Pretty sure y'all would cringe in fear at a photo of me lol.
I served in the U.S. Navy from 1987 to 1994 as an Aviation Electricians Mate. Made it to E-4,( third class petty officer), I was stationed at NAS Whibey Is. in 2 EA-6B squadrons, one sea duty the other shore. Both assignments were line maintenance.
Six months and 160lbs lighter I joined the Washinton state Army National Guard were I figured out I was a worse soldier than I was a sailor. Turned my uniforms, ID cards in and walked away from anything military for nearly 20yrs. I was ashamed, embarrassed, and afraid to say I served. Desert Storm was my action and I truly didn't feel like I did anything special.
Today after all these years I have found myself, joined a club of vets who showed me that whether your peeling spuds or taking live fire EVERY job is important to the mission. I have ABSOLUTE respect for my brothers in arms and hope that I can make the next guy who may feel as I do (did) feel proud of his, or hers service.
Sorry it is a long dialouge and in closing I want to thank those brave men and women from Viet Nam era who tolerated so much pain and swore that no veteren would ever be treated that way again. Thank you. It is an honor and a PRIVILEGE to call you all Brother.