Veterans Day

Veterans Day means a lot to me. I really appreciate all that our service men and women do for us and want to say thank you to all of them. It makes me angry to hear people talk about what they do like it means nothing. In today's world, freedom comes with a price and there are those out there who really don't appreciate what they have. They cut down our nation and complain and gripe about how bad things but the truth is we have it pretty good. No we have it great. I have been to other countries and see real poverty and am thankful that God allowed me to be born in this country where we have so much.

Our preacher touched on this subject this past Sunday and I realized that it was true. Those of us who were fortunate enough to be born in this great country need to get on our knees and thank God for allowing us to be here. Then we need to rise up and thank our service men and women for allowing us to remain here and enjoy the freedom that we have. So today I challenge you to go out and find someone who has defended you or is still defending you and thank them for their sacrifices. No not me.

And lets not forget about the families who support our service men and women back home. When I was in the Navy, my wife took care of things at home and I know it was no piece of cake for her. She not only had to take care of things at home but she had to also worry about what was happening to me. She took care of my Daughter like she was her own and I can never thank her enough for that.

Check out my beard. :)



This is me, my Grandmother(Green) and my brother at his boot came graduation. I know Grandma Green was very proud of us.



This is me reenlisting on board the USS Vallejo. In addition to the Vallejo, I also served on the USS Richard B Russell, the USS Von Steuben, The USS Daniel Boone and the USS Kentucky. I did some calculations and I have spent about 8 years of my life actually under water. I guess I am a true "Squid" :)




I remember my retirement day like it was yesterday. I held it on the pier beside the USS Kentucky.I remember being so proud and then a little let down because I was leaving the Navy behind. On the drive in to the base that morning, there were protesters outside the base gate and it really made me angry that they were protesting on my day. They were protesting against me not realizing that I did it for them. In other countries they would be shot for protesting against the government. It was so ironic. Some day they may no longer have the freedom to protest.


Have a great day and thank a service member for it.

Greg

Comments

Thank you Greg for serving our wonderful country. Happy Veterans Day.
Kelly said…
Thank you SO much for serving our country Greg. You are a hero.

But, since my husband is USMA - I must throw in, Go Army - Beat Navy.

But as the commentator always says at the end of the big Army - Navy game, that these men have ended their competition with each other to go united and serve together.

May we all be united.
Scarlet said…
Greg, I had no idea...and I thank you for your story and what you did for our country. The pictures are fantastic!

Love the beard! ;)
Celticspirit said…
I enjoyed reading this post and looking at the pictures.
Thank you Greg for serving our country and being who you are. Have a great week.
Marla said…
Thank you for serving our country! People just don't appreciate the sacrifies that brave men and women make for us!
When I was younger, I used to actually wonder why in the world so many people volunteer their entire lives to the military: most get paid barely enough to survive, you're told where to live, and you don't see your family for ages sometimes. Not to mention how many give their very lives while doing this. Why would so many be willing to sacrifice so much?

Now I understand better, although I don't think I comprehend it all. It's such a deep love for this country and for our freedom that it causes someone like you to look beyound your own personal comforts and sign the dotted line.

Thank you. I could never say it enough.
Becky said…
Thank you Sir for your service.

A target huh? Who's side were you on :-0 ;-)
Lori said…
What a wonderful post today Greg. Thank you for your service to our country (and thank you to your family too.) I love those photos from your Navy days. We owe all our servicemen and women a big debt of gratitude.
Monogram Queen said…
Thank you so much Greg, for your service.

I woke up thinking of my paternal Grandfather "Pa" who served in the Navy during WWII. He was so proud of his military service and I never got tired of hearing about it and looking at pictures and souveniers and such.
Angie said…
Yes, Greg. Thanks so much to you and others for your service and to the families who support and enable our heroes to do so. We appreciate you! Great pics, btw!
Marjie said…
I just wrote about the veteran who most touched my life. I am proud to "know" another.

Happy Veteran's Day!
Beverlydru said…
Happy Veterans Day to you and THANK YOU! I loved the photos. The only other person I know who was in the Navy is my Dad (he would be old enough to be your Dad too if he were still on earth).

P.S. I'll take you up on the boat ride to Ft. Sumpter on our next visit to your area. Sounds awesome.
Thank you, thank you! Wow, love the pictures and the story......and the beard!! :)

Again thank you for your service to our great country!

BTW, you have posted 165 posts. It is on your side bar under blog archive!
B His Girl said…
Thanks for reinforcing the blessings we have living in this country. Seeing your pictures makes us proud. My dad who is 87 yrs old in a vet from the Navy in WWII. He was a pilot and flew mostly wounded soldiers. He loves to go to the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola. "His" airplane is there. I love to hear his stories. Thanks for sharing today.
SeansArt said…
wow!!! thats inpresive
I do indeed thank you and all who have sacrificed for all of us. You all have made this country great under the blessings of our God. Thanks, Greg.
Anonymous said…
My grandpa was in the Navy too. And my grandfather on my mom's side flew over Europe in WWII and got a Purple Heart. I can't help but think of them on Veterans Day.

Thank YOU Greg for having the courage to serve your country. We owe you so much.
Lori said…
I love the pictures! I'm having a bit of a hard time right now because my emails are not getting through to my sailor. I have no idea where he is and he is not allowed to tell me. I'm just being a mom!

I can't believe that he isn't even getting my packages or letters. Very upsetting!

I do want to thank you for serving our Country.

Blessings,

Lori
The Blonde Duck said…
Well said. Thank you for serving our country.
Kim said…
I hate that I'm so behind on reading blogs this week, but wanted to be sure and comment on this post. Thank you Greg!! Thank you for your commitment and sacrifice and willingness to serve our country and protect and defend the U.S. of A.

I kissed my fav. veteran yesterday morning as he went off to work. ;) We were Air Force. :)

Blessings!
Kim

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