What is a Vet?

vet·er·an (vtr-n, vtrn)
n.
1. A person who is long experienced or practiced in an activity or capacity: a veteran of political campaigns.
2. A person who has served in the armed forces
3. An old soldier who has seen long service.

This is the definition from the Free Dictionary for a veteran. It is commonly accepted that when reference is given to the word veteran, it is in the pretext of a military person. However, I have a little different twist on what a veteran is. Let's say a personal twist.

I am a vet. I am a person that has put on the uniform and took an oath to protect the Constitution of the United States from all enemies foreign and domestic. A person who accepted his voluntary service with honor and pride, and for the better part would do it again if called upon. I have got up at 3 and 4 o'clock in the morning, gotten dressed and drove on post to be there in time for the morning formation and roll call, this all before the sun comes up. I have left my friends and family behind and moved, at Uncle Sam's call, to some foreign land or country as part of my service. Willing at all times to take up arms to protect the things and people that are dear to me and my way of life.

Putting aside all the emotions of political parties. Standing side by side with people from different races, creeds and color and yes different political backgrounds. Calling this person my brother or sister in arms in the defense of this great nation of ours. Willing to give my life to save another, and willing to do whatever it takes to keep us free from dictators and countries that wish to do us harm.

I have since taken off the uniform that I wore so proudly. I have put on much more weight than I had ever dreamed of putting on and my hair is getting a little thin on top. There is snow on the roof but still a flame in the fireplace. I have watched my family grow and move on with their own lives. Each respecting the things that they have and the freedoms that they are alotted, and how they got them. My life has slowed down, as it does with age. But the mind is still sharp and can easily recognize the threat of danger when it rears its ugly head. When at a football game, and the National Anthem is being played, a tear of respect for what it stands for still comes to my eyes. I hold myself erect and push out my chest with pride. For the words "land of the free and the home of the brave" still have an everlasting meaning to me. One that some do not understand because they have not bore the burden of protecting this great nation and the free people within.

I get a little rumbling inside of me when I hear someone talking bad about my country, especially when this person hasn't had to put their life on the line to protect his right to say what he is saying. I become very upset when I see pictures of Americans burning the flag that I swore allegience to as a child and in uniform. But again, I wore the uniform so that they could have that right. I have watched protestors march in the streets calling my fellow service members murderers and other vial names. Yet with each incident I hold my head up that much higher. For if it weren't for me and others like me, present and past, they wouldn't be able to say what they are saying without fear of being arrested or killed. Sometimes, yes sometimes I wonder if it was all worth it. Was it worth the sacrifice of leaving my family for extended periods of time? Was it worth it to be called names and even spit upon by those that didn't know anything about me? Was it worth all the pain and fear that I faced in numerous positions, that others only see in the movies?

Your damn right it was. For I have done what only a few chosen have been able to do, comparatively speaking of course. I have served proudly one of the greatest nations in the world. Promoting freedom and democracy wherever I went. What makes it even more worth the while, is when a complete stranger comes up to me and says thank you for your service to this country, telling me I and others like me have done so much to make this country strong. When I sit back and think of the company that I am in. Greats like George Washington, General Grant, General Lee, Gen. Patton, Gen Bradley, Audie Murphy, the flag raisers on Iwo Jima, Gen. Powell, my father, and the names go on and on. But even more than that, the guys and ladies that I served with. There is a group that can only be exceeded by those that are serving today. For they are now Veterans. They too are members of an elite group or society.

So my friend, when you see "Old Glory" waving high on the flag pole, or in a parade, or in a funeral. Hold your head high. Be not ashamed to shed a tear for a fallen hero. Be not ashamed to show your pride for what you have done and others are doing in the uniform. They have earned the respect and deserve that high pedestal that they are placed upon by those of us who have been there and know. Yes my friend, that is my definition of a veteran. Regardless of which uniform they have worn or are wearing. Regardless of their walk of life they have taken.