Veterans Day, originally Armstice Day, is a national holiday to commemorate the end of WWI. As of 1954 it evolved into a day to celebrate our veterans. I would like to borrow a wonderful southern turn of phrase to properly express myself. It really sticks in my craw when I see dependents (current and former) foaming at the mouth for the deals and riding the coat tails of veteran family members for their ride on the gravy train. Personally, I scarcely made the cut to be called a veteran. Sure, I signed my name on the line, but when Uncle Sam was calling out names to what would be sacrificed in the name of Regime Change aand National Interests Abroad, my name fell into the sacrifice your liver hat. When people shake my hand and say thank you for your service, I want to reply Thanks for paying your taxes so I could travel to distant lands, immerse myself in cultures far more ancient than my own, drink their liquor, carouse with their daughters, and have the best cocktail party banter for years to come. I am embarrassed to receive free foodstuffs or services for my veteran status. To be very honest, I do not usually participate in the free stuff on Veterans Day because of that. Today though, I witnessed an individual who was a 34 year Air Force dependent take advantage of a free lunch for vets and to be frank, it sickens me. I know there are quite a few present and former dependents that may read this and be peeved by my blatant disregard for your sacrifices and how you are entitled to the same benefits as your veteran/active duty spouse. The fact of the matter is that your sacrifices would have been the same if your spouse were a long distance truck driver or a traveling salesperson. While that is blunt, it is the truth. What I am about to say next may sound venomous, but again it is the truth. Despite all the hoopla that surrounds the Waste-A-Day clubs (see Command Spouse organizations, etc.) that the brass lavish with praise, certificates, and parking spaces at the exchange there is one simple truth: it is not your day, you didnt earn it. Now pay full price.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 21:39:13 +0000