Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The building being discussed wasn't that of homes, but of character and souls.
The values being discussed were not of land and structures, but of honesty, fidelity and courage.
The Builders Association of Kosciusko and Fulton Counties was addressed by John Steer, a decorated war hero who served in Vietnam in 1967, and who is now an ordained minister and national chaplain for three national veterans' organizations, as well as founder and past national director of Living Word Christian Ministries.
"I'm here tonight because of my brothers - and by the grace of God," Steer said. "God has ordained the ministry of our military and of our police."
Steer told of how he survived the battle for Hill 875 in November 1967, when he lost his right arm and his right leg was severely wounded, by hiding under the bodies of his fallen comrades.
And he told of how he was shunned by his fellow countrymen when he returned home.
"When I came home, the pastor of my church told me I was welcome to come to services, but for me not to wear my uniform," Steer said. "I was told by more than a few people, 'Why don't you just forget about Vietnam and get on with your life.'
"That's not as easy as it sounds," he added. "I was just filled with hate - filled with hate. I think I was out there too long."
Steer had to spend two years in Veterans Administration hospitals recovering from his wounds. That was followed for the next five years by experiencing re-adjustment problems common to many other Vietnam veterans - alcohol and drug abuse, nightmares, fears and anxieties, guilt and anger.
"I'm sorry some people can't understand. I'm sorry for those that didn't come back," he said. "And I'm sorry that I haven't always felt or acted as good as I should have."
His life of desperation changed in 1980, Steer said. It was then he became a born-again Christian. It was then he accepted what he said was God's calling - to minister to his veteran brothers and help them regain the self-respect and pride they lost.
"I show them they should be proud for doing their duty," he said. "I'm proud of my service. Wherever I put my foot now, I feel good about it. Because I paid for it - and so have they."
