Veteran's Day

Today is the day when America honors its military veterans.  For some  it is just another day.  For others, a day which brings back memories; some good, some not so good. 

For those who never served on active duty it is hard to relate.  Those who did serve oftentimes are at a loss for words if trying to describe what it was.  Civilian life and military life are simply two different worlds. 

Not every veteran has fond memories of their time in.  I well remember the massive amount of complaining by the soldiers while I was serving in overseas posts.  It was a shocking adjustment for me when I transitioned out of basic training and school to life in Germany.  Going from a seemingly highly motivated atmosphere into a group of dissatisfied crybabies.  I can still hear the black soldiers looking at the white soldiers in disbelief, they had a saying, "Stop cryin'".  They had a point! 

It would take a large book to explain all the things I learned and experienced in the military.  I'll probably never write that one!  However, (LOL) I was born on an Air Force Base and that's where I grew up.  I knew every piece of equipment which flew over our houses on those bases.  When my dad retired we moved to Tampa and I learned all the civilian planes.  I was sure I would join the Air Force myself, I even wore my dads fatigue top to high school a few times, which drew the wrath of one of my teachers.  

Somehow I got the idea that the Army was the life for me though and my dad couldn't believe it.  Long story short, I got to serve in the Europe, Panama, the Middle East and the U.S.  I've been a heavy equipment mechanic, a driver, a cook serving with the field artillery and a military policeman. 

I salute the veterans of today's military, yesterday's military and the American people who honor them.  Take my word for it, please, there is no country like ours.  Freedom is at stake and if we are not willing to continue to pay the price to keep it we will lose it. 

I believe that those who gave of themselves to keep our flag would agree.