Subj: Someone was thinking about me.
Date: 1/12/04

I started my military career in 1971 when Vietnam was winding down. Although I was proud to wear my uniform, I got many dirty looks (after all, we were all baby killers). Times have changed, patriotism is on a high, and I am still proud to wear my uniform. But now, it is not uncommon for people to stop and thank me for what I do. It feels good, I thank them, and then (in my mind) pass that gratitude to fallen comrades and to our young troops. My career of 33 years will come to an end in 2 - 4 more years. I too will then stand and watch the parades, hold my hand over my heart when the flag passes, and thank our troops for what they do. For I have some idea of the sacrifices they have made, and will make, in order to carry the torch of freedom for us all.

A friend (Linda) sent the following, just to let me know she was thinking about me :-).

Subject: Well Said............
Some people still don't understand why military personnel do what they do for a living. This exchange Between Senators John Glenn and Sen. Howard Metzenbaum is worth reading. Not only is it a pretty impressive and impromptu speech, but it's also a good example of one man's explanation of why men and women in the Armed Services do what they do for a living.
This IS a typical, though sad, example of what some who have never served think of the Military.
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Senator Metzenbaum to Senator Glenn: "How can you run for Senate when you've never held a "real job?"

Senator Glenn: "I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I served through two wars. I flew 149 missions. My plane was hit by antiaircraft fire on 12 different occasions.
I was in the Space Program. It wasn't my checkbook, Howard; it was my Life on the line. It was not a nine to five job, where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank.
I ask you to go with me ... as I went the other day ... to a Veterans Hospital and look those men - with their mangled bodies - in the eye, and tell THEM they didn't hold a job!
You go with me to the Space Program at NASA and go, as I have gone, to the widows and orphans of Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee...and you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their DADS didn't hold a job.
You go with me on Memorial Day and you stand in Arlington National Cemetery, where I have more friends buried than I'd like to remember, and you watch those waving flags. You stand there, and you think about this Nation, and you tell ME that those people didn't have a job?

I'll tell you, Howard Metzenbaum, you should be on your knees every day of your life thanking God that there were some men - SOME MEN - who held a REAL job. And they required a dedication to a purpose - and a love of country and a dedication to duty - that was more important than life itself. And their self-sacrifice is what made this country possible. I HAVE held a job, Howard! ---What about you?"

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For those who don't remember - During W.W.II, Howard was an attorney representing the Communist Party in the USA. Now he is a Senator!

If you can read this, thank a teacher.... If you are reading it in English, thank a Veteran......

Thanks Linda:

It certainly not a 9 - 5 job that we do. My service to my country has come at great personal expense, but thankfully, not the ultimate expense. The Army was a contributing factor in both divorces, I missed almost all significant events for the family (birthdays, anniversaries, and much of my son growing up). I have gone to work in the morning, only to find myself in a different state or country that evening. Most events like concerts, nearby shows and exhibits, and friends inviting me over for parties? I have missed because I was somewhere else in the world. It seemed if there was something really important to me or something I wanted to do, the Army knew this and would send me TDY.

Yes, I do what I do for love of country, love of friends, and most of all (though they might disagree), love of family. The more I travel, the more I appreciate the freedom this country has to offer, and remember the expense borne by others, for me to have it.

So while some may take for granted what this country has to offer, I never forget that my Grandfather, who served during W.W.I, Dad, who served during W.W.II, and now my son, all did or are doing there part in this "stepping up to the plate" tradition to keep everyone free. I pray none of our troops have to make the ultimate sacrifice, but many have. We are somewhat of a different breed. Caring more for others, (especially are comrades in arms) then we do for ourselves. We do not serve for personal gain (although the military has really neat toys to play with).

I have been very fortunate in my career. All catastrophic type flight emergencies, have either taken place near or on the ground (somebody has been watching over for me). I hope that force watches over my son...and all the other sons and daughters that have stepped up to the plate, because it had to be done.

Thank you all for thinking about me and my brothers/sisters in Arms,
Larry