For those who have served or are serving...

[MyMistress86R]

I want you all to know how very much I appreciate, respect and admire your service.

I spent 12 years in the Army Reserve from 1990 to 2002 and have recently re-enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard at the age of 36. With going on 13 years worth of service under my belt, I would like to make absolutely sure that every single one of our serving members understands just how much their commitment means to me.

During my AR stint, I was as proud as a peacock every single time I donned my uniform and nothing has changed now that I am OANG. My time in the reserve was always regarded by those close to me as 'playing' soldier and not taken as a serious commitment. I'm running into the same scenario by those close to me now that I am in the OANG. It hurts to commit 6 years or more of ones life to the safety and security of ones beloved country, only to have it taken as barely more than a part time job.

Active duty, reserves, national guard...it really doesn't matter...we ALL made the commitment to wear the uniform and serve the need. Just because a person might only wear the garb one weekend a month does NOT mean their heart isn't American Camo every minute of their life.

Praise be to EVERY SINGLE MEMBER of our great Armed Forces! Hold your head up high and revel in the pride that is in your heart for serving in the greatest military ever created no matter whether its every day or only every few. You are our freedom and independence. I believe in you and trust you with my life.

God be with us all...

[harryredtrike]

dont sell yourself short,no matter which branch or unit you serve with, remember you are part of the 1% that steps up to defend our way of life.ours is the greatest military in world history,and it is all volunteer.

[yooperman]

Amen man!! i agree with you there i am going on almost 3 1/2 years now and deployed right now to iraq. It takes a strong person to join or attempt to because even though its a one weekend a month, and two weeks a summer. Pretty much since i joined that hasn't been true, every thing has been getting extended.But what cracks me up is when you talk to people tell them your reserves or national gaurd, they "oh they never get deployed!!!!" ha ha ha boy are they wrong. these branches are getting deployed the same amount if not more then active duty branches. even though its the reserves or national gaurd we are still giving up more then most people will in there life time! so thumbs up to you MyMistress86R fellow battle buddy.

[hinddee29]

I know what you mean. I used to be one of them making fun of the part timers while on active duty. Wasn't untill after 9/11 and I signed up for the guard and I had a wake up call. They said, "We train to military standards" well these guys were insane. What we did in a weekend would of taken at least of week on active duty. The days of the part timers not doing anything are over and have been for many years now. Now if you look I think more part times have been called up for active duty than the full timers. Maybe not, but it seems like that to me. I also really miss putting on that uniform...stupid injury..