I had a Father in Law. He was fairly useless on most things. He feigned a break down so that his wife could support him for a while, and I don't think that I ever saw him do actual work in the 13 years that I knew him. He had cataract surgery several years before he died, and the doctor advised him not to pick up anything heavier than 10 pounds for a few days. He never picked up anything again. Like I said, fairly useless.
One of the biggest things he was wrong about, and their were so very many, was our Armed Services. His defining moment in life was making sure that he didn't have to go to Viet Nam. He had invested so much time in weaseling out of his military obligation to the United States that it stayed with him for the rest of his days. All things in his life were defined by that huge fear.
I, on the other hand, think that the reason we are the greatest country on God's green earth, is because of the brave men and women who serve our country, even though so many people do not appreciate it. There is no calling in sick when you are in the military. You do not get the option of quitting.
I have four brothers who served in one branch of service or another. Two retired from active duty, one almost did and one of my brothers did not. None of them regretted the time and the opportunities that were afforded them by their military service.
I cannot thank them and the other service members I have had the privilege of knowing, enough. Thank you for the sacrifices you and your families have made. Thank you for keeping my family safe so many times. Thank you for doing a wonderful job in spite of those that don't or won't appreciate you. Thank you and God bless.
So if you know someone who is serving or has served, go shake their hand and and say thank you. You may not have any idea what they went through so that you would not have to go through it yourself. You'll thank me later.
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