"Salute"

My now departed Dad served during World War II in the Army Air Corps as a mechanic on P-38 Lightening fighter aircraft, one of the most powerful and beautifully crafted airplanes to ever come off the Lockheed design board. Although he was never assigned to a combat theater, serving the majority of his enlistment at Tinker Air Force in Oklahoma City, he nevertheless performed with distinction his duties in keeping these intricate pieces of equipment ever "flight ready." I am proud of the role he played in defense of our country during the tumultuous years that our country was engaged in fighting back the forces of evil that were bent of placing under the dictatorial control all of Europe and our United States.

I too can claim a small measure of pride for being included among our nation's military veterans, having served during the Viet Nam conflict in the late 60s and early 70s in the United States Air Force as a military policeman (M.P. for short). Like my Father, I was never deployed overseas, but served the bulk of my enlistment at McConnell AF base in Wichita, Kansas. I did receive orders to Viet Nam, but a freak mishap involving an athletic endeavor resulted in those orders being canceled.

Having inherited a great deal of my Father's athletic prowess (He having been drafted by the Red Sox baseball organization as an outfielder and left-handed pitcher prior to his enlistment), I too had a love for sports that carried over into my air force days. As a consequence of being named an All Star in the base's annual fast pitch squadron softball tournament, I was elevated to participate as the lead off hitter and center fielder for the McConnell traveling team, wherein our base would take part in scheduled tournaments with other A.F. bases. Being at that time as "quick as a cat," I believed that any single or double I managed to hit was destined to require that I attempt to take the extra base. I was usually most successful in my arrogance, but on one occasion I tried to stretch a single into a double and was forcefully blocked by the opponent's second baseman with ball in hand. Deciding I had nothing to lose I slid into him in an attempt to dislodge the ball. The only thing I managed to dislodge was some vital components in my right knee. Thus ended my softball playing career and soon thereafter my then current enlistment in the air force. I was given a choice...undergo surgery on my knee by Air force medical personnel, which was clearly indicated to have a less than 100% satisfactory outcome, or accept an honorable/medical discharge and take my chances with a civilian physician specialist. I opted for the latter, which I now know, based on how well my knee healed, was my best option.

I am proud that on such days as today, when all freedom loving American truly recognize and thus honor those individuals who have served and who currently are serving in our armed forces are paid homage for their dedicated service to our nation, that I too can stand to my feet with a true sense of inclusion. Nevertheless, I humbly bow my head and utter a prayer of thanksgiving for all the thousands of men and women who gave unselfishly "their last full measure of devotion" in defense of this great nation. My service was limited. Theirs was beyond the limits of human comprehension...and for these selfless acts or courage and devotion to duty that I stand at full attention, snap a salute, and offer in heartfelt gratitude my sincerest appreciation to each and to the families from which these brave men and women came forth to serve.

"Freedom is never free." The cost born by so many for us all must never be diminished or forgotten.