By Bob Beatty

    Being a veteran, Veteran’s Day has always been special to me. Not so much as a reflection on my service but rather on the heroes that sacrificed it all serving their country. Everyone that has served in the Armed Forces has made sacrifices of some sort. From having to spend time away from your loved ones to the ultimate sacrifice of giving your life for your country, the sacrifices made are substantial.
    There is a sense of shared experiences amongst veterans that people that have never served cannot share. For instance I spent 2 1/2 years in Germany and Wayne Price, editor of this magazine, also served in Germany. When I ask Wayne how he enjoyed his vacations at Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels, he knows exactly what I am referring to. Those were two of the major training bases in Germany and I think it was planned that the weather had to be horrible every time we deployed there. You get a nod and knowing smile from someone who has also been there and done that.
    I like to share a story that reflects how much the training and culture never really leaves a person even when he or she leaves the service. I had served my four years and was heading back to college when I got recalled for Desert Storm (lesson here is always read the fine print). In the beginning the discipline of all the soldiers recalled was not really the best. No one really wanted to be there because we thought we had already done our time. However the day we got issued our uniforms and ditched the civilian clothes it was like a light bulb went off. It was time to go back to work.
    Recently I heard a Congresswoman express the opinion that anybody that served in the military was throwing their life away. My first reaction was anger, that anyone, especially an elected representative, could have that opinion. Then I realized it was just ignorance from someone who does not know and appreciate the sacrifices that many have made so she has the ability to give her opinion, however flawed it is. I do not for a minute regret the four plus years I served in the Army. Serving gave me opportunities that I never would have experienced by not joining. Like any endeavor that one undertakes you will get out what you put into it. Now I admit those days in basic training when I was doing countless pushups I might have had a few regrets but looking back at it you realize it was not that bad and helped shape you as a person.
    I apologize for hijacking this space in the magazine that is usually reserved to talk about public power. However, I see the same sense of camaraderie in linemen that one sees in servicemen and servicewomen and it makes me proud to be a part of it.
    So in closing, this Veteran’s Day, please think of those that have served and are currently serving and maybe say a little prayer for their wellbeing.