letter
Jake and I had the wonderful
opportunity to work with the
VGA Tour this month, and we
are very excited to dedicate July’s
issue to the effort – particularly
since we are now celebrating
our wonderful nation. An
organization meant to help those
who have returned from active
duty, this Tour gives veterans a
chance to connect with others
who have had the same or similar
experiences.
We have learned that while
we respect post traumatic stress
as real, living with it has many
challenges that often cannot
be handled on an individual
level. It literally ... takes an
army. This army of people
knows the questions and realizes
there may be no answers – just
understanding. People like to be
around people who share similar
circumstances and experiences –
people who get it.
Jake and I are not necessarily
part of big military families.
Jake’s grandfather was part of
the Greatest Generation and
fought during World Wart II, and
his sweet daddy was part of the
national guard. My dad’s side of
the family includes war veterans,
but it didn’t bleed through
generations for us as it does for so
many military families. Still, we
were both raised to respect those
who do so much for us and are
very proud to be part of a nation
that celebrates its veterans and
appreciates their commitment to
our freedom and way of life.
The recent turbulent political
environment makes us question
our loyalties – to political party,
to political issues or simply what
our responsibilities are as citizens
of America. That breaks my
heart, especially when I have the
opportunity to hang out with
people such as those who have
fought for our country – who
return to our infighting and
ethical battles.
They are still fighting for us.
They still carry the flag.
They wear the colors and boast
embroidered U.S. flags on their
hats. They stand tall and proud
and pat each other on the back.
They still care.
I know we do too. We care
about not only those men, but
we also care for our country as a
whole. Our country has not gone
to pot. We are not hopeless.
If you haven’t thanked those
who have served our country
lately, make it a point to call
someone you know and show
your gratitude. This July 4th, let
your appreciation speak louder
than your frustration. It really
could make a difference. When
all we hear is the fighting and the
name calling and it irritates us,
imagine how the veterans feel.
They are still our heroes. They
need to know that.
Amber
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