A day to reflect and share stories. Memorial Day 2010

[jjmk98k]

I am sure I am not the only Veteran here so to the other vets, thank YOU for your service.

Also , thank you to the families of those who serve and who have served, sometimes the hardest battles are fought at home while your service member is deployed.

A quick reflection...

This August will mark my 17th year (USAF) of wearing this nations uniform, something I am very proud to do and can't imagine life without putting on my uniform each day as i do now.

When I was 20, I was at Prince Sultan Air base, Saudi Arabia.... it was 0200 and I was sound asleep when the sirens went off. I grabbed my stuff and ran to the bunker as fast as i could. As i finish getting dressed I realized my helmet and boots were on, but no pants! I was a nervous wreck but luckily nothing came of the alarm.

Summer 2007, Iraq..."The Surge" A crew of Marines died in a helicopter crash during a post maintenance test flight.... That next day as i walked in the chow hall i noticed it was a very somber mood. Then i thought that these guys that died probably sat next to me at one time or another. I am VERY proud to have been a part of "The Surge" and will brag about it each time i can. While i was not kicking down doors, I was putting A-10's in the air so the ground troops had "top cover" whenever they wanted it.

Summer 2008, Afghanistan..... I think i shed more tears here than anytime or any place.  Once in a while, and it was far too often, we would be called to pay respects at a "fallen comrade ceremony"... we would line the street as the procession of flag draped coffins would pass on the backs of Humvees.... we'd render a salute as they pass. Each and everytime, you would not see a dry eye. I worked normally from 1200-2345, but if the ceremony was to be held at 0300 , I would stay awake to make sure i could go... it was the least i could do for those who will not make it home to celebrate another Memorial day or Chirstmas.   It took me about a month once I got home to recover mentally from being there..... cutting and splitting firewood helped!

Again, thanks to all the veterans... enjoy the day, but take a moment, private or not, to remember those who are far from home and those who never made it back. I especially respect and thank the Veitnam veterans... welcome home. ( since you probably didnt hear that much back then)

[Warbird]

My heartfelt thanks go out to every soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice.