Happy 4th guys

Here's hoping that all of you had a happy and safe fourth. Let's all take a moment to remember that our freedom was and still is provided by those who are willing to take up the task to serve and make sure that our way of life and freedoms are maintained. to all my brothers and sisters who have served and are currently serving our nation, my hat is off to you and thanks you. I felt the call early on hearing grandfather talk about being in the 82nd Airborne but never about his time in WWII. As i grew older I came to understand why he did not want to relive those days.

Once I joined I decided to follow in his footsteps and after serving in an aviation unit, because helicopters are just cool, I went to jump school at Ft Bragg (82nd), Then to Air Assault School at Ft Campbell (101st), and finally to Rangers Selection School at Ft Benning. I remember him being very proud of me and that made all the hard work and sacrifice, I was married at the time so lots of time away from home, all worthwhile.

Upon looking at the state of the country and its divisiveness I'm starting to think that the countries that have mandatory military service may be on to something. I know that I would not be the person I am today without the service I undertook. It has given me qualities that you just dont get normally. These qualities have aided me in my professional and personal life more than i can say. The least of these being punctuality, the ability to work effectively in a team setting, the ability to focus, and leadership. My time has also instilled in me the ability to accept others for whom they are regardless of their skin color, religious beliefs, or whom the chose to love, to be kind when it's needed and to come to the aid of another, to always strive to do what's right regardless of any potential detriment to myself.

Again to all those currently serving, all those who have chosen to serve in the past, and everyone else, here's to you. Hooah! and I hope you had a Happy and Safe 4th.