As Americans, we are blessed to live in the greatest country on earth where freedom is one of our biggest blessings. This freedom is one of the most expensive luxuries we have. It was paid for with the lives of members of our Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. These men and women have given us so much without expecting anything in return. The least we can do is to say “thank you”.

Some of the brave men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice did so because they were drafted and had to – others because they voluntarily enlisted and chose to. We in America tend to forget this sometimes. We are busy and don’t even think about the liberties we have or why we have them. Other things occupy our minds and our time. I hope we all will at least stop this year and reflect on those that have served so honorably to keep us free. This year I hope all of us will take the time to thank a veteran for their service.

One of my proudest moments was when I graduated from basic training in San Antonio in 1972 with my parents in attendance. I was following in their footsteps, serving my country. They had served during WWII – dad in the Marines and mom in the Navy. The time they spent on active duty changed their lives forever. The time I spent in the Air Force would change my life forever, too. Because of the way I was raised, I did not think twice about enlisting. I had been taught to fear our enemies – the communist were dangerous and I wanted to do anything I could do to keep them out of our country. “Duck and cover” was etched in brain for ever. I knew I would not see combat, but I did know that I could support the soldiers in combat.

A lot of people have heroes – some are actors, professional athletes, singers and such. Our active duty military and veterans are MY heroes. They give up or have given up their lives to keep me protected and free. They are willing to give their lives so that I don’t have to. I owe them everything I have.

To Ronnie Compton – Thank you for your service to our country. I am proud to call you my friend. I cannot imagine what you endured in Viet Nam fighting the communists. I am a better person to have you in my life.

To Billy Copeland – Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for serving even when it was dangerous and difficult. I am a better person to have you in my life.To Jamie Ward – Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for being such a great roll model for all of us. I am a better person to have you in my life.

To Tom Little – Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for your willingness to serve and give up time with your family. I am a better person to have you in my life.To Richard Beason – Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for being the person you are and standing up for what you believe in whether it is popular or not. I am a better person to have you in my life.

To Jacob Simon – Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for your willingness to give your life for me. I am so proud to see you standing tall in your uniform and what it stand for. I am a better person to have you in my life.

To Cody Harris – Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for putting yourself in harm’s way so I could be safe. Thank you for working long hours in the heat and dust so I could be comfortable here at home. Thank you for your willingness to protect those of us at home. I am a better person to have you in my life.

To all other veterans – Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for your sacrifice. I am a better person for having you in my life. The end for now.