A tear in my eye

[11Z50]

Today, I met my admin assistant at a Sweet Tomato's in Fresno for a lunch. As we paid, I handed over my CC, and the guy at the register asked for ID, which is cool. I keep my VA ID in the little window in my wallet since I have to show ID more to them than anybody else, and it is a Gov't picture ID.

The 20-something guy at the register made it a point to thank me for my service. I was surprised, caught a bit off guard, and thanked the young man for his consideration.

I had a nice lunch meeting with my admin person, and then went to the parking lot, sat in my Tahoe for a minute and realized that six years ago this day, I was sitting in a HMMWV on the Kuwait-Iraq border, waiting on the hostilities to begin. I thought of the four thousand plus Americans that have lost their lives in the war on terror since then. I thought of those I soldiered with, and wondered if they are doing okay. I thought of the young man in the restaurant, and I prayed he would never have to experience the horror of war.

One of the best things a citizen can do is to simply thank a vet for his service. We don't want parades, big shows, ceremonies, or anything else. A simple "Thank you for your service" means more than all of that.

[old-trapper]

THANKS......................................

[69Mach1]

Great story. Thanks for sharing, and thank you for your service.

[ivanimal]

Thank you for my continued freedom.

[jlh95811]

While I greatly appreciate all that you have sacrificed to do what you've done for your country I must disagree with this statement.

We don't want parades, big shows, ceremonies, or anything else. A simple "Thank you for your service" means more than all of that.

You may feel this way but it seems many other do not. So speaking for veterans as a collective does not work well with this statement.

What about the guys who got all pissed off about them putting out that eternal flame due to the high cost?

Here is what I think Vets should get:
Full pay for one year after relief of duty to help get themselves reintergrated into society. Or for life if injured during service.
Free Mediacal care for 3 years if healthy and for life if injured during service.
Free 4 year university to be started within 2 years of relief of service. If they choose to use this grant for school they should be given full pay if taking classes full time.

Here is what I think they should not:
Multiple parades paid for with more taxpayer dollars.
Free college for children(not sure if this one actually happens or not but I've heard about it in some capacity)
Free medical for life even though they are perfectly healthy.
Overly expensive memorials.(please don't misunderstand thinking I mean none at all)


Note These Are NOT Complete Lists.... Just a sampling of what comes to mind.

Please do not think I am against Vets and/or current Service Men and Women. They are in my prayers always.

I simply think that in a time when our economy is in the dumps we should not be spending money that is not an absoulte necessity.

[snypr]

Thank you 11Z50!!!

[jmlivingston]

Free college for children(not sure if this one actually happens or not but I've heard about it in some capacity)

Some states provide this, usually as a benefit to members of the National Guard or as a a benefit to disabled vets.

[chris]

i had a similar experience at a gas station a week or two a go. a complete stranger at the gas station saw my Iraq War Vet sticker on my back window and shook my hand and thanked me. and i have to tell ya that makes my day everytime it happens.

[snypr]

Chris, thank you too!

[Beelzy]

You know, a lot of folks really do appreciate the Service by yourself and others. Some just don't show it in a way you can see.

For every one person who actually thanks you, there's a dozen more nearby
that don't say anything but think to themselves how lucky they are to have
rights that are protected by you. I have seen them, they have that blank
stare that is in your direction. Watch for it next time.

Oh......lest I forget.........Thank You!

[97F1504RAD]

I try to make a point of thanking all Veterans and Active Duty folks when ever i find out that they have or are serving our country.

Thanks to you for doing so.

[11Z50]

I think this war will last a long time, and it amazes me that so many young men and women continue to step up to the plate and take their turn. My unit was one of the first to mobilize after 9-11, and that will be 8 years ago this year!

When I go to the VA hospital I see many young faces there for treatment for their wounds. One can see a quiet respect between the latest generation of warriors and those who served in previous wars. I try to smile and shake hands with others since I know it feels awkward, but there is very little small talk and no "war stories" being exchanged.

It makes me feel proud and sad at the same time when someone thanks me for having served, since it always brings back memories. Now that I am one of the protected, when I see a vet or a soldier returning home, I look them in the eye, offer my hand, and thank them for their service. I do this because I know how much I appreciate it, and it is the least I can do.

[rg_1111@yahoo.com]

Thanks Toby for your service.

[mapleleafup]

My boys make sure to shake every veterans hand they get a chance too. in the market, the mall doesnt matter. They love to shake ww2 veterans hands because they generally give them candy after lol. So thank you too all the service men on this forum.

[jlh95811]

Some states provide this, usually as a benefit to members of the National Guard or as a a benefit to disabled vets.

Not sure why in the case of National Guard but in the case of injured Vets it surely makes my list.