The Real Jerry Dugan: Thank a Veteran

Photo credit: Veterans Day National Committee,
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs

What I love most about being a citizen of the U.S.A. are the rights and freedoms I enjoy, especially regarding freedom of speech and religion.

I hope that many of you exercised your right to vote in our mid-term elections which were held on November 4, 2014. If so, I personally would like to thank you because your vote is a validation to the years I spent in the U.S. Army as a combat medic (91W, medical specialist for those who appreciate that.)

When I returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, it was time for me to hang it up. I remember to this day when I left the dental clinic as part of my out-processing that a Staff Sergeant in woodland camouflage from the National Guard approached me. I was a Sergeant, wearing my desert camouflage (DCUs), so my first thought was, Oh, great, this guy thinks he found something wrong with my uniform and wants to say something. Instead, this man said to me, "Sergeant, I heard about what you all did over there. You're heroes, and thank you for keeping my family safe." He then extended his hand to me, and I gave him a surprised handshake, then he was off to his car.

Photo credit: Jerry Dugan

To this very day, that is my greeting whenever I have a moment to speak with someone serving in our armed forces. Veterans Day is November 11, and I would like to invite you to do the same for the veterans in your life and for the veterans and active service members you come across from now on. It's hard for me to do that without getting choked up. I'm teary-eyed right now as I type this!

Thanks as always for letting me share my updates with you, Jerry.

Comment below: Who are some veterans living today you’d like to thank for their service? What are some ways you have thanked a veteran?

The Silent Patrol. I decided to ruck march for about 12 miles for Memorial Day.

http://www.therealjerrydugan.com/2014/05/why-i-will-go-on-memorial-day-silent.html

Silent Patrol - Memorial Day 2014
Photo credit: Sylvia Vega

Why I Will Go on a Memorial Day Silent Patrol (Part 1) - Memorial Day is about remembering those we who served who gave their lives for us. Veterans Day is about thanking those who are still with us. Here’s an article on how I remembered those who gave their lives.

Why I Will Go on a Memorial Day Silent Patrol (Part 2)

Use It or Lose It - Inalienable Rights - We are still a country that embraces the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Protecting our rights to free speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom to assemble is important to me, but USING those rights is even more important.