4th of July. Thank you is not enough. VA kapolei Hawaii

Happy 4th of July. Two days ago I met with a new client that had done a tour in Afghanistan. His specific job was to make sure that his platoon wasn't in harms way of any exploding device. As he checked the safety of the next mission he discovered that there was only one bridge in the surrounding radius. The plan was to cross over. He realized the enemy knew very well the lay out and he calculated that it was to dangerous to cross. After radioing to his CO to abort mission he was met with resistance. His plea became louder and he begged the higher ups to listen. They didn't. He then told the story in graphic detail about how He spent the rest of the day picking up pieces of his fallen comrades as they attempted to cross the bridge against his advice. Two  young men that lost their lives that day were very close to him. As I helplessly listened I was overcome with the urge to hug him and tell him it was going to be alright but who was I, I felt. I wasn't there. In fact I have never served in any branch of service however I do specialize in Military finance as my little tiny way of giving back. Joe told me that he never talks about that day with anyone and didn't understand why he shared with me. He told me there are moments filled with anger. I imagine the anger will last his life however he has a remarkable gift, something inside of him that allows him to forgive as soon as the anger hits.  It made me realize that I am guilty of not doing enough for the brave people of our country. Sure it's great to educate and make sure our veterans get put in the right loans, but it falls way short of any true act of giving back. Right now there is a brave young person that is caught in a bad situation over there. Please take the time to not only remember but to think about them and all they sacrifice on a daily basis. When you see a man or woman in uniform please walk up to them and thank them for all they give. Embrace them as if they were a family member. You may not know or understand their world however, Its ok to hug a stranger... I promise.  Additionally if you would like to do more I recently discovered an organization called amvets which is an organization that provides clothing to our service member's. If you are in Hawaii the local number is 808 779-9283 and the web address is www.amvets.org. Mahalo