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