Thank you Veterans!!!

[kobie]

I think Wasabi's point was missed and an apology is also needed to those who fight/ fought for our country as a part of the discourse on Veteran's day. Consider:
- One in four homeless persons are veterans
- Military people must consider private insurance versus military HMOs to get quality health care
- private war contractors (individuals) get paid 3+ times as much as soldiers do for the same or less work

While indeed thanks is in order, they deserve much improvement in how they are treated abroad in war time and when they come back home. My cousin was in the first BlackHawk shot down in Iraq. He came home to fanatical celebrations and many locals and poiliticians visited him in the hospital to offer thanks, bleesings and encouragement. Now he has a heart condition the VA won't treat, he can't walk fast and has difficulty finding a job. The army also wants him to re-enlist!
Somehow, we need to give our heros the royal treatment they deserve when and if they make it home and it should be a lifetime commitment on our part.

[technocoy]

I'm a little late to the party, but I just wanted to say thanks as well.

Regardless of how I feel about the path our current administration is taking, I do feel a deep and heartwrenching pride for all those men and women who have served and are serving in the military. In the face of harm, death, and imprisonment you fight everyday to keep America free.

Three of my best friends and brothers chose military service, and I worry for the one who is still in every single day. I hope to see him home soon and enjoying life with his family and friends.

The fact is that wars will be right and wrong, but our soldiers don't have the option of picking and choosing which fight to fight. The fact of the matter is that they ENLISTED to protect this country's lives and freedoms and that is all that matters on Veterans Day. period. To sign up for what may very well get you killed with the idea of protecting the land which you belong to is a brave and commendable thing, and there is no way to argue it. There are always exceptions, but the vast majority of military are some of the best people you can wish to have by your side in a time of need.

We can have our political feuds any day of the week, and I understand the sentiment that wasabi is attempting to get across, but let's save it for other conversations and really stand behind the men and women who everyday wake up and go into the field to sustain our way of life.

May God protect you all and bring you home safely, and give peace and wellbeing to those who have already served.

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

technocoy