Veteran's Day 2012

I'd like to thank all Veteran's present and past for their service and sacrifice.

Here's a little video to honor my fellow Marine Corps Veterans.

On my watch tonight - YouTube

 

Amen to that. When you see a Veteran today say "thank you" and teach your kids to respect those who served.

 

I usually try to thank all the vets I see....I fell far short tonight, though. Went to Applebees for dinner, they have a free entree for active duty and vets. Dangit, that place was PACKED with military! I did get to thank several Marines, couple of Army, a disabled Navy vet, and another Navy guy who stopped by our table, pointed at my USS Cavalla ballcap, and said "hey, another Bubblehead!" Turns out he was a nuke ET, way back when...I was a nuke EM! LOL Small world...not too many sub vets in the DFW area. But, yeah, unfortunately I didn't feel right going around to every table, but I will say that it was like walking into a huge reunion...people were talking to strangers at other tables, and getting up and saying hello and thanks to guys from their branches, and going out of their way to pay respects to the disabled vets in the room. Yeah...I'll definitely be going back again next year. Haven't felt that welcomed since the wife and I stood at the NRA booth at a gun show earlier this year and signed up.

To all the vets here, of any and all wars, eras, branches, and rates, whether on the pointy end of the stick or somewhat farther back keeping the gears greased to make sure the pointy end stays pointy....my heartfelt thanks.

 

And a thanks to the many medics, field and hospital who have made it possible for so many to remember with a beer and a cheer...

 

Right after I graduated from Jump School, they had the Airborne Walk dedication at Ft. Benning. Those of us awaiting orders to our next duty station had the priviledge of escorting around all those old school paratroopers that came back for the dedication. They were an interesting bunch, great sea stories. I got to escort around some members of the original test platoon that developed the airborne for the Army. I don't think I would have wanted to be one of the guys that first tested out a new theory or piece of equipment, but I admired them for having the big brass ones to do it.