The Next Time You See a Serviceman (or woman), Say "Thank You"

N/A - Email | 03/12/2003 | Tim Michael

[VRWCmember]

Friends,

I would like to share with you something that happened at the Albertsons in Benbrook last night. I stopped on the way home to pick up a couple of things for dinner. I noticed a young lady wearing a flight suit standing in line behind me in the "Express Lane." After a minute or so of waiting and seeing that the line was not going to move any time soon, I said to her, "brings a whole new meaning to the word 'express' doesn't it?" She gave me the courtesy laugh, and then I asked her if she was in the Air Force. She said "Yes," to which I responded, "Thank You." Tears welled up in her eyes and she sort of choked out "Don't hear THAT much these days." My heart sank. Here was a young lady who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and the freedom of others oppressed in far away lands, and all she can see are the MORONS protesting war (any war, any cause, any issue) just for the sake of protest.

I told her that most young kids today haven't been through what many of us have in our lifetime. The World War II generation is seen by them as the "old fogies" they may see at a family reunion, or some distant senile relative. Viet Nam to them is their "justification" to protest ANY war. The Gulf War was over so fast that it didn't have time to sink in, and the military actions of the previous administration were more about capitulation to the international community and symbolic messages than substantive responses to real or perceived threats. We have failed to explain to GenX or GenY about the need for real National security, even when it involves countries far, far away. They don't remember the Cold War and the Soviet threat. They don't remember communist expansion. Unfortunately, they barely remember 9/11/01. We can't even get the media to show the footage of the planes hitting the towers any more. In fact, they rarely even mention it.

I'm reminded of some dialogue from A Few Good Men when Col. Jessop reminds Lt. Weinberg what is really at stake:

Col Jessop: YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH! Son we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lieut. Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago, and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury! You have the luxury of not knowing what I know, that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives! And my existence, while grotesque, and incomprehensible to you, saves lives! You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't want to talk about at parties, you want me on that wall! You need me on that wall! We use words like "honor", "code", "loyalty". We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline! I have neither the time, nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitle to!

Now, while Col. Jessop was the "villain" in this movie, his speech is a perfect reminder of the price our armed forces pay so that we may rise and sleep under the blanket of freedom they provide. It is also a reminder of how petty our criticisms of a government and an entity (armed forces) can be. I encourage you to pray for our troops and especially for one young lady - Elizabeth D. She said she is not currently scheduled to ship out, but will remain "state side" for the time being. Bless her. Bless every veteran you know. Bless those that serve us by risking their lives everyday to ensure ANOTHER 9/11 type attack NEVER happens again. Bless their families and their friends for loaning, and sometimes giving their loved ones to the defense of this great country. Bless a commander in chief who has the courage to stand against world public opinion to do the job we elected him to do: Protect the United States of America and defend her Constitution. The next time you see a young man or woman in uniform, tell them "thank you." Not that they need it, because they're cut from a cloth most folks don't understand...however, it will reaffirm their belief that this country is full of people worth fighting for and worth dying for. People like you.

God Bless The United States of America.

email: tim.ally@sbcglobal.net

[VRWCmember]

A good friend emailed this to me. I thought it was as good as any "professional" column I've seen lately on the subject, so I asked his permission to post it. I hope you find it uplifting and worthy of sharing with others.

[VRWCmember]

Bump for those who defend our freedom.

[NeoCaveman]

Excellent. BTTT

[ACHerbst]

Awesome story. ^_^

[Neets]

Every morning when I enter post, I say a special thanks to the guards manning the gate...and on my home I thank them again as I leave.

Lots of people here complain about the extra security, but I remind them, the reason we have to go through it, and remind that the guards are working 12hr/6 day shifts, so WE don't have it bad at all!!!

[SAMWolf]

Bump and ping

[NeoCaveman]

You said it. Sometimes people really lose perspective and need a little reminding.

[Soaring Feather]

Bump

[xsmommy]

thanks for the ping, vast. i feel tremendous pride and gratitude towards our military.

[MeekOneGOP]

[Jen]

PINGing some Foxhole FRiends!

Sorry gang that I pinged you to the wrong thread the first time.

[Jen]

I'm getting misty eyed at your friend's essay. Please tell him THANK YOU for showing his support for our servicemembers in a personal meaningful way. They each should hear THANK YOU dozens of times a day as far as I'm concerned.

Thanks to you VRWC for posting this and for supporting our troops!

You have freepmail. :-)

[Darksheare]

Ears ringing!
Oh, you pinged me..

Yeah, servicemembers RARELY get any kind of compliment from the civilians these days.
Honestly, one is more likely to get something thrown at you these days.

I'm now offically a civilian again, got my discharge papers a year late, so now I get to see things from this side of the eyeballs.
And I don't like what I see.

From a former soldier to those who currently wear the uniform: Don't let the idiots out there get you down.
What you are doing is important, and takes guts that those idiots don't have. Remember, your duties are to protect, uphold, and defend the constitution from any and all enemies both foriegn and domestic. The press and the peaceniks don't have such duties, nor would they follow them if they did. You have a charge that few have the courage to face and call their own.
Wear the stripes and uniform with pride.
The scumlords wouldn't try to snipe at you if you weren't doing something important and gutsy that they themselves aren't willing to do.

[Rubber_Duckie_27]

Please thank your friend.

I've got so many friends in the military right now, and two close friends are veterans. I always make it a point to thank those who serve, because usually people my age (early twenties) vilify and degrade their service and sacrifice.

[Jen]

Yeah! What you said. Agree 100%. (clapping loudly)

[Diver Dave]

I believe for a lot of us, we do this without a moments hesitation.

For those who do not have a military base close by, stop by your local Armed Forces Recruiting Station and tell 'em "Thanks." (I hear they like Krispy Kremes)

[SAMWolf]

They have to settle for Dunkin Donuts. No Krispy Kremes in my area.

[facedown]

The Next Time You See a Serviceman (or woman), Say "Thank You"

Haven't done so as often as I should. Will do so from now on at every opportunity.

Thanks for the ping.

Ping.

[Victoria Delsoul]

She said she is not currently scheduled to ship out, but will remain "state side" for the time being. Bless her. Bless every veteran you know. Bless those that serve us by risking their lives everyday to ensure ANOTHER 9/11 type attack NEVER happens again. Bless their families and their friends for loaning, and sometimes giving their loved ones to the defense of this great country. Bless a commander in chief who has the courage to stand against world public opinion to do the job we elected him to do: Protect the United States of America and defend her Constitution.

Amen!

[Jen]

That's a great suggestion Dave. Thanks, I think I'll do that tomorrow and drop off some flyers for the Atlanta Pro-America Rally this Saturday too.