Soldier On

I just watched the latest Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and it was amazing. The team focused on a Marine, Daniel Gilyeat, who had his leg blown off in the war. His wife left him and his 3 daughters and son. So now he is a one-legged single dad. The Extreme Team sent then off to California and destroyed their house.

The best part was when they took down the American and Marine flag (the right way) and replaced it with this behemoth pole and flags. The Marines came out and raised the flags. When Daniel got home the guys who had saved his life were there. As the camera panned over the Marines they had tears streaming down their cheeks. Daniel and the Marine who saved his life bear-hugged each other. You could hear Daniel thanking the young man for not only saving his life but ensuring that his kids had a Dad to grow up with. WOW, I was crying, my wife was crying, that was a cry worthy event.

The other thing that touched me was when the guy in charge of building his home thanked him for serving and keeping him and his family free.

Not much spiritual stuff today. But I do want to bring something up. When you see people, especially older people, with the Vietnam hats and other clothing indicating they were in the military, stop and take the time to say thanks. MANY, MANY of them have never heard that. I promise it will put a smile in your heart and it may be the greatest thing they have ever heard. I try to express my thanks as often as I meet someone who served. Regardless of your politics or your feelings on war, hating the soldier is treason in my book. They put it on the line every day for us to sit here in relative peace and safety, the least we can do is thank them.

I spent 10.5 years active duty Air Force and I am currently in the Florida Air National Guard. I love this country and I love each of her citizens and I would gladly do what it takes to keep her free and my family safe.

Remember- If you can read thank a teacher, if you can read this in English, in a free country, in your new car, while driving to a job of your choosing, while listening to your favorite radio station and complaining about the government with no fear of death, THANK A SOLDIER!