Thank you...

“We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.”

-- President George W. Bush, Sept. 20, 2001

One of the perks of being a letter carrier is that you get to see a lot of some very different and interesting things. (Such as a goose deciding to come after my postal vehicle. Never mess with a goose.)

But so many times being out on a route I hear a roar of an engine overhead, and occasionally I see the jet(s) flying overhead, most likely based at the local Air National Guard Base.

A co-worker of mine is currently deployed in the Middle East, and another one is a Navy veteran. My uncle was in the Air Force back in the 60's, and a distant cousin fought in Desert Storm.

And most of all, my dad served in the National Guard for six years during the Vietnam era. He never got sent over there, but I have heard more stories from him about his experience that can still entertain today. There are even pictures of him in his fatigues holding me when I was just a toddler.

My wife Carrie and daughters and I were at TGI Fridays a while back having lunch when a group of soldiers came in to enjoy a meal. Before we left, Carrie took my oldest to meet them -- basically a thank you. Maybe she was too young at the time to remember that experience, but I hope that something has stuck with her.

I myself have not been in the military, but I have gained a better appreciation for what they do. They protect and defend us. They serve their country. From Bunker Hill to Baghdad...from Washington to Petraeus. I and my family salute and thank them.

And may our Creator continue to bless the United States -- and may we give Him reason to do so.