To serve is to reign.

• Author: Kreyche, Gerald F.
• Position: PARTING THOUGHTS

THERE ARE MANY THINGS that we take for granted and most among them are the benefits of service. Until we think about it, we seldom realize how it is tied up with humanity itself. (I am not addressing the piddling problems of getting service on household appliances, etc. Rather, I am concerned with service writ large.) The term has wide usage and it is instructive that Webster's Dictionary devotes 22 lines to cover its basics. For some, it connotes servitude and seems to imply the adjective "servile." As a euphemism, it was used to describe the forced prostitution of South Korean women for Japanese soldiers during World War II. Yet, this dark implication of service is but a minor part, as service mostly is for good.

Let us explore some of this goodness of service itself. We are proud, for instance, of those who commit themselves to the Armed Services. Without question, they do all of us a favor--sometimes at the expense of their own lives, as in Iraq. Service organizations likewise benefit the country and various individuals. They reflect a deep concern for the good of humanity. The Red Cross certainly proves its worth as a helper in times of disaster, as, in most instances, it is "Johnny on the spot"

when needed. Although FEMA came under criticism during Hurricane Katrina, the fact is that its disaster medical arm (National Disaster Medical System) marshaled its resources immediately and efficiently. Teams of medical personnel who had been in training much before brought their equipment and expertise to set up hospitals and emergency facilities. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics did an outstanding job under nearly impossible circumstances. They helped diabetics who needed insulin, seniors who had to have their medications, and heart patients who required special attention, as well as treating poisonous snake bites, and so on. Thanks to them, no epidemics followed the disaster.

In the same medical vein, Doctors Without Borders give of themselves to the poor and ill of foreign countries, asking nothing for their life-saving services except assistance in extending their help. Teacher's aides help harried educators to cope with the stress of schooling the handicapped and slow learners, or simply large classes. "Pink ladies" give a big assist to hospitals by manning posts for information, running their juice carts, and providing a friendly atmosphere with their pleasant mannerisms and general helpfulness. Those who volunteer to deliver Meals on...