I am the FIRST to admit I am NOT a Veteran, nor will I ever TRY to portray Myself as one. I was raised by My Dad, a Staff Sergeant in the US Army to be first and FOREMOST, a Warrior, one that runs TOWARD the gunshots or fires to help those that NEED it.. When I was introduced to the lifestyle in 1994, the Role of Warrior and the Role of DOM clicked, meshed My Code of Conduct coalesced into a fully linear way to view the world, and I have been living this way ever since.. I understand My views are unique to ME, and pass no judgement on anybody else.. I have not walked their path, I have no way to know or understand their history, so who am -I- to DO so? It is neither My purpose or place in life to judge ANYONE but the Man looking back from the mirror.. As long as I can look HIM in the eye, bearing scars few can SEE, and even FEWER know about, I know I am doing the right thing..
I grew up, serving 16 years of Boot Camp, and regret not a single moment, though I admit I RESENTED it for years while serving.. I DID attempt to enlist in The Marines in 1988, after being raised to be an Army Ranger (YES it was rebellion, aimed at the 'Old Man', My Dad, in an attempt to wound His pride, but was told by the Commanding Officer, a Colonel from Cincinnati, Ohio, to (EXACT quote to My Recruitment Officer) "tell the boy to go to hell, we don't want or need Him'.. I COULD have walked across the hall, enlisted in the Army, OR the Navy, possibly even Air Force, but I refrained.. -I- wanted to be a Recon Sniper, and was refused, so I dropped any option to serve..
My apologies for being so long winded here.. Ever since that moment, being told to go to hell, I have gone out of My way to stand, and shake the hand of ANY Veteran who crosses My path, and thank them for their service.. MANY not even bearing any indication of Service.. Warriors recognize Warriors, PERIOD. Those that served in Viet Nam, I even tell, I know it may be LATE, but Welcome Home, Soldier.. Because I KNOW they were not given that acceptance at the time, and have gotten tears of thanks for it from those that were rejected returning from HELL overseas.. I dedicate this song I LITERALLY just found 40 minutes ago to all who served, but ESPECIALLY those that came back from Viet Nam to this reception.. *SALUTE*