I recently checked a high ranking retired naval officer in to the shelter I work at. He was 95% disabled, from gunshot wounds, shrapnel wounds to the back, and a broken neck. Thankfully, his homelessness will be temporary. But I thanked him for his service. I have taken care of a medal of honor winner, who served in three wars, and was featured in a Mel Gibson movie. I have taken care of a former Vietnam chopper pilot whos bird was shot up several times. I have served with former Vietnam pilots. I have met and known combat troops form just about every major campaign in the 20th and 21st century. I served in the peace time Reagan Military...in the Air Force, as a avionics technician...you would think once-JUST ONCE, one of these heros would look down their nose at me just a little. You would think maybe one of them would shrug and laugh at me-Air Force technician, stateside, with no conflict??? Remarkably, every one of these fine people from every service, has vigorously shook my hand, and sincerely thanked me for my service. These guys and gals never cease to blow me away. They understand that we all took the same oath, and new it was serious. I can only hope that I would have served with a shred of their honor had I ever been tested as they have. Very humbling to keep meeting these great people that sacrifice so much for us...
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 03:17:15 +0000