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Freedom Is Not Free

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Gallery
A Veteran...is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America” for an amount of “up to and including my life...”
     Author Unknown


This week is
National Veteran's Awareness Week and Tuesday is Veteran's Day. Originally intended to celebrate the signing of the Armistice ending World War 1, we now honor the service of all veterans.

I joined the military just after the Vietnam War ended. While it was definitely not a popular thing to do, it was a great experience. The GI Bill paid for my college education and helped me buy my first home. But being in the military back then was a very different world.

Today's military members face multiple, extended deployments resulting in terrible family and financial stress, sometimes even leading to home foreclosures. Leaders are just beginning to address the serious emotional toll this extended war is taking on the warriors.

One thing that has changed from the Vietnam days, thankfully, is support for the troops. Whether or not people support the war, American citizens do support the troops this time around.

If you are a veteran, thank you for your service to your country. If you know a veteran, please express your gratitude for their sacrifice. And by the way, if you know any Marines, wish them "Happy Birthday" on November 10th.

Comments (8)

Tim Mancuso
Independent Coach, Trainer & Consultant - Gilbert, AZ
Elite Sales Coach - GROW SMART

Thank you Debra for this post - it is IMPERATIVE that we remember this and Thank our Vets. Every day of course but especially on this day of awareness.

Thanks for spreading the word!

-Tim Mancuso

Nov 09, 2008 12:28 PM
ama hender
Lone Tree, CO

Thank you for posting! My father is a vietnam vet and my grandfather was a POW in WWII.  They appreciate the honor.

Nov 09, 2008 12:40 PM
Valerie Springer
Benchmark Mortgage nmls 2143 - Birmingham, AL
Home Loan Officer AL, FHA, VA, Conventional and Re

Yes, we would remember all of our veterans.  Our pastor recognized all who have served in any capacity in our service this morning.  That is very little compared to the sacrifices they made for us!  Remember to just say thank you for all you do and call all veterans you know personally to let them know they are remembered!

Nov 09, 2008 12:51 PM
Cindy Leiterman
Resource One Realty, LLC - Green Bay, WI
Green Bay, WI

My nephew is thinking of joining the Air Force.  My family couldn't be more proud of him.

Thank you for your post and take care.

Nov 09, 2008 12:56 PM
John Walters
Frank Rubi Real Estate - Slidell, LA
Licensed in Louisiana

I really don't think thsi country cares much about it's veterans.  I think they are so spoiled.

Nov 09, 2008 01:15 PM
Debra Drummond
RE/MAX Gallery - Plymouth, MI
MichiganMoves Real Estate in SE Michigan

Tim - Thanks for stopping by, and please help spread the word

Amanda - Please convey my thanks to your father and grandfather for their service.

Valerie - I agree, if you have any former clients who served, it's a great idea to call them and thank them for their service

Cindy - Thanks for stopping by and my best wishes your nephew, whatever he decides.

John - I agree that the average citizen doesn't really realize the sacrifices military personnel make. Once you sign on the dotted line, Uncle Sam owns you 24-7.

Nov 09, 2008 02:32 PM
Kerry Smyth
Newcomers Welcome Service - Ann Arbor, MI

I heard a story on the radio last week about a family in California who was in serious risk of losing their home. The husband had not been able to find a job since he returned from military service and the wife's position had been cut back.  He was going to reenlist to save their home.  We need to find a way to support our vets when they come home.  I am with you, whether you agree with this war or not is immaterial.  These people risked their lives for us!  My thanks to each of them.

Nov 10, 2008 01:03 AM
Vince Divarco
DUCTZ of Greater Tucson and Oro Valley - Tucson, AZ
DUCTZ Air Duct Cleaning of Tucson & Green Valley

Thanks for the great (and timely...) post.  We vets do know we are appreciated, and my family reminds me every day!

Vince - DUCTZ

Nov 10, 2008 03:20 PM