The suggestion that I made to GatorCane was to tell him that most of the Soldiers I know would take offence to what he said. A lot of them would get really pissed off, maybe enough that things would turn physical. Would I? maybe in my younger days. I could even say I probably would have, but I'm 43 years old, I'm 4 years from retirement and I wouldn't let something like that ruin my chance to ride off peacefully in the sunset.

To say that I made a threat to him, well, is just down right stupid. It was a friendly warning, and its easy to see.

Now, as for the comments he made about Soldiers that throw their service up in other peoples face don't deserve to wear the uniform at all. How dare anyone make any such statement. I (we) have earned the right to do so if I (we) so desire. No one will take that away from me.

I have destroyed my body while serving this nation. Both knees are shot, as is an ankle, both rotator cuffs torn, shattered pelvis and I will have to have two vertebrae fused when I return home. I have watched my kids sob when I leave and listen to my wife of 20 years choke back the tears when its time to end phone calls. I can't count how many holidays and anniversies I have spent away from my family.

I have said many times that one thing I can't stand is the "I support the troops" crap. I call horse sh!t. 80% of the people do not. Most just wave their flags and put the 'ol yellow ribbon around the oak tree when it's cool to do so, yet it fades faster than it starts. Don't believe me? Look at the board. When was the last time you saw a thread on Afghanistan? Holy #badword#, Iraq was such a hot topic, right? No, Iraq wasn't, but the lack of body armor, up armored vehicles, the cost of the war, ect was a hot topic. Even Afghanistan has lost almost all coverage, and it was the just war in the vast majorities eyes. So, tell me exactly how some people "supports the #badword#ing troops". I say that the troops that most say they support are used as political tools.

A lot of people want to take OUR voice away; discredit what WE have accomplished. Erase what WE have accomplished because it doesn't align with their political views. I will not do it. I will not shut my mouth because it makes someone else uncomfortable.

Not everyone chose to live this life, and that is perfectly fine with me. I've always said that it takes a special kind of stupid to do it in the first place. The job isn't always unicorns and glitter, but it can be extremely rewarding. I can't even begin to explain it, you just have to do it to understand. The money sucks, the hours are horrible and your body is usually broken if you make it to retirement. With that said, words can't express the look on your wife and kids face when the fabled 'reunion' occurs, and there isn't a feeling that can match the one you get when your 17 year old tells you he wants you to take him to the recruiters office to make sure he gets to be an airborne infantrymen just like you....because of you.

Tell me that I'm not worthy of the uniform because I'm proud enough of my service to say I'm in the Army; that I have experiences you don't, and I will tell you to kiss my ass every time. I have earned that right, and I will not let anyone take it away from me nor any other veteran.

Yes, I am writing this in anger. I am writing this as I sit in my room on a tiny combat outpost in Afghanistan, faced with the reality of yet ANOTHER missed Christmas with my family, just after being told that I don't #badword#ing deserve to wear the uniform I currently have on. Thanks for shatting upon me.

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Saying thank you seems so little. What you are doing right now and where you are is that which most of us have no comprehension of, despite any statements that declare otherwise. I am sorry that you have disappeared from the media because of Politics. You deserve better. Just know that despite that, and any small voices that get under your skin here or elsewhere that most of us humbly sit in the comfort of our homes and feel gratitude that is immeasurable. Stay safe.