I can still feel the well-tread Berber carpet digging into my shin as my grandfather spoke softly to my siblings and I one summer morning. I might have been 10, plus or minus two years, completely enraptured by his every word.
Cecil Moon, a New Mexico wheat farmer and cattleman, slowly rubbed his callous-covered hands as he told us about his time serving in WWII. I felt the sway of the boat as he shipped over. I could smell the fields next to where he marched and heard echoes of gunfire in the distance as he poured this tightly bottled experience out into the room.
Later, my mom said it was the only time she ever heard him speak about his time in the service.
AN UGLY BUSINESS
War is an ugly business. As I sat and listened to Howard G. Buffett share his experiences traveling in Ukraine, I couldn’t help but be drawn back to that day in my childhood. Hearing the stories of families separated by war, livelihoods upended and homes destroyed, makes you reflect on the collateral costs that follow.
We are blessed to have men and women willing to serve and protect this nation for our families. We also have people, as you’ll read within the covers of this magazine, willing to use their success at home as a bridge to helping those most susceptible.
Howard G. Buffett works all over the world in some of its most dangerous corners. He also brings a camera along to document the realities of life in the midst of turmoil. He did the same in Ukraine.
Among the photos of mass graves and devastation, it was this picture of the young Ukrainian girl below that stopped me cold. She’s sitting on her suitcase, probably with all of her earthly belongings, as she savors one tiny moment of rest. Her parents were likely rushing to pack and leave as refugees before the invasion got worse. Her life will never be the same.
HUMANITY PAYS THE COST
As Americans, we are free to debate the budgets, the policies, the processes and purpose of our role in this conflict. I can’t, however, ignore the humanity paying the cost.
Our fellow farmers, like my grandfather, fighting for their country, are worth our prayers and our support as an agricultural community.
Hopefully, for sake of those caught in the crossfire, like this young girl, the one-year anniversary will be the last anniversary.
Watch an “AgDay” series on Howard G. Buffett’s work in Ukraine.
Clinton Griffiths is a TV newsman, turned magazine editor, with a passion for good stories. He believes the best life lessons can be found down a dirt road.
