Sgt. Lucas Hamlin told Saturday morning’s gathering that he joined the military at age 17 with one goal in mind, “to complete college.”
“I didn’t grow up with money, I earned what I had at that time, and I knew how to put in the work to be successful,” the Marmaton Valley High School graduate said.
That work ethic has been a good fit for the military.
“I never went to college,” he said, but noted he has learned untold lessons in service to his country.
Hamlin, who serves with 891st Battalion Army National Guard as a medical readiness NCO, was keynote speaker for the Veterans Day ceremony on the Iola square, hosted by the local Veterans Day Committee.
Hamlin pulled back the curtain on life in the military.
“The days are longer than you’re used to. When deployed, you spend anywhere from just months to even years at a time away from your family and friends, missing birthdays, anniversaries, kids being born, first steps taken, first words being said, growing so fast you hardly recognize them and vice versa.
“You never drink from a faucet, water is so scarce; you ration your food, and wear all of the gear that combat zones require. You take cover from indirect fire, bracing for the impact and digging in to hold your positions on the battlefield.”
Hamlin served as a track vehicle mechanic when deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2019; was stationed in Kuwait as part of the 16th Engineer Brigade support team, and most recently served as a military police officer at Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba.
Hamlin balances out the hardships with the rewards. 
“You get to travel the world, observing all the different ways life can be lived,” including different languages, religions, foods, customs and courtesies.
“You get to create bonds with people as you go through struggles together. Bonds that no conflict can break.”
Hamlin asked those gathered to consider the sacrifices made in service to their country.
“Some never came back. Others came back changed mentally, physically, or both.”
Hamlin also asked that we take time to listen to their stories.
For some, joining the military was the only way out of a bad childhood or home life. For others, it was the only way they could pay for school or escape poverty.
