Marines kept boots on the ground, serving beside soldiers, always happy to see them. While others flew above, protecting us from the unseen enemy. Some sailed the oceans, always diligent and ready at a given notice to let the lead fly and keep our boys safe. There was brass on hats and hats drawn on with markers creating peace symbols and the number of days left in country. There were missed targets, and the enemy got our supplies. It would be days before we saw them again. On the ships, the crew ate crackers and tins of tuna that made cats scream. But there was laughter and song among your brothers in arms as each one felt pride even though so many were welcomed home by being spat at. We learn from war and thank the lord; we know that any serviceman or woman willing to give up everything, including their life, deserves the loudest welcome home in every airport, train station, and bus station in America. I am as proud as my father, brother-in-law, and everyone I ever knew who wore the uniform. We are a nation of good people, honest people, and people who want to believe we will stand up and fight for what we believe in. In these troubled times, it's like a time bomb waiting to find a target, but rest assured, our military stands in front of us, beside us, and entirely around us to keep us safe. I don't know of one single Veteran who wouldn't stand tall once again, including myself. I don't know one Veteran who would walk away if called. The uniform may be tight, but what it symbolizes will always fit. I mourn my fallen fighters and honor the sacrifice of thousands who came home wounded, some to fight another day. A Veteran is like no other person on earth, and you can thank the lord for that.
MO
