Deanna,

what a thoughtful post to our BRAVE man and women who sacrifice for us each and everyday.

I do not have family in the military, but my dad was a Marine. I have the greatest of respect for all military and their families. I hope we do not have too much discussion on this for the reason that I hope no one has lost their son's daughters, or any family members to war, and HOPE they all come back safe.

HUGS to you, and thanks for being so very thoughtful

Diane

My Jim was a Vietnam Vet-not the most popular war ever fought. While he was there he was sprayed with Agent Orange and that is what killed him at the age of 60. He not only served in Vietnam but he served in the National Guard for 23 years. He loved his country. In my book he was a hero. Hugs, Chris

My husband Joe was also a Vietnam vet. He died at 62 due to agent orange exposure which resulted in prostate cancer, bone cancer and two years of physical pain. My heart goes out to the new veterans who have sustained such awful injuries in this new version of warfare. My heart also goes out to you family members who have dealt with all these sacrifices and losses in your families. I don't have words that are able to express my feeling for you. I hope you know we care. Peace. Darleen

I have the utmost respect for all people who served in the Armed Forces. As was mentioned above, I especially have a tender spot for the Viet Nam vets, as they suffered in so many ways and were denied the respect and honor that they deserved. That is a blight on our American history. Thank you to all members and their families in our armed forces!!!

Thank you for praying for our troops. My son Keith is serving with 111th Army in Afghanistan. It has been so hard him there with his Dad not here. But we are just trusting he will return safe home to the family. The baby I am holding in my profile picture is his son and my grandson Shannon. He just turned year old.

Cie

I used to play World of WARcraft, does that count?

My Joe was in the Army close to the end of the VietNam war, but, thankfully, for me and the kids, he didn't have to go over there. He was staioned here in the USA. His brother served in Vietnam and is the one who died last August. He also suffered from agent orange and had a lot of problems from it. Joe's oldest brother was also in the Army and then served in the National Guard for 20+ yrs. Another brother, the one just older than Joe, was a Marine during the Vietnam era. He was headed to Vietnam when it was discovered that he had a brother there already and they wouldn't let him go then.
I have a nephew-in-law (married to my niece), who has been to Afghanistan 3 times, I think. He is stateside now and they are expecting their little boy in May. We are all excited about this baby. They tried for 3 yrs before getting pregnant, and she is doing great! She is naming him after her daddy, my brother, who died in 2009.

I am also proud to be an American. Just wish all our troops could be safe and come home soon. That's not very likely though. My church keeps the troops on our weekly prayer list.

God has blessed America, but, as a nation we seem to be letting Him down by not putting HIM first and foremost.
Joely

Clegee-I will pray for your son's safe return. He too is a hero. Hugs, Chris

A nephew, a Marine, was killed in Afghanistan less than a year ago--his 3rd deployment. He left a wife with two children and one on the way. That son was born a couple of months ago, and it is sad to think that he will have never had the opportunity to know his father.

My grandson is a Marine who anticipates deployment in the future. TJ

YJ and Ceigee,

Sending out my very best thoughts and HOPES that they make it back safe and sound.

And TJ so sorry for the loss of your nephew and for what his wife and children have to feel. How i wish they didn't

ciegee, shannon is BEAUTIFUL!!! Bet neither of you can WAIT to see Daddy!!! :-) fingers toes, and anything else I can cross is already done.

HUGS Diane

My first husband was lost in Vietnam

My brother did three tours of Vietnam, has PTSD - fought for his benefits to no avail...

Now we have more vets coming home with worse PTSD - Emotional scars after going into combat 5 times - And worse brain injuries, all of it....I pray our country does not push them aside like they have the last wars vets.

I write my legislators all the time on this subject...

My Dad was a career military man and retired from there. I grew up in Army. We did get to go where Dad went except when he served in war time. Before I was born but Moms aid it was so hard during war. I now know what she meant. Harder when it is war time. Thanks to all for adding him to prayers.
TJ so sorry for your loss with your nephew.
I will keep your grandson in my prayers as I do all who serve for our country.
I agree Vietnam Vets were treated horrible. Two of my brothers served then and both have died from cancer. We were told most likely from their Vietnam days.
Cie