All soldiers who served in the Armed Forces are veterans.
But not all veterans served in the Armed Forces.
You see, a veteran is someone who has a lot of service time in a particular discipline, which does not have to include military experience.
I believe that we are all veterans with a specialized skill and dedication to our Commander-In-Chief: ourselves.
We are all soldiers.
We have fought in battles and wars on the front lines of our lives.
I fought against and defeated medical hardship.
What about the spouse of a state trooper? Does the partner bury the gruesome horror stories of the job in alcohol? Does their marriage become a casualty of war?
What about a family left behind when a mother loses her battle against cancer?
Or a wife who must bury her husband and son after a tragic accident?
Or 4 girls left without parents when their father died unexpectedly, and a year later they lost their mother to cancer?
Does an anniversary date (around the holidays) of a fatal auto accident silently haunt a loved one who was left behind?
Does the first holiday season without a family member crush a family’s spirit?
Are these not soldiers who fight everyday?
You have undoubtedly struggled or are currently in a battle with an enemy who wants to destroy you.
I feel your pain. I also have many scars as reminders of the battles I have fought.
You are not alone!
There are millions of veterans who wage war every day against an enemy they can’t see or touch, and their enemy is strong!
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, it will not be a happy day for everyone.
Please, I ask you to take a moment and Give Thanks to a fellow soldier. Today (it’s never too early to be grateful), I thank all veterans for your service.
I salute you, soldier, for fighting the good fight.
If you are reading this, you are living another day! Your service to yourself is worthy of a Medal of Honor.
I give thanks to you and want to let you know that I will always be your brother-in-arms, if you need me.
SEMPER GRATUS! (Always Thankful)
Be Kind. Be Thankful. Be Significant.
