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Our Country Called |
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I am a veteran. It's as simple as that. I served in both the U.S. Army Reserves from June 1986 to November 1988; and in the Regular Army from November 1988 to April 1992. I worked as a medic (91A) and as a Fuel and Electrical Systems Repair Specialist (63G). I am a Persian Gulf War veteran as well. I served with the 3 Bn, 43d Air Defense Artillery (Patriot), 11th ADA Brigade. I am one of about 700 soldiers, out of the 550,000 deployed to Saudi Arabia, who can wear the 11th ADA patch on the right shoulder. For me -- that's a mark of distinction and pride. Military service a family tradition. My paternal grandfather served in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps during WWII. Among other places, he was stationed in Panama and Virginia. My father served in the U.S. Air Force from the time he was commissioned in 1967 until 1976. He served both on Active Duty, and in the Washington State National Guard. Other family members who served our country include a great uncle -- Daniel Wright (USAF); uncles Jim Batelaan (USN) and Robert Smith (USA); my cousin, Roy Smith (USN) and my brother, Daniel Reed, Jr. (USA). I think if I looked hard enough -- I could find at least one family member in each of the Armed Forces. My earliest distinct memory is from time spent on a military installation (Elmendorf AFB, Alaska). There are abundant other childhood memories of time spent with the military. Although I didn't realize it until I was 17, I was destined to join my forefathers in the support and defense of one of the youngest, yet the most powerful, nations on earth. It's in my blood, and in my soul. Now I'm a veteran of another sort -- I am a military spouse. No -- we aren't paid to serve; but we are on active duty just the same. It's a love of country and the love we have for our spouses that keep us serving -- keep us working together as a team, alongside other spouses and other soldiers, to make and keep this nation strong. Without us -- the soldier has no reason to fight. Without us -- the soldier has no reason to come home. Without us -- the soldier has no country. As the aftermath of one of this great nation's most tragic horrors continues -- please join me in remembering the sacrifice so freely given on our behalf. Think of a loved one -- friend, family member, even your own self -- who has served or is currently serving in the military. Remember the families also -- they fight their own war; and deserve just as much recognition and honor as their soldiers.
If tomorrow all the things
were gone And I'm proud to be an
American From the lakes of Minnesota That I'm proud to be an
American And I'm proud to be an American --Lee Greenwood, God Bless The U.S.A. Women in the
Military
Send mail to sommerdal@dalmania.net
with questions or comments about this web site.
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