extra care to make sure troops under his command were treated well. However, there were those at West Point and throughout his storied career who either were envious of his success or didn't like his demand for excellence.

This country and its armed services need more men like Bernie Rogers, whether they are a new recruit or a seasoned, high-ranking officer. He was a true patriot in every sense of the word and he represented his country, no matter what his assignment may have been, in an exemplary manner.