The military a big part of Jackie Harden's life

Brothers John and Robert Hennessy (left) began a cycle of military service that has been passed down to local resident Jackie Harden (middle) and Harden's daughter (right) who is currently doing her part to ensure the country's safety. Local resident Jackie Harden believes she made the right decision.

After all, her father and uncle did it years before, putting life and limb on the line to ensure the safety of the ones they love.

"My uncle and father took part in World War II," Harden said. "So the military already was a big part of who I am."

Harden's father, John Hennessy, and her uncle Robert were both in the European theatre during the war. Both would return victorious, but not without lasting memories.

"In fact, (Robert Hennessy) was shot down over Germany and was taken as a prisoner of war by their soldiers," Harden said. "It was actually a blessing in disguise that German soldiers took him, because if the civilians would've got him he would have been killed."

More than 20 years later, Harden was facing a dilemma of her own.

She did not agree with what was going on in the world, but her veins bled red, white and blue — in addition to her family's longstanding dedication and service to the country.

So the Chicago native put aside her pride and put her nation first just as her father and uncle had also done.

Harden spent a portion of her brief time in the military in Vietnam. Though not thrust into the front lines, her duty as a field medic opened the young servicewoman's eyes to much of what was going on both at home and abroad.

"Many nurses who were stationed over there were not necessarily for the war, though they did all they could to support those out there," Harden said. "In my opinion, that was fine because a lot of people on the home front were thinking the same thing."

The Vietnam era was a volatile period in America, with demonstrations and protests taking place on college campuses and communities from coast to coast.

In comparison, the country rallied behind its troops in World War II, donating time and resources in hope they would come home victorious.

"My mother was a patriot, so she had a big part in me joining the military," Harden said. "But Vietnam was a different time for America. We were told not to wear uniforms in public because we could get hurt."

As wars in Afghanistan and Iraq dominate headlines, Harden sees the conflicts beginning to take their place beside Vietnam in the annals of American history.

"It's not as bad, but I believe that it's starting to become another Vietnam, where we're getting into an endless cycle," Harden said. "But just like Vietnam, we may not agree with the war, but we're going to support our boys and girls."

Among those Harden supports is her daughter, whose time in the service has taken her to Egypt and other foreign locales.

"The way I feel to have a child in the service must be the way my parents felt when I joined," Harden said. "Without a doubt, being in the military is a valuable experience.

"Anyone that goes in will be better for it... I just wish I could go back in life to do it again."