Well, ladies and gents, I was going to stay out of this one, but what the hell, I might as well, I have nothing better to do for the next 5 or so minutes.

I decided to join the military when I was very young, dont really remember when, but before I entered high school. I knew that I wanted to serve my country. I have had 8 people in my immediate family serve in the military at one time or another, and in all the branches except the Marines.

I went to Basic right after high school, I went to my training after that, then to my first base in AL. Spent two years there learning what I could about my job and my service.

In 2001, exactly a week before Sept. 11, I was deployed to Italy for 4 months for Balkan Operational Support. I loved it there, and I am glad I got to go. I served in a Joint Operations Center where I go to see all branches of the service, and how each provides a vital role to the United States Armed Forces.

We will always need the Marines, as a matter of fact, I have more respect for you all than any of the others, because you guys do some crazy sheet.

Army guys helped support the Marines, but most stayed back out of combat unless there was a need to engage a target.

Navy and Air Force personnel stayed back at the CAOC and monitored where the Marines and Army positions were, and directed aircraft from all over the region to provide close air support.

One service cannot do without the other, they all play a vital role, and some people choose different paths to their lives.

And I do not regret the experience that I obtained while I was in the military, I can never repay for the things that the military has given me.

But there is one thing that I do know. No matter which service you graduate or serve in, the first time you hear the playing of "The Star Spangled Banner" a tear will come to your eye, and you will have a knot in your stomach....

Guess we all arent so different.

Just something to think about....