A home on Park Avenue in Dunkirk proudly displays a sign to honor all veterans who served our country. Despite poor weather on some of the days leading up to Veterans Day, the sign remained standing in the lawn without any issue. Photo by Braden Carmen

Herkimer’s Ray Lenarcic took so much pride last year in making a return to his alma mater. Upon his arrival, he proudly displayed a Fallen Stars Memorial he brought to the State University of New York at Fredonia to share during the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Williams Center.

“One of my best friends died in a Viet Cong prison camp,” said Lenarcic, a 1965 graduate, last year. “He tried to escape, and they caught him, then starved and tortured him. He died on Christmas Eve in 1969. I’ve advocated since then for combat vets and this is part of my dedication to him.”

Lenarcic has been a part of the crusade for decades. Through his past friendships, he understood the pure hell those who served in Vietnam endured.

Making matters worse, another fight began when those veterans returned home some 50 years ago. Most were not welcome since a portion of this country took on an anti-war sentiment that carried over to the soldiers.

Most of those in combat at that time were in the midst of chemical warfare overseas that is impacting so many of these aging veterans today. Those who have yet to be afflicted — but were a part of the controversial U.S. war efforts — are the lucky ones. Others, including names seen on this newspaper’s obituary pages in recent months, not only fought for our nation but battled for their health and care.

John “Jack” Skahill was one of those individuals who served in 1969 and 1970. The former Brocton superintendent could have a fiery disposition, but was a gentle giant. Shortly after retirement, Skahill had an ultrasound done for a condition termed as “fatty liver” in 2011. During the procedure, five lesions were found. After a further diagnosis, including a biopsy at Cleveland Clinic, he was diagnosed with inoperable terminal cholangiocarcinoma.

Within months, Skahill later learned from a friend the cancer may be an indicator that he had been exposed to Agent Orange. The defoliant was used by the U.S. military from 1961 to 1971 as part of its herbicidal warfare program.

His wife, Eileen, called his condition a “time bomb” noting once the illness became evident, a fierce battle for survival would begin. On July 20, 2012, more than 13 months after first being diagnosed with the cancer, Skahill died at 64. It was far too early for a man who was so strong and had accomplished so much through a career based around better educating children.

As documented on these pages, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer has been one of the greatest advocates for this generation of veterans who served in the late 1960s and early 1970s and are battling illnesses that include bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and parkinsonism. “It’s an absolute disgrace to have our government say that you’re not getting the benefits you’re entitled to caused by your brave service overseas,” Schumer said during a stop in Dunkirk.

He’s absolutely correct. While many of those elected in Washington talk about supporting veterans, a lot of it is lip service. Many who served go too long — and become overwhelmed in paperwork — to receive proper care.

On this Veterans Day, it is also worth noting the drive so many have to help their fellow military brothers. One of these individuals is Jack Sievert, Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council commander.

For more than a decade, the Vietnam veteran and his wife, Patricia, were the driving forces behind the city’s Memorial Day parade and services. Sievert also oversees an honor guard, led by its Commander Edziu Kaus, that faithfully takes part in services at funerals for veterans who pass in the north county.

Just as significant is the Chautauqua County Veterans Council. Their outreach efforts take place year round, but are annually visible during the fair in Dunkirk. The numbers they serve are so significant.

“A lot of veterans don’t want to reach out just because they’re introverts in a sense,” said Paul Oyer, a member and past commander of the county council. “Until they see other veterans in a relaxed atmosphere, they don’t feel pressure. They can come up and talk to us. They’re not in a confined area. They’re not in an office.”

Thank goodness for these men and women who continue to serve so many who deal with the setbacks and demons from their years overseas representing our country. Many of those wounds, unfortunately, will not heal. They are the scars that forever remain from a dedication for this nation.

John D’Agostino is the editor of the OBSERVER, The Post-Journal and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-366-3000, ext. 253.