To Thank Those Who Serve in Silence

A truly wonderful video is circulating on facebook these days honoring our war veterans.  I wanted to take a moment to honor a few more of them.  A soldier is a soldier, an airman and airman and leatherneck a leatherneck and so on down the line.  We prefer to be defined by our service, yet no service member serves alone.  They have family members, spouses, children and a support network.

http://www.gaymilitarysignal.com/0809Stout.html

This link will take you to the story of an extraordinary young soldier who like so many others served his country in silence.  I cannot help but wonder what greeted him when he returned home, what greets all who serve in silence.  From experience, I would venture...

No heartfelt reunions with a partner when their ship docked, when their plane landed.  No partner standing by your side at the medal pinning ceremony, the retirement ceremony or even at the funeral with military honors.  No honor to the silent "family" member whose contributions to support our military men and women help get them to the mobility line, lift their spirits, keep them grounded and sane

I think about my fellow military all the time.  I think about those who serve in silence.  I wish them well.