Thank You America By Bill Stack Had been in uniform since enlisting at age 17. 8-yrs later, was finishing up the first assignment as a brand new Lieutenant, which began by filling out a will in Germany and deploying in the first Gulf War with the mighty 3rd Armored Division. Came home glad to be alive, got married, and at age 26 was starting to feel like an old man that knew little about the lifestyle he was sworn to defend. 21 years ago this month, while still living overseas, turned in the paperwork to retire from military service, and go find out what living life as an American was all about. Will never forget how wonderful it felt that first year, and still does, to live in freedom. Didn’t make much that first year, starting a business from scratch in a new town, but loved life just the same. We were free to work as much or as little as we chose, free to live wherever we wanted, free to live out our faith, and travel at will. After 21 years of making a go of it, just wanted to pause and say “Thank You, America.” While many say the “American Dream” doesn’t exist anymore, I say nonsense – because we have been living it. And to those of my comrades from the 3rd Armored, and classmates from USMA that have continued to serve – some of whom have recently retired, with others holding out for General “Stars”, I say, “Thank You” to you as well. Our lives have been full and free, due in part to your vigilance. While the 11th of November is Veterans’ Day, and a day set aside to honor veterans, I feel that it is far more appropriate for this veteran to say “Thank You, America” – for helping keep the dream alive for us all…Thank you for giving us something worthwhile to come home to.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 05:08:10 +0000
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