To those who serve or
have served in the US military…

where weaponry is part of
the uniform, not an accessory;
tools of the trade, so to speak,
provided to proud recruits.

where to live in close quarters
isn’t a honeymoon but a few
bunks clustered together to
allow for sleep, if possible.

where, day in and day out,
wives, husbands, and children,
are thousands of miles away;
for months, family is a troop of soldiers.

where survival depends on the
combined skills of the team,
no one job more important than
the next, yet each critical to survival.

where pride comes from knowing
that you are serving your country;
and protecting the freedoms of
millions of citizens and future generations.

… I thank you wholeheartedly.