MyMilitaryMedals.com Blog
Homecoming is not just about Military Ribbons & Medals.
December 23rd 2011 - 10:16 am
I am overcome with emotion when I witness all the military homecoming events, large and small that are displayed by our media. Sometimes it is difficult to continue watching the news, because it seems like it is mostly bad news. As I enjoy my coffee this morning and watch the news on television, and surf the net at the same time, I am enjoying these stories. I just witnessed a surprise set up by a returning soldier that staged a gift from Santa, as she appeared around the corner as the gift that her kids were asking for. Times like this are precious, and although I do not know this female soldier it makes me feel good when we bring our soldiers home for a reunion like this. The best part of this episode was that her husband had one upped her, and staged a surprise for her, and as they strolled through the mall, and entered the main corridor, he had planned a homecoming with the high school band from her high school playing the national anthem. She was shocked at the outpouring of support, and overcome with joy and emotion, and to tell the truth so was I.
It amazes me how we can be so tough and unmovable in many circumstances, but if you are a service member or a veteran; all it takes to choke you up is the playing of the national anthem. It is hard to describe the feeling it gives you when you hear it. For me personally, it brings back fond memories of my military time, and how I miss those days. I will always keep those memories alive, and to me I still have a commitment to this country, to the military, and to my fellow comrades. I can still envision standing in formation as military ribbons and military medals were being awarded to deserving men and women. One the strongest memories that I have, was being a recipient of a military award myself. Throughout my career I did receive numerous military ribbons and medals, but this award was not one of those. The award I remember most was the John L. Levitoe leadership award. I was in leadership school, and I was doing my best to become the leader that the United States Armed Forces needed and had invested in. At this moment in my life I realized that I could be and do all that I wanted to if I dedicated myself to it and did it with honor and integrity. Although I am no longer in the service, that day, and my years of service have provided me the courage and will to always march on, regardless of the circumstances.
So as I witness the homecomings of our soldiers I know the impact that these days will have on them down road. These men and women that have volunteered to fight and defend this country will always be able to hold their heads high, and know that they did their part. As the years go by they will draw strength from their time of service, and they too will always be part of the military family. I would also venture to say that they too will shed a tear or two when they hear the national anthem.
Soldiers and the Holidays
December 22nd 2011 - 11:40 am
To my fellow veterans and to all my brothers and sisters in arms in the armed forces around the world, I wish you a joyous holiday season. I am geographically close to Fort Carson in Colorado Springs Colorado, so my mind has been on the homecoming of these soldiers, but I am excited for all service men and women that are returning to our promised land, and even more so during the holidays. In general it plays a toll on the family of a soldier when they are away, but it is that much harder when they are gone for Christmas. No number of military ribbons can replace the time spent with your family for the holidays. Don’t take me wrong, we do need to extend our thanks and gratitude in a manner that is perpetual, and this is a good reason for having our military medals and military ribbons, but if there was a choose of one or the other, we would all take 5 minutes of time over another military award.
One of the most rewarding and emotional times is when our troops return from deployment. When they blare the tunes of “Proud to be an American”, and the troops march around the corner into view, the tears will flow. There is hardly a dry eye in the hanger, and emotions are freely displayed. I for one get choked up every time, and it only takes the playing of the national anthem to start it off. I love to see a mother with her children at her side looking on proudly as her husband is pinned with the awards that he has surely earned. I may not even personally know the soldier being awarded, but in that moment of time he is my brother. These men and women have risked their lives by just going into a war zone to protect our freedoms. They do this for all of us, yes it is their job, but they proudly take on this job like no other.
It takes a special person to give everything, and expect nothing in return. Being a veteran, I hold a special place in my heart for these brave men and women, and quite frankly I hold them above the rest. Not everyone can be a warrior in the best military in the world, so those that can’t make the cut, support our troops and show some respect. If it weren’t for the dedication of our young men and women in the military you may not even have the freedom to enjoy this holiday season in the manner that we do.
