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My uncle, Billy Judene Purser, turned 77 on Monday, November 17th. He is a 30-plus-year war veteran, and he was drafted into Vietnam. He went willingly, however, because of a deep conviction and desire to serve our country to his full potential. He is one of only two men in his entire platoon to survive, and he is highly decorated. He has multiple purple hearts and awards. Shrapnel still remains in his body from that deployment.
Upon his return home, he continued his life of servitude. As a matter of fact, when his country called in the 90s during Desert Storm, he was facing another deployment and was only stopped by a medical emergency right before being shipped out. After finally returning to civilian life, he became dedicated to his community – Magee, Mississippi. For years, he tended the city cemetery in Magee for free. It was no strange sight to see my uncle’s truck parked at the cemetery while he cleaned headstones or tidied up. He did it all – from picking up trash and straightening flower arrangements to cleaning off dirty headstones. He would often place additional dirt on graves that were sinking and in need of repair, always turning down money when families offered to pay him. He saw it as a service and ministry. He wanted Magee to be a beautiful place because he was proud to live here.
His family remembers his dedication to his church, where he’s been a member most of his life. He was often the first person there on Sunday mornings, walking the perimeter to make sure it was secure and everything was in working order. He’d start a pot of coffee and wait on his church family at Beulah Baptist Church to show up while he worked on his Sunday school lesson. He had been teaching a class for five years. His dedication to his family was unmatched. He loves his children, Tina and Billy Jr, endlessly and is incredibly proud of his grandchildren, Chris and Sara, and their accomplishments.
Imagine their heartbreak when Billy underwent surgery shortly after July 4th. He hasn’t walked since that day. Previously, one of the most hardworking and dedicated men in our community, family, and lives has had to fight for proper care since that day. His sister and children are exhausted. While eternally grateful to Hilcrest of Magee for stepping up to help him when help seemed unattainable, one has to wonder why it took so long for the most decorated war veteran any of us have likely ever met to receive adequate care.
Why are our veterans so often fighting for care once they return home? This problem is not one exclusive to my uncle. It is a country-wide issue! Our veterans, no matter the age, should receive, in my opinion, free healthcare as soon as they arrive back on American soil. They are the pillars of our country, and they sacrifice their lives, bodies, and minds for their country, and the least their country can do to repay them is to care for any ailments they have once they return to our country. Veterans, particularly at their most vulnerable, should not have to fight tooth and nail to be cared for. That care should be automatic. There should be no hesitation when it comes to the care of the American Veteran. When will Washington listen? When will they introduce a bill to ensure that all veterans – my uncle included – receive proper care from the moment they come home?
As a community, there is only so much we can do in situations like these except express gratitude to our veterans and to speak up and let our voices be heard. Your senators are always willing to hear you opinions on the issue of free healthcare for our service-men and women. In fact, I have been in contact with national level representatives and senators. All have been receptive and kind about the idea of free healthcare for our men and women in uniform. When it comes to my uncle, his sister and children are doing an amazing job as his advocates. However, if anyone would like to send him a card thanking him for his service, he currently resides at Hilcrest in Magee, and his name is Billy Judene Purser Sr.
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Billy Purser