Happy Birthday USMC

As I write this, the birthday has passed but it is still November 10th back home. I have to say that it was an honor to spend a birthday with the USMC in Afghanistan (You can find it on Youtube). No other service puts so much into celebrating who and what they are. The video message produced by the Marine Corps was motivational and, while each of the three cake cutting ceremonies varied slightly each was special and full of motivation and meaning. Most people don't really care about their individual birthdays. I had one out here and let it pass unnoticed. Even most of the sister services don't really mark the day as special when they reach another year in the books. Marines show why Marines are special each day out here, but on November 10th every year regardless of where they are, they remember why they are America's elite service and force in readiness for the President.

I had a great time getting out to see most of the battalion today to wish them a happy birthday and was impressed with the ceremonies. For the families of 1/9 there is a new album on the Facebook page full of photos from today. And for all the veterans out there, Thank You for the proud legacy you have left for those of us who follow you and stand on your shoulders.

On The 11th Day of the 11th Month

I think this photo from the WWII memorial sums it up better than I can. A veteran paying respects to his fallen brothers in arms. Thank you to all who have served.

BZ Golden Corral

Last night my parents and I went to the annual military appreciation day hosted by Golden Corral. For those not living in the few states where this restaurant has a presence, all military members past and present get a free meal. It is one of those steak houses with a LARGE buffet. What makes it so amazing is that they give the meals out on the honor system. For us mom paid and dad and I took advantage of the free meal.

The place was packed as you might expect and on first glance it looked like they weren't going to make any kind of money with all the veterans running around eating as much as they wanted. However, last year the company cleared millions of dollars of revenue on that day alone. Now why mention this? It shows that if you are generous, you actually can benefit from that. I am sure there are many of people who bend the truth and say they are veterans for the free meal. Personally, I say go for it. If you need a meal that bad and someone is offering a healthy buffet for free take advantage of it. After all isn't that part of what we stood up to serve for? Plus, they know that most people are going to fess up and pay if they need to, especially based on the amount of revenue they get. Another benefit is there are people collecting donations for the DAV and other charities that benefit wounded veterans. I can't imagine how much they collect on this night as I saw many people dropping money in the buckets.

If you are ever in one of those states where there is a Golden Corral I invite you to take part in this dinner next November. They seat you as you come at tables of 6-8 so you get to meet other service members and have a great discussion at the table. I know I will continue to go back when I am in the area and partake in this annual dinner.

On the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day...

Today marks the 90th anniversary of the treaty of Versailles, ending the war to end all wars or so we hoped. Armistice day was created to commemorate that day and later it became what we know as Veteran's Day. It is really odd for me to actually have to work on that day as I have had to do the last two years after getting it off for every other year of my life, including in school. I never really thought about the day until I had to labor in school on this day. I have never really considered myself a veteran as I didn't see any combat, though there were some stressful and scary days on the boat. I guess that is something I learned from my dad. He never looked for recognition (was a Navy HM), but made sure that others were appreciated. When I think of veteran I think of my grandparents. So today I called them and it made me appreciate what they gave me today. My grandfather no longer knows who I am, nor does he likely remember the Battle of the Bulge (not that he ever talked about it). But his sacrifice over there allows me to live in a country of phenomenal liberty and peaceful transfers of power.

In seminary, they tend to forget those who serve because it can get violent and nasty but I am of the opinion that someone has to get out there and protect the weak and it might as well be me. As for all the others that are out there tonight standing on the wall, on the fireline, in a trench, in a tank, on the midwatch, in a ready room or sleeping getting ready for tomorrow I thank you and I am extremely grateful for writing a check that is payable to the US Government for up to and including your life. I pray it never gets cashed and you get to come back to your family and friends and let someone else take a turn on the pointy end of the spear. For those that have served, job well done.

I didn't get to do what I wanted tonight, watch my favorite episode of Band of Brothers--Why We Fight. I think every American should watch the entire series, but that episode in particular. It shows what we all stand for here and validates why people choose to give up a normal life for the excitement that comes in the military. If you are so moved, donate to a charity for those who served such as the Wounded Warrior Project or the DAV or just tell them thanks.

With the thanks of a grateful nation.