Within today's Gospel is the story of the Good Samaritan ( LK 10:30-37 ). Since I was a kid I have always wondered one thing about this story - who was the guy on the ground?  My first inclination was that the first two guys who walked by must have thought he was dead. As I got older my thoughts got a little more nuanced: maybe he was recognizable as a criminal, or he wasn't Jewish, or he was a leper. There had to be some reason why two otherwise upstanding citizens would pass him by but a "foreigner" thought enough to stop and help him. Now  I think I know what it is. The Samaritan had also once been beaten and had "foreigners" come to his aid . He was filled with compassion for his fellow man because he had once been in his place and relied on others to pull him through. We veterans have the Good Samaritan embedded in our nature.  We serve with people of all backgrounds, races, and socioeconomic status. If you have worn the uniform you are part of the ve

One of the things I find irritating is "fake help". Every day you hear stories about supposed charities that are nothing more than a way for the organizers to skim the donations of those who are committed to the cause.  To me, there is nothing more vile than someone who enriches themselves in such a way. The truth, however, is that some of this fake help is much more nuanced than the public understands. For example, I get a weekly envelop from a certain veteran's charity that solicit funds and offers "gifts" in return for my donations. Well, if I was sincere about the cause why would I expect a gift?  If I took the gift did I give the money for the gift or because I wanted to support the cause? It's a tricky situation at times.  Frankly, I have stopped giving any money to those who offer gifts. It seems insincere to me. Now consider Jesus' thoughts on the subject, which is contained in today's (10/1) Gospel reading from St. Luke. When his discipl