This week’s blog is different than my previous posts. I would like to take a moment to thank all of the wonderful men and women who have served, is serving, and will serve our country in the future.
I come from a military background. My father was a Drill Sergeant for the United State’s Army. My grandfather was an MP and served in World War II, and my Great Uncle Arnett served in the Vietnam War.
My grandpa came from a long line of mischievousness. My Great-Great Grandfather dug a hole away from his house, and put all of his toys in there. He was upset because his mom and dad had guests over, and he thought it was high time they leave. His solution to the problem: He burned the house down!
My grandpa also used expletives in every other word, so the following story has been edited for viewers.
Grandpa D sat at the small kitchen table with his blue jean overalls and a plaid, turquoise, western shirt waving his thick finger.
“They put me on latrine duty one time.” He recalled with that glint of humor in his hazel eyes.
“What’s that?” One of my six cousins asked.
“It’s where you clean the outhouses.”
I curled my nose at the prospect of cleaning someone else’s pooh.
“I didn’t want the job, so I waited until my superior was out of range. Then, I went and got the gasoline and filled each of the holes up.” He leaned back in his chair and a smile spread over his lips.
“What happened?” My brother laughed. He’d heard this story before.
“I lit ‘em up, and they exploded crap all over the place.” He chuckled and stroked his wrinkled chin.
My grandfather never described the horror of war. He never spoke badly of the military.
My Grandfather when he joined the military.
My father in his Drill Sergeant's uniform.
My father remembers his military days with pride for all that he accomplished.
They were better men because of their decision to serve.I am very fortunate because my loved ones made it home. But there are many who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice for the luxuries we as a country take for granted.
I am grateful everyday for the freedom I have. I can choose whom and if I want to marry. I have the freedom to worship my Heavenly Father. I have the freedom to post this blog. My family is safe, and that’s a blessing. I know that I sleep better at night because there are brave men and women willing to put their lives on the line for me.
My one wish for those reading this blog is to show the military respect. Whether you believe in what they fight for or not, they deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. Please don’t call them names or picket their funerals. Don’t write their loved ones nasty notes because they have a bumper sticker supporting the Armed Forces. Take a moment and see them as people who are dedicating their lives for something they believe in.
And to any and all military personal out there: THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, ENERGY, AND SERVICE. You deserve this day of honor!
They were better men because of their decision to serve.I am very fortunate because my loved ones made it home. But there are many who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice for the luxuries we as a country take for granted.
I am grateful everyday for the freedom I have. I can choose whom and if I want to marry. I have the freedom to worship my Heavenly Father. I have the freedom to post this blog. My family is safe, and that’s a blessing. I know that I sleep better at night because there are brave men and women willing to put their lives on the line for me.
My one wish for those reading this blog is to show the military respect. Whether you believe in what they fight for or not, they deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. Please don’t call them names or picket their funerals. Don’t write their loved ones nasty notes because they have a bumper sticker supporting the Armed Forces. Take a moment and see them as people who are dedicating their lives for something they believe in.
And to any and all military personal out there: THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, ENERGY, AND SERVICE. You deserve this day of honor!