THANK YOU VETERANS

[Micah]

Thank you very much for everything

[FranDoc]

A formal salute to all who who really have spent the time and did the work.

I've never served; grew up as a "Navy kid" -- Dad got the DD214, but that was NO reason for the military discipline to change: "toes on the line", "how high, Sir?", "tote that barge, lift that bale, move it!".

My gratitude and admiration to everyone who spent any part of his/her career in service of this country and its citizens.

Thank you.

[Middle Man]

For protecting and defending our unalienable rights, as well as, spreading freedom and liberty in my stead in far off lands I humbly say "Thank you" to those patriots and their families throughout our republic's history that paid the ultimate price in the giving of their lives.

[Bwana Six-Gun]

Ft Sill, OK--Nov 72-March 73 FAOBC

Ft Benning, GA--March 73-April 73 Basic Airborne

1st Sp Forces Group, Okinawa--May 73-May 74

82nd Airborne, Ft Bragg--June 74-Dec 76

Ft Sill, OK--Jan 77-July 77 FAOAC

3rd Inf Div, Schweinfurt, FRG--Aug 77-Aug 80

XVIII Abn Corps and JFK SWC, Ft. Bragg Aug 80-Jan 85

Best years of my life.

[High Lord Gomer]

On Memorial Day I got the shake the hand of a 90 year old Marine!

On Monday I had to fly to Philadelphia. When I got to the rental car place I noticed a Marine sticker on this older guy's briefcase. In line I asked him if he wa a Marine. He told me that he served 36 years in the Marines. He graduated high school in 1938, so he must have served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam (along with other possibilities I don't know).

He was not moving well and walked with a cane. He forgot something and had to go back outside to get something from his daughter or grand-daughter that was with him. While he as out I asked the 3 people in front of me if they could let this Marine in front of them. The 35 year old bi*** at the front of the line said something about having to get somewhere. The 55 year old guy behind her told me he was also a veteran. I thanked him, but I guess he still didn't get it. The 50 year old guy in front of me was cool and did let him go before him. I just don't understand how some people can look at themselves in the mirror.

When I went outside I got to help him and his daughter load their luggage. He was telling his daughter about how thankful he was that I appreciated his service. When he came home and got out in the mid 70s he likely had a bad reception. I was very happy to be able to tell him and his daughter that it was because of him and others like him that I was able to enjoy the freedom I have had all my life.

It was a very emotional moment and I was glad to be able to give him my thanks.