Last week my wife and I had the absolute honor to meet and get to know a group of Special Forces combat veterans visiting Sanders County. The Clark Fork Valley Elks lodge hosted a dinner for Operation Healing Forces (OHF) and that’s where I got to meet these amazing people. I’d like to talk a little about this extraordinary organization and the people they sponsor.

First, OHF’s Mission Statement: The mission of Operation Healing Forces is to serve our active-duty and recent veteran-wounded, ill, and injured Special Operations Forces and their families by starting or continuing the process of mentally, physically and emotionally healing in preparation to return to the fight or transition successfully to civilian life (learn more about the organization at http://www.OperationHealingForces.org).

The first person I met that night was Chris Stowe, one of the project managers and a retired Marines Corps bomb technician. He explained to me the goal of the organization and shared the fact that each operator’s wife was also in attendance. While I don’t recall Chris stating so outright, I got the distinct impression that the attendance of each spouse was an integral part of OHF’s healing process and goal. Chris then introduced my wife and I to the four couples on this visit. To say I was immediately impressed by these individuals would be an enormous understatement! I didn’t ask for, or receive, permission to share personal stories, so I can only describe all of this in general terms.

I’ve had the honor over the years of meeting and chatting with hundreds of American service members and I am always impressed by their courtesy and humility. To the person, the service members I’ve met always downplay their individual sacrifice and I find that amazing. The couples I met this last week were no exception. The four soldiers I spoke with had incredible experiences to share, yet remained entirely humble, as I’ve come to expect. However, I was struck in this instance by the humility of the wives as well. We chatted with each, and I got to hear their stories. I don’t think a military spouse’s sacrifices get enough mention and I learned more about that last week. I learned about the struggles the wives face when their husbands are deployed. Not only are these women left to handle all of the domestic family chores (including regular jobs) themselves, they have the added burden of knowing that their husbands are intentionally placing themselves in harms way. Incredible stress and, in my opinion, under appreciated! Most of us are, appropriately, quick to thank a military member for his/her service. From now on I’ll be throwing in “Please thank your family as well!” A small thing, but I think important.

OHF had a week full of activities for the couples visiting our county. The group was able to ride the Hiawatha Trail and had a wonderful time. The next day, the Cabinet Ridge Riders put together a ride up Marten Creek to the warming hut, then went all out by having a BBQ and beverages prepared when the group arrived. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed meeting and talking with these amazing couples. Chris shared with me that Operation Healing Forces wants to bring more people to visit our area. I think that says a great deal about our county and the people who live here! He’ll be looking for help with the next visit. Expect to hear more when the planning begins.

It’s important for me to acknowledge everyone I’m aware of who made this visit possible. First, Randy, Julie and Haven McMillian from The Lodge at Trout Creek. Their generosity helped with lodging and planning of all the activities. Next, the Cabinet Ridge Riders. Several members were on hand to help out, but special thanks to Jim and Howard Morkert for putting that together. Finally, the Clark Fork Valley Elks. Again, too many volunteers to mention, but special thanks to Exalted Ruler Charlie Mundy and Past Exalted Ruler Don Manning for planning the dinner. Also, Mark Oquist and Sarah Ball for the incredible service. I know I’m forgetting to mention many people who helped over the days, and I apologize for that.

This coming weekend is going to be a tough one! On Saturday, we will be commemorating 20 years since the terrorist attack in 2001. This event comes after nearly 20 years of fighting and sacrifice, yet less than two weeks after America abandoned Afghanistan and our allies, effectively handing the country back to the Taliban. Each of the soldiers I met last week fought in Afghanistan, sacrificing a great deal and, no doubt, losing friends. Interestingly (and I believe thankfully), not one of them brought up the evacuation. Not one of them discussed their feelings about all that was happening. There was never a discussion about current events. There was no bitterness on their part, which I found interesting and educational. For them, it was all about service. Nothing more. I think there’s a great deal for all of us to learn from these people. I’m pretty bitter about the whole Afghanistan situation, but the guys who actually fought there never complained. They set the bar pretty high for guys like me. At least for this weekend, I’ll try to emulate these heroes.

Blaine Blackstone is a retired Los Angeles Police Sergeant who enjoys the simpler life in Thompson Falls.