At the risk of seeming nit-picky, I must respectfully disagree. You did not earn that right. You always had that right as it was a God-given right. You served to protect the God-given rights of American citizens to keep and bear arms. And thank you for doing so, sir!
Guess it depends upon your point of view.
You are absolutely correct - however - I ALWAYS pay for what I get if I am required to or not.