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I think about this often, maybe more often now as a result of John Kerry's never ending reminders to all of us that he was in Vietnam. Kerry's approach is in stark contrast to most Vets including myself who have many friends unaware that I was in Vietnam. To me it is a very private pride.

I was there, I really did not want to be, and most certainly did not know what to expect before I got there.

My point is I was there 13 months and don't consider myself a hero, I do consider my friends that were with me hero's and I can guarantee you none of them consider themselves hero's. We as a group were proud of our country, knew we could count on each other and knew we each wanted out as quickly as possible yet did not want to leave with any of our friends still there.

The kids that are fighting for us now know they need to be there and I suspect were able to filter out much of the hate that was put out by the MSM during the election. They do this by being part of a group. A group not made up of individual hero's but a group that loves this country so much that they are willing to make sacrifices every day.

Jim, thank you for your service. In not considering yourself a hero...or trying to somehow "act" like one...you become one to this nation and its liberty. Sort of like the same principle that Christ taught...you find yourself by losing yourself in serving others.

To you and the millions like you who have served honorably and without fanfare...you have my eternal thanks and gratitude and commitment to do all in my power to ensure that your service means something, is not in vain (by giving it you have already ensured that) and counts towards our continued liberty as a nation.

God bless.