As we enter the Thanksgiving Season, I seek to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of our military men and women. Included among the veterans honored this week by a Dripping Springs middle school sat our own family veterans: Lane (Coast Guard), Jordy (Army), and Chris (Army from Vietnam).
In addition, all of us celebrated our grandson, Dalton who currently serves in the Air Force in South Korea.
Two days after the middle school ceremony, Chris and I traveled with friends to Killeen, Texas to deliver turkey dinners to military families stationed at Fort Hood. The young faces of those men and women who have sworn to serve our nation touched me. I wondered if families without connections to military personnel recognize the hardships, traumas, and dangers these young people face. Like others, I want individuals serving our country to be respected and paid well for their contributions.
Without a doubt, critical consideration should go to our veterans who live on the streets. All who serve deserve our gratitude and our commitment to helping them improve their lives. The passive endurance of homeless veterans can never be acceptable.
I wish a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone — the rich, the poor, the sick, and the healthy. Those of us who live in this great republic has been given tremendous responsibilities — not entitlements — but fundamental duties. Being aware and appreciative of those who serve represents a simple, yet profound way to give back.