To All Those Who Have Served Or Are Serving, Thank You

You’re a special bunch, to put your lives on the line for our country. I admire that.

Texas Roadhouse, Twin Peaks, Krispy Kreme, Denny’s and Golden Corral.

To my cousins Brett and Mike both US Army Iraq 1 and 2 respectively. And an extra special thank you to my grandpa Dale for helping to kick Hitler’s ass.

I left for Basic 30 days prior to George W. Bush declared war the second time. The bonds that are made during those times will last forever, and the support shown from those at home made the bad times bearable. Thank you to all those still serving and letting us live the lives that we choose. In honor of those who have returned wounded tomorrow myself (along with my father and uncle) are participating in a Soldier Ride benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. If any care to donate for a great cause go here.

If you gotta be one, might as well be a Big Red One!

to all veterans. If not for those serving now and in the past, I would be typing this in another language. If I were even to have that freedom, that is.

I never had the honor to serve. My father fought in the Pacific Theater in WWII – his last was the Battle of Okinawa before coming home in 1946. He took some rather historic pictures (Gen MacArthur, the Japanese delegation making a pit stop there before formally surrendering, etc.)

Thanks for everything you do, have done, and will continue to do.

On Veteran’s Day there is the recognition, but the appreciation is a constant.

Gramps x2: WWII “South Pacific”
Dad: Korea & Vietnam
Me: Panama “Operation Just Cause” (Noriega), and Persian Gulf War “Desert Shield”, “Desert Storm”, “Provide Comfort” (thought I’d never get back home from the Middle East)

The phrase “yesterday was the only easy day” is pretty true in that I don’t think we had it that bad in more conventional wars, and I really feel for those serving today and the last decade engaging a faceless enemy in the war on terrorism. Thank you so very much to all who serve and have served.

I also appreciate those in law enforcement and emergency response / firefighters too, because they keep watch here at home for our precious loved ones while the troops are away.

Bravo Zulu and Hooyah!

Not sure how to respond, a thank you for the thank you’s or a your welcome…..whatever, I appreciate the thanks and wish to extend mine to my fellow veterans. Hope those who are still serving all make it home safely from where ever they are may be in harms way.

Kind of weird for me…..took me a long time to recognize myself as a “veteran”. To me, veterans were those with limbs missing or the “old guys” at the parades in WWII and Vietnam uni’s…..not me. I just went in, served my 4, got the fuck out and turned the training Uncle Sam gave me into a career in the aviation industry. Nvm the fact I served during Gulf War I, I never went into harms way. My squadrons tasking was N. Korea and the fear was they would get stupid while the U.S. was distracted by Iraq, so our jets continued to make holes in old bread delivery vans and drop little blue practice bombs on circles in the snow.

I feel the same as txknight for the most part. It’s pretty difficult to come to terms with onesself (sp?) as a veteran. When folks tell me “thank you for your service” whether it’s Veterans Day or not, I often reply nowadays with “it was my honor!”. And I especially extend that reply to they ladies and gentlemen (titles used loosley hehe) I served with.

Last year, I very dearly wanted to do something nice for the military community. I wanted to start a care package drive or something comparative here within our BRB community. It was just very very late in the holiday season so there wasn’t much of an opportunity for folks to be able to participate.

Mr. BFD was a large proponent of the drive. I pretty much let him down. There were some circumstances in my life that precluded me from fulfilling what I had proposed. And for that BFD, I apologize, in the odd event you actually read this. If nothing else, military training will teach you humility.

I would not be opposed to trying again since it’s a little earlier in the holiday season. Maybe this time however, since it’s Veterans Day and all, maybe trying to gather some money for the Fisher House, or for the guys across the pond now. I’d like to leave that up to you guys.

OK enough ranting. To my fellow brothers and sisters in arms, if I ever meet you in the bar, ya best have your coin or it’s gonna be an expensive night.

Peace be with you all!

I’ll E-mail you with my thoughts.

I feel the same as txknight. I didn’t come anywhere close to a combat zone – didn’t even leave CONUS during my time in uniform. I’m just glad there are those willing to serve.