Quick note about what it's like to be on the receiving end of "thank you for your service"

(1/10)

since coming home from Iraq, I have been welcomed with warmth, kindness, and appreciation from everyone I've interacted with about my time in uniform -

I will always be grateful for these gestures, big & small

(2/10)

when we landed in Bangor, Maine in April of 2004, several dozen local folks were gathered to applaud us & waive flags even though we touched down early on a weekday

in Colorado Springs hours later, the local McDonald's owner was on the tarmac handing out coupons for a free meal

running a small business, clients were proud to know that they were supporting a Veteran-owned business;

when I interviewed with Kris, Michael, Josh, and Barry in 2015 they all stopped during the interview to say thank you for what I did while deployed

(4/10)

as a nation, we cannot take this feeling for granted - every time I see a Veteran with a Vietnam hat or pin on I think about what it must have been like coming home without this feeling of universal support & of unity

(5 of 10)

but rather to a moment of national insanity - some servicemembers spit on, others had blood thrown at them while in uniform - we owe so much to those who did their duty without thanks - many drafted and who served with honor during a terrible war

(6)

I think about them when someone says "thank you" to me personally, I know that others in my circle carried a greater burden and deserve credit for that - I am fortunate to have brought all of my guys home during a time when so many of us are still binding up the wounds of war

but the most powerful feeling from a "thank you" comes in that connection - and the unity and purpose behind it.

No Veteran served alone, and the reason FOR service is what is missing so much from post-military life

(8)

so thank YOU for reaching out - on behalf of everyone who took the oath to support and defend the Constitution -

most of all we need to pass it up to our brothers & sisters keeping us safe while we sleep at night - they're out there on the front line keeping watch, even now

(9)

finally, to dad, Patrick, Alex, Todd, Luke, Gary, Eric, Bernie, Brooke, Zach, Allen, Chris, Won, and so many, many more friends & great Americans -

thank you and happy Veteran's Day to all who answered the call

(10/10)