My Thoughts
I had an amazing experience this afternoon which turned an otherwise tired, angry old man into a proud American Veteran. It feels these days as though we are riding on a shaky roller coaster, not quite sure whether the ride will end in disaster or reprieve. I love this country, I proudly served for nine years—almost went for twenty, but that is a story for another time—and I am thankful for all that America and the U.S. Army did to turn a boy into a man. The Service taught me a lot about duty, honor, country; trained me, sent me overseas where I learned how different and how similar we are no matter where we live or how divers our cultures; VA benefits paid for my college education. Though there were sacrifices, separations, and more than a few trials and tribulations, overall, it was the greatest experience of my young life. This country, my country has blessed me in countless ways.