I just watched last week’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy, and I liked how it dealt with the former military IT technician who (mistakenly) felt that she wasn’t deserving of veterans’ services. I’m not sure if they timed that to air right before Veterans Day on purpose or not, but it dovetails nicely.
My brother-in-law did a tour in Afghanistan for the Marines. It simultaneously feels like forever ago and just yesterday. I had never really known someone on active duty before, and I can’t tell you what a strange mix of emotions it caused. Anxiety about his whereabouts and well-being. Frustration at my own ignorance and helplessness. Hope and faith that everything would be okay. Pride in his service and sacrifice.
Needless to say, his homecoming was a sweet relief.
Now, like before, I feel mostly disconnected from that world, but it did leave an impression that will never fade away. A raised awareness. An immense sense of gratitude.
Thank you to all the men and women who are serving, have served, or plan to serve. In whatever role and capacity. The rest of us may never fully understand what you go through, but we appreciate what you contribute to your team and to your country. Take care.
4 responses to “Thank you to those who serve”
Amen! Please pass along my thanks to your brother-in-law!
Thanks, Shari. I’ll do my best!
I think this episode of Grey’s did a good job of hitting on why female vets tend to have higher unemployment and homeless rates than male ones – the idea that even though they served and deployed, if you don’t leave the compound for whatever reason, then you don’t count – I’ve talked to a lot of people who deployed (and I was one of them) who make comments like that – oh, yeah, I was Iraq, but I never left the base…ok, but you still deployed and supported the mission – you are a veteran
I had no idea about the disparity between male and female vets. Wow. Thank you for sharing.