My views, experiences and standing on the military and its members.

How I feel about the military and its members.

Now I am going to say some things in here that some of you won’t agree with.  I am voicing my opinion for the world.  I hope if you don’t agree with me, you can at least respect my opinions.
1.    I support each and every member of our military.  This means every member from the lowly guys scrubbing the deck to the Generals in their offices.  You all have my undying gratitude, support, loyalty and love.
2.    I support each and every veteran.  You have all suffered for the freedoms I enjoy every single day and I will not forget it.
3.    I support the military every day, not just on holidays.  
4.    I was raised to respect the military service members.  I will always stop and talk to you.  I don’t care if you are raising money for your cause or you just sat down to rest your legs.  I will make time for you, the way you made time to support this country.
5.    My father, grandfathers, cousin, etc. have served in the military.  I hope that by the time my son and/or daughter can serve, there is more appreciation and support for the military.
6.    The hardest jobs in the world are service member and service member spouse.  
7.    The benefits and health coverage for our service members, families and veterans is woefully lacking.  How on earth can we not take care of the very men and women who take care of us?
8.    Post-traumatic stress syndrome is real.  These men and women are in fear for their lives in conditions us civilians can’t even begin to fathom for months or years on end.  Our government needs to get over itself and not only acknowledge but treat our troops and veterans for this!  From Ex USMC Recon Staff Sergeant Tom O’Brien says this about his time in Desert Storm, “I can still see the eyes of the people that I have shot and see the brain matter and blood spray after the bullet has entered their body.  I can’t watch a war movie without suffering severe, debilitating flashbacks and nightmares.  I get minimal disability and little to no healthcare.”
9.    To command the military effectively, you need to have SERVED in the military.  Wars are not about pushing buttons.  They are about looking in a man's eyes when you make the decision to kill him.
10.    Any service member injured in the line of duty deserves an award and recognition.

I am sure I can add many more and probably will.

Reviews

[Chad Rogers]

I second this! :) I'm proud of the men and women who make the greatest sacrifice to keep us free and protected.

Thanks for this piece. I was in the Army and was dismissed for mental health reasons and PTSD. Thank you for supporting us and being understanding and empathetic. God bless.

[Dakota]

So many these days have no respect for our military. In fact my husband and I have been on the recieving end of some very terrible comments and insults because we're military. Thank you for this piece!