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They do more than serve and protect....

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners

Recently I have been reflecting on the impact that our armed services have had on my personal life and my own financial status throughout my careers.  I wonder who else feels this gratitude towards our military personnel.  Funny, when I was in high school I would never have guessed that Uncle Sam would influence me in so many ways.  But as a full fledged real estate broker with a diverse background; I know very well the impact that those who serve our country have played in both my personal life and amazingly in my careers.

 I have never served a day in the armed forces, but in the 80's, as a young restaurateur I did serve many enlisted personnel (and probably over served a few).  The small restaurant and saloon that I once owned in Columbia, SC was a mecca for graduates from Fort Jackson's rigorous basic training boot camp.  And every few weeks, without fail, a fresh group of privates would find their way downtown and into Wendy Ethel's Restaurant and Saloon where they blissfully deposited much of their hard earned pay into my thriving little business.  The food was pretty good, the beer was ice cold, the waitresses were always cute and real friendly.  But, even when the food is good and the server is memorable, you cannot beat that little boost of revenue brought to you courtesy of a nearby military base. Small businesses, like my own, benefit greatly from the young men and women stationed at nearby Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine bases.

 As a real estate broker in beautiful Beaufort, SC I still continue to reap the fruits of the local military bases.  We have two: Parris Island which is located on Battery Creek just south of town and The Marine Air Corp Station located just north of town on the ICW (that's intra coastal waterway for you inlanders).  Both bases occupy prime real estate as does the Naval Hospital here in Beaufort.  Both bases contribute substantially to the local economy.  Parris Island churns out hundreds of fresh recruits every week.  You can count on their families and friends filling up the hotels and restaurants every Thursday and Friday.  They would never miss the opportunity to proudly watch their sons and daughters graduate into honorable marines, eager to serve their country.

 I know this because I have watched two of my own sons (and now my third son, Ryan) endure the rigors of boot camp (one Navy and one Army and one undecided) to evolve into fine young men cultured by the strictest of all relations, Uncle Sam.  As a realtor and a mom I am cognizant of the role I play in the lives of our local marines and pilots.  I know that the relationship I build with them is important.  I understand their fears, soothe their woes and encourage them to embrace our ever expanding community.  In return, I hope that when my sons need a haven, some advice or just a friendly smile, someone out there is returning the favor.

 "These are the times that try men's souls" someone once said.  And they certainly are... we are at war with a country where roadside bombs and insurgents can alter young lives forever.  Our economy is a train wreck and home equity is rapidly becoming the elusive butterfly of life.  Still, our young men and women of service are encouraged to purchase homes and integrate our communities.  The revenue that enlisted and retired military personnel pump into local businesses is a gift that should not be taken for granted.  My thanks to them is not just for serving and protecting, but for making my quality of life possible.  Thank you! 

 

 

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