Former Rangers Players Visit, Honor Veterans
ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM)- When Randall Young came back from Vietnam, he felt he and his fellow veterans did not receive recognition for their service and sacrifice.
"We were looked down upon," he recalled.
But, that attitude has changed, and Young said he feels more Americans are respectful toward servicemen and women.
Sunday morning, Young and several other veterans were honored by some special guests.
"It's a dream come true," Young said.
Former Texas Rangers players visited the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Dallas. They signed autographs, handed out Rangers memorabilia and spent time with veterans.
"It's just a matter of saying thank you and appreciate your service," said Jim Sundberg, a Rangers Hall of Famer and President of the Rangers Foundation.
Major League Baseball dedicated Game Four of the World Series to veterans.
"It's really important to give America an understanding of how valuable being a veteran is," said John Campbell, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy
One former Rangers player, Bobby Jones, is also a Vietnam Veteran.
"These guys used to watch us on television when we played," he said. "Maybe we were their heroes at a certain time and we come back and let them know they're our heroes."
Veterans said meeting the former Rangers reminds them that they are not forgotten. Plus, it makes cheering on thee current players even more exciting.
Young said he has been a Rangers fan for years and attended many games at the old stadium. He has watched every play-off game, and looks forward to seeing the Rangers win it all.
"There's no doubt in my mind we're going bring back that World Series pennant," Young said.
