Today is Veteran’s Day. Our military is voluntary, and a lot of people forget that. The men and women that pledge their lives to the service of their country do it because they want to. Some may do it for college, others for adventure, and still others because they don’t have any better options, but they all sign that line and take the oath of their own free will. It is a beautiful thing.
While I was in I served with a great group of wildly diverse people. My wife was asking about my friends from the Army, I told her that the guys in my platoon were more like family. They really were, I lived with them, ate with them, worked with them, and took really weird camping trips that we called field problems with them. I was with these guys for work and play day in and day out. I never served in combat, but a lot of those I have served with did. I don’t know of any that have died in combat, and I am thankful for that. 
Today, several restaurant chains are offering free food for our nations veterans. But it sucks to eat alone. So, I ask anyone that reads this. Take a veteran to lunch or dinner today. Check the link and take them to a place where they will eat free. take them somewhere else, or just invite them over for a home cooked meal. It doesn’t matter as long as they know they are appreciated and are surrounded by friends. If you read this late, Golden Corral is doing free food on Monday. Also veterans appreciate appreciation any day of the year.
From one veteran to all the others. Thanks for your service.
Yesterday, I went to lunch with a guy named Joe. Joe served in Iraq and came back paralyzed from the waist down. He went to Walter Reid where they told him he would probably never walk again. Thankfully, he defied the odds and now has full use of his legs. Joe is a great guy. I am glad that I had lunch with him and got to know him better. 
3 comments:
Nice post Budd. My father-in-law is retiring from the Air Guard this year-- two star General who's been in the service since Vietnam. You're right about it being family too. His best friends are the same guys he flew with 40 years ago. I've had the privilege to meet a lot of service men and women who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and they are a remarkable group of people.
A lovely post. Thank you and all those who have served.
SQT-Thanks, tell your father thank you for his lifetime of service.
Ghost girl-welcome, thanks for stopping by and commenting.
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