I never served, but I did do four years in the Young Marines, sponsored by the Marine Corps League. I was the first Platoon Guide in the start-up platoon of the local chapter. I also was briefly a Platoon Sergeant, a training instructor, and I was working on setting up a Chaplain program when I left. It's a good program, and it taught me alot.

No offence to those of you who are, or have been, in uniform, but the Young Marines taught me enough about the military that I decided not to join up. I have mad respect for all of you who are serving or have served, but it's not for me.

I have a long history of miltary service in my family. My grandfather was in the Navy in WWII. My great grandfather flew in WWI. He was also a stunt pilot who was in several silent films. I had family on both sides of the Civil War. I'm sure I had family in the Revolution too, as we've been here since the Mayflower landed. My dad would have joined up as a linguist, but they wouldn't take him. He has foot problems and is colorblind.

To all of you who have served, thank you. You do a tough, dirty job so we as citizens will never have to.