Thank You.

I saw a definition of veteran once, as such:  A veteran is someone who at one point wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America, with the understanding that it might be cashed at any time, for an amount up to and including his life.

Kind of makes anything I've ever done in my life pale in comparison.  It's not just today, of course, but Veteran's Day gives me an official chance to say thank you to those who have sacrificed so much, so that the rest of us don't have to sacrifice at all.  Those people are the heroes.  Not the firefighter who rescues a puppy from a burning house.  Not a pro basketball star who buys a mansion for his momma.  Not the Boy Scout who helps a little old lady across the street.  Admirable, but not heroes.

So, thank you to all of you who have taken chances, taken lives, taken bullets, taken whatever came your way in the interest of service to our nation.  May you feel appreciated today and every day.

And a special thank you to the veteran closest to my heart. I love you so much and I deeply admire you for everything you've been through.  You are my Hero and I couldn't be more proud to be your wife.