Being a veteran to me isn’t just something that I’ve earned through being part of the United States Army – no, it’s been something I feel like I’ve earned through the hard work and dedication to my country, my unit, and my family. Sometimes it was hard to realize the importance of how being a veteran mattered to most people. When I heard people telling me “thanks for your service”, I always appreciated it, but I’ve never taken it this seriously until now. All the early wake-up calls, the no breakfasts I’ve had due to no time, all the ass-chewings over the smallest things that really weren’t a big deal, and spending more time looking more presentable than anything or anyone else just to conduct regular business on a regular day. All the constant training has been a huge pain in the ass as well. I sit back though, and I think about all these things, and I finally realize that only 2 percent of the American population do what I do every day. Hearing that “thank you” makes me feel recognized out of those two percent. It reminds me of all the Veteran hospitals and homes I went to and spent time with all our Veterans from World War II, and Vietnam, and how I cried once I realized that I was the only family they had. One day, it’ll probably be me, and I’m so thankful that people care about our early wake-ups, no breakfasts, ass-chewings, and galore. In the same sense, I look around me, and see my brothers and sisters and all the things they’ve done for us. It’s not just me, it’s the cook right across from my company, or the guy who washed all my clothes in basic training, or those crazy group of guys I saw walking down the road in full battle-rattle at 0620 in the morning at 43 degrees. I appreciate the recognition as just someone who has served our country even if it may never add up to some of our veterans. I am thankful to have been included as a great hero next to them. Thank you, for all of you who served, or are serving our forces, and I hope you all have a great Veteran’s Day. Please don’t forget to visit the Veteran’s Home and show your appreciation by becoming part of a Veteran’s family, it’ll change your life.