A heartfelt thanks to all the soldiers and veterans who risked their lives to protect our freedom

Even though only a small fraction of people in the military have been in actual combat, though with the all volunteer army that fraction has increase significantly, every member of our armed services signs up with the knowledge that they may have to put their life on the line for our freedoms.

Those who don't get shot at make other sacrifices like moving constantly and having to uproot their families not to mention being stationed overseas far from family and friends.

Just because the military is now full of volunteers doesn't mean that we can ignore or minimize their sacrifices for us by saying "well it's what they want to do.".  We need to thank them for what they're willing to endure so that we can be free.

After 9/11 even the left had to pretend to like and respect the troops but that has been wearing off lately.  Popular entertainment has slowly drifted back to the idea that soldiers are dangerous and psychologically damaged albeit now the government is being blamed for their fate.

Until Trump the establishment in Washington had let the VA, especially under Obama, fail to care for veterans. But that's changing and vets are finally being treated with respect by the President again.

No matter what your politics are or how you served if you've been in the US military I want to say thank you for all you've done and sacrificed for your country.