When A Soldier Comes Home. . .

The above link is a photo journey that brings what our soldiers go through and how they must feel into perspective. After going through the pictures it brought my own experiences to mind.

My dad served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. One of his jobs while in that war torn country was transporting supplies. Later, he became a door gunner on a helicopter. I was raised under a firm hand of discipline and the expectancy of honor and respect. He taught me how to be a man, using techniques I am sure were ingrained upon him in the USMC. It is because of his strong leadership in the household and his strict character regarding his raising of me that I have turned out to be the man that I am, and I thank him for it.
Having him as a dad sure made boot camp easier - but if I was to say it was a complete piece of cake, I'd be a liar. I was eighteen, nervous, but eager. I had never been yelled at so much in my life. I was stupid, a maggot, a sissy, unworthy, etc. And I was alone. I had only been married a week and I was on the other side of the country from my bride. That was the hardest part. Not being with the one I love.

And so I think about these soldiers risking their lives for our freedom. But it goes beyond that. They are alone, far from home, away from their loved ones. What a sacrifice to have to make. I respect them for it. I thank them for it. I appreciate their sacrifices. If the military would have me back (I was let out with a service-connected injury) I would gladly be there beside them, fighting to secure the freedoms that I want my children and future grandchildren to enjoy.The one thing my dad says about Vietnam is that it really bothered him that after all he had been through his reception was far from warm. Like our men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, he endured hardships that those of us without combat experience will never understand. Freedom has a different flavor for them. All we can do is thank them, and show our appreciation when we can.

My dad fought in Vietnam, my grandfather was in France during World War II, and our troops currently serve overseas so that we may enjoy our liberty, and so that people like my wife may pursue the American dream as an immigrant. She took the oath of citizenship last Thursday. She is now officially an American. She refuses to call herself a Mexican-American, or Hispanic, or anything else that doesn't reflect how she truly feels. If you ask her what her nationality is, she will tell you, "I am an American."

Today at 4pm Pacific/7pm Eastern on Political Pistachio Radio we will be talking about what it is to be an American, what patriotism truly is, and how it feels for Mrs. Pistachio to have taken the oath. Tune in live, or listen to the archive later. If you wish to congratulate Mrs. Pistachio on the air, call in at (646) 652-2940.

God Bless America.

God Bless you.