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[Dusty]

I have spent the last three days doing whatever I felt like doing, which wasn't much. Just a little while ago while picking beans in my little garden, I was thinking about my sons and a visit I had received Sat, from my oldest and youngest sons.
The youngest seemed very distant and consumed by something. I ask what was up and got the usual,"It's nothing". Being the persistent Cranberries that I am, I finally got him talking about his recent past. I knew he had gone to AZ. for a few days but I didn't know what for. Come to find out, he had gone to test for the Air Force Para rescue Jumpers. I knew he hasn't been happy with his desk job in the Air National Guard. He has always been physically active, so I knew he was going to hate a desk job but what do parents know right?
Anyway, I finally got him to tell me a little about the PJ test. Very intense. He learned that you can not breath through your mouth when your diving mask is full of water. At least not until all the water in the mask has syphoned out by way of your nostrils first. Provided that you are allowed to surface to look for air. I'm very proud of my son for completing the test whether he decides to join the pj's or not. But what I snapped to while I was in the bean patch is the mental stress that those in the military must deal with. My son had made the comment that, "The hardest part was continuing the test knowing that he could quit at anytime that he wanted to." His dilemma now is deciding to sign up for 6 years in the PJ or pursue an officers position with the Air National Guard. He is torn between doing what would serve his country and bring him self gratification or what would be a smart career move. Those of you who serve and especially those who have seen battle didn't quit. The things you have seen and been through changed you forever. Although my son's experience was not life threatening, it made me realise how really mentally tough those who serve must be.
 
To those of you that have served, are serving or will serve. Thank you for sticking with it. Thank you for the sacrifices and life changing experiences you went through or may go through. It's brave fearless people like you who keep freedom for folks like myself.

God Bless you all! 

[VTXLady53]

Thank you Dusty...........

Some of us forget the reason we have this Holiday........me included. I remember but minutes and seconds of the day pass I forget the reason.

I want to Stand Up and tell everyone that has and serving right now in any Military branch...

Thank You for your time and Thank your Family for having to share you.

[bIgPrO]

Thanks....

[TomVTX]

Thanks Dusty,

The men and women that are and have been in the military - THEY are the reason we can call ourselves AMERICANS in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

[VTreX]

++++++++++  Tell your son thanks from our house!!!!!

[RedDragon]

++++++++++  Tell your son thanks from our house!!!!!

+1 

[JGomez55]

Thanks... and salute to all who are active in todays armed forces.....

 

[Dusty]

++++++++++  Tell your son thanks from our house!!!!!

Thanks Kenny, but he knows who and where the heros are.
He's in contract managment. I told him I would kick his butt if I heard of any $200 hammers being bought. 
His trouble is that he wants to jump in and be a part of the fight but logic is telling him to secure a career. I just hope he is able to live with whatever decision he makes. I know I regret not serving.

[RSWhite]

Never served.  My GrandFather was in the Army, his brother KIA in WWII also in the Army.
My much younger brother is now serving in the Army in Iraq.  I think of him daily.  I will
always have the utmost respect and appreciation for those who serve so that me and my
family can live free.  Keep up the good work, God Bless you and Thank you.

 

[Raydar]

Just this once, I will say "you're welcome".  I served in the navy during Vietnam.  It was my honor to serve you and the rest of the nation.

Raydar

[RSWhite]

Raydar, especially you...  I was too young at the time but you guys
got the shaft upon your return... not a bright moment in our history.
Saw a documentary on the "Wall" last night...  it was very moving.  I've
seen it in person.  You can't walk away unchanged.