We all seem to have an opinion about our military people.  I certainly do, and you will hear about it from time to time.  I understand that we differ in our beliefs about the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that’s okay.  But what I don’t have  patience with is those who have slandered, maligned, disrespected or otherwise spoken badly about our military personnel.  Don’t do that!  If you are guilty of this,  you are spitting in the eye of the very ones who are willing to give everything so that you may have what you choose to make of your life.  I read in a recent email story a quote, but I am unable to credit the person who said it.  It went like this, “A veteran is someone who, at one point in his (or her) life, wrote a blank check made payable to his country for an amount of  ‘up to and including my life’.  I submit to you that is exactly what our current and future military has agreed to do.

They come from every nook and cranny in America, every big city and tiny berg.  Many join for the college fund benefit, many join because they see the military as a way out of a life not fulfilled or a life to be left behind.  Many join because they want to serve their country, wear the uniform, learn a trade, and dozens of other enticements.  But who cares what the incentive is?  The covenant is still the same,  “I will serve.”

And if you’re thinking that I am probably the type who cries at the sappy commercials on TV showing homecoming soldiers being applauded in the airport,  you would be absolutely right.  If fact, I am standing saluting right now, officers and enlisted all.  To them I say, ” Thank you, thank you, thank you.”