To Jon, thank you. You’ve been a life-long friend, and although your time in the service meant we didn’t talk much, I appreciate you doing it. To Kevin, though I haven’t seen you in many years, thank you. To my dad, thanks. From Navy to Air Force to retired colonel, you kept the gears of the service moving. To Chris L., I appreciate your service. I’ve learned more about the reality of war from you than from anyone else, and I’m richer for knowing what’s on the line. For Ryan, they came to take you away again, and thanks for defending me. Jeremy, good on ya’. Dick, thanks for doing the work nobody else wanted to do and getting your arms elbow-deep in “monkey shit” to keep the machines that keep our soldiers safe working. Brian, though I know your time in the Navy was tumultuous, thanks for going anyway. Jeff, I’ve hardly spoken to you in many years. Your service in the first Gulf War is remembered. Our soldiers would not have survived long without you spending countless hours flying that Hercules.
To everyone that I didn’t name personally, if you have defended our country in the uniformed services, this is your thanks. Have a good Veteran’s Day.