Veterans Day 2023

Pictured here with me is my high school classmate, Tim Lickness, taken last March at an event here in southern California at which he spoke. The event showcased a traveling replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington referred to as “The Wall That Heals” on which are inscribed over 58,000 names of soldiers who gave their lives in fighting in Vietnam. I would like to honor Tim representing all the other Veterans we honor today on Veterans Day.

Tim has horrific stories to tell of the war — experiences he had and things he saw. He credits the Lord with taking away his nightmares, but I can’t imagine a day goes by that he doesn’t think of it. I honor Tim this day especially because unlike many of the recruits that went to Vietnam, it was his choice to go. He enlisted. He went to fight for his country and he came home with no change in his motivation and no regrets. Regardless of whether or not that was an honorable war (if there is such a thing), he did the right thing for the right reason. His return to normal life has not been without struggle and hardship, but he thanks the Lord every day for bringing him through.

So today, here at the Catch, representing all those who have served their country in any capacity, we would like to honor Tim Lickness: infantry platoon leader with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. Thank you, Tim, for your service to your country.