Attn. Veterans:

[Shorty Cox]

Without getting into a pi$$ing contest regarding this topic.

I was invited to a ceremony Monday, not because I’m a great guy, but solely because I’ve spent time in the military service. I didn’t go, it would have been embarrassing to me.

The invitation got me to thinking. What is Veterans Day? If my memory services me correct, it initial was “Armistice day” to celebrate the end of WWI. In 1954, it was changed to “Veteran’s day.” This was times when the military was made up of soldiers primarily there against their will. (Drafted) Are there any veterans today? What is a veteran? Anyone in the military today is there by choice. If they don’t like it, they can quit. To me, a veteran is that individual that was drafted against his/her will, yet served his/her country. That person put his life on hold, and on the line, to defend you and me and our freedoms. Many times that person gave the ultimate sacrifice for the cause. Yes we should honor them

I spent 27 years in the military. I’m very proud of that fact. I’m thankful for those individuals that choose that profession. Am I a veteran? No. I chose that life. I could have quit any day. The only thing I’m owed for that service is what “Uncle Sam” promised me at age 18. My community owes me nothing. No recognition, etc.

To honor the veterans that fought and died for our freedoms, you need to keep a close watch on your Politians to insure we are not loosing our freedoms, “one freedom at a time” in the name of “do gooder laws”, or “National Security”.

If you want to do something for our men/women in uniform, I know there is an Army Reservist, or National Guard solider living in your community that is deployed today. His family is trying to survive on considerable less income. Go mow his grass, repair that broken window, replace that washing machine, fix that leak, etc. These are all things his/her family has to contend with without the funds to do so, while he/she is away.

SFC Shorty