Well, tomorrow is Veteran’s Day, and I have had so many things happen this week that have made me even prouder of my service to my country, and those that have served before, with, and after me. And, to add a finer point to it, there are those that have not served at all that have gone out of their way to help our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. Over the last two weeks, those that have not served surprised me in ways I would not have imagined, and confirmed for me just who they are deep down inside.

There is one man, in particular, who I know is not the most outspoken in favor of the current administration. He lives in a world that is very counter to what you would expect. He has had some very trying times, he is strapped financially, and he is mad at the world. He has fallen into a funk that is often times difficult to extricate oneself from - like target fixation, ya know? I have known this man for almost two years. We laugh about all sorts of stupid things and riff on Monty Python skits and stupid movie quotes. And he floored the buh-jeezers outta me when I talked to him early Wednesday morning. He asked me why I looked so tired, and I told him I am trying all kinds of things and staying up late getting folks involved in a donation drive. He asked, “Which one?” I said, Soldiers’ Angels Valour-IT, and I am on Team Air Force.” He says, “Well, duh!” (he knows, ’cause we talk about all kinds of Air Force stuff - he loves all things planes!) Then, here’s the kicker, he says, “Send me the URL, I’ll help.” He turns on his heel and heads back to his desk with a smile on his face.

Thump … like the sonic boom we used to hear from the Blackbird. Thump …

I know he is strapped for cash. I know his life is gonna get even worse very soon. I know not to talk about my political “leanings” or get into subjects that would put us at odds, ’cause, well, we’re friends, and that’s what friends do.

But, he knows the stakes, and he knows that everyone serving right now has volunteered, and he knows that we all need to help one another when the chips are down and there is no way out. And for those fine men and women that request a laptop from the Soldiers’ Angels Valour-IT program, we all need to help them, no matter what it takes.

Thanks again, from me and my family, to all of you on the Valour-IT Air Force Team. In fact, my Dad, who’s old RAF from WWII, he thanks you too!

‘Cause the kindness you show reflects on us all. And in the end, that’s what the US Military is allll about.

God Bless to all those that follow, here:

AND a special blessing to:

• Laurie of Soldiers’ Angels NY - she’s a ROCK!
• Buck of Exile in Portales hangs in there when it gets tough!
• The 7th SOS/ACS of Hurlburt AFB and Max Friedauer
• 3c0×1.net Forum
• KFOX 98.5 with Greg Kihn and Chris Jackson
• KSFO 560 - Lee Rodgers, Melanie Morgan, and Officer Vic!
• All the LinkedInUSAF Members (my colleagues)

They gave and I am very grateful for all your kindness and support!

TAGS: Fix4RSO, Milblog, Miliray, Valour+IT, Soldiers+Angels

This entry was posted on Friday, November 10th, 2006 at 21:57 and is filed under Commitment, Fix4RSO, GreatestGift, Patriotism, SoldiersAngels, USAF, WayPoint. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.