Thank A Veteran Everyday

During my 23 years of military service, I had many occasions to be proud of what I was doing. Many of the things that made me feel good about myself came from my individual accomplishments and others from the effort of the team. I think we felt proudest when other people recognized us as a members of our military and thanked us in some way.

While in the Air Force, I had the opportunity to travel extensively, especially while at 9th Air Force Headquarters at Shaw AFB, SC. There we were responsible for Southwest Asia and the African Horn which encompasses the Middle East. Shortly after my arrival at 9th, we became involved in Operation Desert Shield and later Desert Storm. As you probably know, we never left the Middle East after that, which meant we had to make frequent visits to that part of the world.

Except for contingencies (real world military operations), we flew commercial or military charter (rented commercial). That meant we had to stop in regular airports and endure layovers and long waits just like everybody else. While waiting for our connections we would sometimes visit the airport bars. I can truthfully say that every time I went to an airport bar, in the U.S., in uniform, someone would pay for my drink(s). Naturally this made me feel good because now I had more money for the next bar. Just kidding! Actually it always made me feel good that someone had recognized our efforts.

However, the greatest feeling of pride that I have ever had in my life, happened after Desert Storm.  We were returning from Saudi Arabia and had arrived at JFK airport in New York. It was somewhere around midnight and we had to walk though the terminal to get to our next flight. As we made our way through the terminal, all of the civilians in the terminal came out of the various stores, lounges and terminal areas and applauded us until we arrived at our gate. It was a great feeling and you could see the fatigue leave us as we walked a little taller.

Many people don’t realize what our military goes through, even when we are not fighting a war somewhere. If not for our military, we could be fighting a war right here on U.S. soil. So whether you agree with the wars we are involved in or not, thank a veteran every time you see one. Better yet buy them a beer.