Veterans Day

Good evening all. It's been a busy day at work, but my mind did drift on occasion. I caught a glimpse of President Bush's Veteran's Day event on the U.S.S. Intrepid--a rededication ceremony of sorts.

I want to take this opportunity to thank my fellow veterans for their service. Those who have served know what it means to leave your loved ones (most at a very young age) and begin a journey for which very few are truly prepared.

I left home when I was 18--after being recruited for a year or so by the local military recruiter. I was aimless--didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life. The military gave me a purpose, it provided much-needed guidance, and instilled a discipline I practice to this day. Hell, I still iron my own shirts as opposed to taking them to the dry-cleaner. Back then, the drill instructors even made us iron our socks and underwear.

The most important thing I took from my military experience was love for a cause other than oneself. It inspired a desire to be a part of a team--part of a family if you will. I loved my military brothers. Righty Shady? I hope he still reads.

There is hole in my heart these days. Shady sent me pictures a year or so back of him flying in a C-17, unpressurized, over Afghanistan. While I was proud of him, it made me feel guilty--guilty that I was not still serving alongside him. Sure, I don't have the rock-hard body I used to, nor am I able to bench press 365 pounds anymore--but my mind is still sharp--and I feel I should be doing my part. Yea, I know, I've heard it before: I "served my time", but that isn't enough to rid the guilt from my conscience.

I feel guilty when I read of another combat death. I feel guilty when I see a soldier or airman or marine with a missing limb. I feel guilty when I see a baby crying on TV as his daddy or mommy retreat to a plane to carry out the mission. It should be me. It should be you. It needs to be all of us.

This country, while wonderous and amazing, has a terrible flaw. Perhaps it's a human flaw and not a national flaw--we're selfish creatures. I'm not sure if it's nature's design or an inherent flaw in the way we are now raising our children. The greatest generation is almost no more. I look at today's service member, however, and I see a glimmer of hope. We are still populated by many who are still willing to serve a cause greater than themselves. Many are willing to sacrifice--many have sacrificed. Thank you.

So today (and everyday), I salute my fellow veterans. I salute those who currently serve. I salute those who will serve. God bless this country, and god bless those who serve her.

--G