11/11/2009 6:10:00 AM
Veteran urges people to not take freedom for granted
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Then, Ron Brassfield as a U.S. Army infrantryman.
Courtesy Photo |
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Ron Brassfield as an extra in History Channel's "After Armageddon," now.
BBN Photo/Cheryl Hartz |
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By Cheryl Hartz
Special to the BBN
Serving as a U.S. Army infantryman cost Ron Brassfield his freedom of movement, but not his freedom.
"I wish to God that people who haven't had the pleasure of serving our country would realize how important our freedom really is and not take it for granted," the Spring Valley resident said.
As an only child, Brassfield didn't have to join the military, but is proud he did. Although his stepfather was a WWII vet, Brassfield's mother was "worried but proud" when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1979 at age 18, during the Cold War.
"She didn't quite like the idea, but (the Army) taught me how to grow up and be disciplined," Brassfield said. "I was a non-conformist teenager before then."
In 1982, serving in West Germany in a demilitarized zone, and while on recon he took a shot in the leg that gave him the label "disabled vet."
Brassfield served as a driver for a sergeant major for two years, and one time they got inside the 1-K zone (within a kilometer of the East German border). He described the deadly situation in simple terms, "The jeep ahead of us hit a road mine and my sergeant major went to render first aid while I called for airvac. While guiding the chopper in, I got tagged."
Although their second lieutenant was in critical condition, the officer pulled through. Brassfield earned promotion from E-4 to E-5. He also learned something that he can laugh about now.
"I learned if you didn't keep your head down in a 1-K zone, you got it shot off," he said.
He served in the Army for six years - three active and three reserve - before an honorable discharge. A sharpshooter, Brassfield's stack of commendation letters, ribbons, and badges sit as reminders of his time with the Fourth Infantry Division, whose symbol is a four-leaf clover.
He is lucky to be alive, but not long ago when the VA declared him permanently disabled following two major surgeries on his leg, Brassfield had to learn to walk again and wasn't feeling lucky.
Then, he saw an article in the Big Bug News about a film company coming to Mayer in need of extras.
As a four-year resident of the area, he wanted to get more involved, so he headed to Mayer alone when he couldn't get any friends to go with him.
The decision was a good one. His role in "After Armageddon," a docudrama for the History Channel, is an armed guard sitting in the back of a pickup.
"They couldn't have picked a better position for me," he said, wonder in his voice. "I could sit (and rest the leg) and carry an assault weapon, which is second nature to me."
He said he's so proud of his neighbors and everyone involved in the project.
"Everybody paid attention to detail and tried to make it as authentic as possible. They did a doggone good job," Brassfield said. "It's inspiring to be able to participate in my community and an honor for Mayer to be picked for this movie.
"It made me feel self-worth again."
He described a church scene when the "pastor" gave such a powerful sermon, the "congregation" sat stunned for 30 seconds after the director called "cut," then broke into spontaneous applause.
"We believed it was true for a moment before we realized we were just extras," he said with a laugh. "That first-time shot was so intense, it was too good, and the director said we had to do it again."
While he waits and hopes for more acting jobs from Randy Murray Productions, with which he's registered, he will continue to take care of his dog, Spartan, and try to do some volunteer work when his leg allows.
Maybe even get involved in veterans groups?
"All of us, in our hearts, want to do what we can for our country, especially after the Twin Towers. That made people realize we are vulnerable and brought the spirit of America back, especially to the vets," Brassfield said. "It made me realize how proud I am to be alive, and I feel sorrow for the men and women who did give their lives for our country. There's no more ultimate sacrifice than that."
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