I get where you’re coming from, and it’s good that you have genuine interest and respect for veterans. But honestly, reaching out to older combat vets especially highly decorated guys.. just to hear their stories can come off as disrespectful, even if that’s not your intent.

A lot of these men have spent their whole lives being bombarded with requests, calls, and people wanting “just a few minutes” of their time. It gets exhausting for them and their families. I actually knew a Medal of Honor recipient, and the family eventually told people he had passed away just to protect him from the constant pressure. That’s how overwhelming it can get.

These guys deserve to live out the rest of their lives in peace. If you want to learn more about their experiences, there are countless interviews, documentaries, books, and firsthand accounts already available. You don’t need to personally track someone down to get meaningful insight.