You know how and when you get the urge to randomly say thank you to a soldier, airman, or sailor for service rendered in honor of country…sometimes its just better to let that urge pass. I am not saying don't show your thanks for all they have given and sacrificed, on the contrary…but it is in the manner in which you do, that makes the true difference from a soldiers point of view.
Many veterans, myself included would rather see action, than hear words uttered from individuals hiding behind their own inadequacies and inability to step up to the plate for this country. There is one question that doesn't even warrant a response, and should you ask that question, chances are you will get less than a favorable answer from any soldier. Do us all a favor and avoid asking "What was it like over there" 'cause if you truly wanted that answer…. You would be there yourself. Maybe not fighting the front lines along side them but in one of the many other capacities one can be of service in.
Our servicemen and women are in dire needs 24/7 during and long after a war campaign. Our returning injured and vets are being dealt lower than standard benefits and medical treatment, governmental monies are being splurged on electoral campaigns by the millions while the government is shutting down medical facilities across the nation. The people of the war torn areas as well as service members are in constant need of treatment, supplies, communications, and the list goes on… If you truly want to know what it's like….get off your back-half and volunteer to help alleviate these concerns and issues. Travel to these areas, put yourself in the mix of emotions, battles, and desecrated areas of the war zones.
Extend your hands to the crying child that may or may not have all their limbs, or may or may not have shrapnel burning and tearing their flesh.
Extend your hand to the servicemen and women over there doing what is required to stay alive so they may once again return to the homeland.
Extend your hand to the people in harms way, carry another human on your back in an effort to save or remove them from harms way.
Stand yourself in the pool of blood from a fellow American, and try not to feel the pain, and smell the stench of burning flesh or pooled blood….
Think again before you ask the question "What was it like over there"…. think again before you express thanks mearly out of courtesy or to ease your own conscience.
Do you know what they really want? A simple welcome home….. And somebody that will stand up for them when they return. They want somebody that can say thanks by way of actions… they want somebody that will watch their backs as they did ours when it comes to getting medical benefits, and appropriate help with settling their financial debts that occurred due to sacrificing their jobs and incomes to fight for us. They want a home to return to as they once had before the left. They want and need the people to show byway of actions they are just as committed to their wellbeing as they were for us.
Yes a Thank You is appreciated, but it mearly scratches the surface for most…
I dare suggest that instead of a thank you, you simply just say WELCOME HOME and then thank you.. And then…what can we do for you??????
Just my opinion and thoughts from a veteran….
Grizz, HM3,USN/FMF. 2nd Mar.Div (Ret)