A Belated Thank You

"Most soldiers live a quiet life, never elaborating on what went on during their service years and that is pretty much as it should be.
The career soldier, like me, doesn't look for thanks from people for our service, though it is appreciated, the military is our chosen career and whatever lumps comes with it, we take proudly, although sometimes you must gripe a bit to stay happy, I am told."
"The military has been very good to us and to me in particular, it gave me a direction and a goal to excel in and if I had not had medical problems, I am sure that I would have made CSM and stayed in until I was forced out."

The preceding words were written by a soldier long since medically retired after more than 20 years service and well on his way to making CSM-Command Sergeant Major. In fact, just prior to the medical issues that sidelined this career soldier he completed a deployment essential to his assuming the next step, CSM.

His words, I believe, reflect the vast majority of our soldiers serving today, although significant time has passed since the last war this warrior fought in, which was Vietnam. In fact, I believe they would hold true for the brave men who fought and died to secure the freedom and independence of our Nation and in all the wars since. They don't seek recognition, other than career advancement achieved for a job well done, and they don't look for thanks, although they certainly appreciate it. They do it out of a calling to serve a higher purpose than themselves.
They don't do it for the security of a paycheck, but the security of a Nation. These guys are not paid near what they are worth I assure you.
Well today I want to say thanks to this soldier in particular. The one that penned the above quotation. I should have done it years ago, but honestly I didn't realize his sacrifice, or just didn't take the time to consider what he and his fellow soldiers did. Like so many others enjoying the fruits of their sacrifice, freedom, I took it all for granted.
Thanks Dad. Thanks for everything

A Quick Note

Hello everyone! Sorry I haven't blogged much lately, but to tell you the truth the closer we get to leaving this place the busier I seem to get. I have thought about blogging many times, but something always gets in the way. However, tonight I make a special effort to pass on something I heard in Church this morning that may actually have applications to everyday living, but certainly applies to those of us far away and longing to be home.
I have been counting down the days until I come home. I have 15 before I leave on my next vacation and roughly 75 days, after I return from vacation, before I leave this country to be reunited with my family after a long 16 months away. I thought nothing of it until this morning when the Pastor said he too was counting the days until he leaves, which is in the next two weeks. "But, he said, I can hear my commander saying "Don't count the days until you are no longer here, but rather make everyday that you are here count."
I long to be home, but I also long to do what God has for me to do. Let's all make everyday in this earth count.
By the way, this morning before Church on the Mike Huckabee Show Kathy Lee Gifford said that "if you have a pulse you have a purpose". We all have a God given purpose. Let's not waste the time God has given us here looking so far in the future we miss the moment.
As always, pray for our troops and their families and God bless you all.