Let Them Say Thank You!

Every year on social media, the memes come out that say something to the idea of: Here we go again, people confusing Memorial Day and Veteran's Day.

Those stupid little memes actually bug me more than people sending me a message on FB or on my phone thanking me for my service, and here's why:

1) I deployed twice to a combat zone.  I very well could be mourned on Memorial Day and not here to say I appreciate the thought, or thank you for your support.

2) I feel that if they are thanking me for my service on Memorial Day, or any day for that matter, they realize the sacrifice that I could have made and did make.

3) I know that at any time that I could be called to go into combat again, and I am quite willing to go, and to know that I may not come home the next time.

4) When private civilians tell you thank you, it's not that they are ignorant and can't tell the difference between the two Holidays, they are aware of the sacrifice that service members make, and are willing to make.

When someone is telling you "Thank you for your service." turn to them and simply reply "Thank you for your support."  Be humble.  Don't be an arrogant fool and reply, "Well, this Holiday isn't for me, it's for my fallen brothers and sisters."  They already know that.  You, as an active duty service member, Veteran, or Reservist signed up to defend this country that we love.  And you, very well, could at any time make THAT sacrifice.

And before I go, I just want to say this: Remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Say a toast, prayer, or have a drink for them.  Remember them in your own way.

And remember that if someone tells you "Thank you for your service." just remain humble, and 'forward' that "Thank you" to your friends that never came back home.

No Support for Vets....Wait.....What?

Yes, you read the title right.....there is surprisingly little support for Veterans of North Carolina.

A lot of you reading this probably think that Veterans aren't special, that they don't deserve special treatment, and you know what....I'm not going to stop you from thinking that way.  Some may think that Veterans are ungrateful, and want something for nothing, and again, I'm not going to stop you from thinking that way.

But, what I am going to do is say this:  Did you join any branch of the military?  Have you ever left your family behind to fight a war that most American's didn't understand, and possibly never come home again?  Have you ever have a job that took a toll on you not only mentally, but physically as well so that when you were done with your 4, 8, 12, or 20 years, you physically can not run, or lift your children, or have to get someone to move heavy objects for you while you stand by and watch?

I know, I know, you naysayers are thinking that I didn't have to choose this life.....but do you know what?  I did.  And so did less than 1% of all Americans.....we chose this life (especially after the draft was discontinued in the 70's) to serve our country.  That is a very small percentage of the American population to serve this country.  And many of you may think that we don't deserve what little bit of recognition, or thanks, or whatever that we may get from time to time.  You naysayers that sit behind your computer screens call out Veterans for asking for what: a small discount on a meal, compensation for injuries that will never go away, a tax break because the money that we could make if we were 100% healthy, we will never make because the military broke us.

You naysayers believe that all that we do is sit at home and collect a disability check and ask for handouts...and so what if we do!  Don't we deserve it....of all people?

I didn't joined the military so that I can ask for handouts when I leave the military.  I didn't join because I think I'm more special and want something for nothing.  I didn't join so that I can go through red tape to get what little compensation for the injuries that I sustained.  (No Veteran should have to go through the ringer to get what little benefits that the country offers us, but we do.)  And I definitely didn't join so that I can leave after 12 years with a long list of injuries that may never heal.

I joined because it is a job.  I joined because it gave me the opportunity to travel the world.  I joined for the education benefits because I came from a poor family and wanted to go to college.  But most of all,  I joined because I wanted to serve.....and to serve selflessly.  I wanted to be a bigger part of something great.  I joined during a war....not with the expectation of never going to war, but because it was something that I wanted to do, and it was something that I prayed about doing before jumping in with both feet.

Will I have to go through mountains of paperwork and red tape to get the benefits that I earned?  Yes, and I will happily do it!  Many of my friends do it daily, and will do it for the rest of our lives.  And we don't do it for the pats on the back, or the "Thank you's."  We do it because we served selflessly.  We got out from behind our computers, left our families behind to do whatever we had to do in not only one, or both conflicts (since 2004), and we did what most of you wouldn't do.  If you asked any of us if we would do it again, most of us (probably about 90%) would do it all again.

So, yes North Carolina, I think I do deserve a much better benefit than a lifetime hunting and fishing license.  But so do my friends who served with me. We don't want much.  We aren't asking for much. But you, North Carolina can do better.

Until later,  thank a Vet and God Bless.

About the Blogger

Hi!  I'm Melissa.  I'm the blogger.  I'm also a wife, mother, college student and Soldier.  (Well, soon to be Vet, but right now, I still wear the uniform and serve proudly.)

I enjoy writing.  It's a hobby of mine.  Other hobbies include baking, making my house a home for my boys, and well, just telling it like it is.

So, to help you make up your mind about whether you want to read my blog or not, let me tell you where I stand on a few hot topics:

1)  I am pro 2nd Amendment!  I believe that the right to bear arms means just that, the right to bear arms.  I should be able to go into a store and purchase any type of gun that I can afford.  The 2nd Amendment doesn't say the right to carry pistols, and rifles only when you are hunting.  If I want to collect all sorts of weapons, then I will.

2)  I am Pro-Life!  Abortion is not birth control.  Here's an idea:  Just don't have sex.  Or if you must, then get on some sort of birth control.  If you can't remember to take a pill every day, then get a shot every three months, or try one of the other popular options.  Abortion should not be your form of birth control! Take responsibility for your own actions.

3) I hate politics.  I do not like anything about politics.  The system is corrupt.  I do believe in making my vote count though, and I do believe in voting for the person that is going to fight to keep what I believe in.  And if you think I'm gonna throw a vote Clinton's way, you are wrong!  That lying bag of bones will never get my vote.  I don't need to say anything more about that.

4) I am a God-fearing Christian.  I believe in the Bible, that Jesus walked the earth and performed miracles.  I believe that he was sent here to save us.

There are 4 reasons for your to either read, or not read my blog.  Just keep in mind, I'm keeping it real.  Feel free to comment, share, or debate any issues.

Until later.....God Bless and have a great day!