I Have Never Worn My Country's Uniform: To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank you! I have never worn my country's uniform... Derrick Wilburn My name is Derrick Wilburn. I...

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank you!

I have never worn my country's uniform...
Derrick Wilburn

My name is Derrick Wilburn. I live in Colorado, USA and I would consider myself a typical "John Q. Citizen." I have three wonderful children and I was there for all of their births, there for first teeth coming in, there to see first steps taken, there to help teach them how to tie shoe laces and throw a baseball, there for graduation ceremonies from the kindergarten. I've taken them to YMCA league basketball practice, and soccer, and dance, and wh**ever else they've been into. I took the training wheels off of all of their bikes and ran beside them on those wobbly first attempts at two-wheeling it.

Though I've missed a few, I've been there to watch their games. Been there to blow runny noses, help them figure out how two minus three can result in a number that's less actually than zero. Made them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when they were hungry. Gone hiking in the summer, sledding in winter.

With the exception of nights that I've slept in a comfortable hotel room, I sleep in a king-sized bed with the one I love every night for the past nineteen years. I eat hot meals when I desire. I've never really volunteered to lay my life on the line for anyone, let alone perfect strangers. I've never pulled a sixteen-hour patrol shift, never climbed to the top of some sand hill in 115 degree heat wearing Kevlar body armor, a 65-pound backpack and carrying a 15-pound machine gun. I've never slept in a hole in the ground that I'd dug just hours before, or in the crawl-space beneath a Humvee while sucking diesel fumes or trying to block out the thunder from passing birds of war.

When I'm hot, I turn up the a/c; when cold, turn up the heat; when hungry, go to a well-stocked kitchen just a few feet away. I don't live with my head on a swivel. I haven't lost dozens of close friend, co-workers, brethren-in-arms and had to deal with the grief of losing them while knowing it was just inches away from being me.

Veterans have lived in a world I cannot imagine. I have no commanding officer nor anyone else yelling in my ear and demanding precision. They missed births, birthdays, tucking in and all the rest by accepting a job that sends them half a globe away from the ones they love for months sometimes years at a time. They do it for all-too-little pay, often times serving as political ping pong balls as citizens and elected representatives alike bicker and posture. And they do it all because they've sworn an oath to defend this, the greatest land on earth, from any and all who threaten her.

Thank you, from a grateful father and husband, America's veterans. You are the best this nation has. Extraordinary human beings in every aspect of the term. I sleep better at night knowing you are on that wall. :!: :!:

DEVILDOG9

Thank you from a retired Marine. Not everyone can serve, someone has to be on the home front. Speaking for the Marines, if you ever need help and you see a Marine, reach out to him, I can promise he will never turn his back on you. We never received training which includes turning your back.

S E M P E R F I

jlr1827

You are most welcome. An ancient Chineese philosopher talked about the strength of a nation relating to the quality of family life within that nation. Please be there for your grandchildren also. Please continue to help build and maintain our nation so that our veterans have a great place to come home too.
May G_d bless our country.
JLR-1827 HTC (SW) USN Ret.
June 1971 - June 1993

Not-a-RINO Loc: Michigan

AuntiE wrote:

To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank you!

I have never worn my country's uniform...
Derrick Wilburn

My name is Derrick Wilburn. I live in Colorado, USA and I would consider myself a typical "John Q. Citizen." I have three wonderful children and I was there for all of their births, there for first teeth coming in, there to see first steps taken, there to help teach them how to tie shoe laces and throw a baseball, there for graduation ceremonies from the kindergarten. I've taken them to YMCA league basketball practice, and soccer, and dance, and wh**ever else they've been into. I took the training wheels off of all of their bikes and ran beside them on those wobbly first attempts at two-wheeling it.

Though I've missed a few, I've been there to watch their games. Been there to blow runny noses, help them figure out how two minus three can result in a number that's less actually than zero. Made them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when they were hungry. Gone hiking in the summer, sledding in winter.

With the exception of nights that I've slept in a comfortable hotel room, I sleep in a king-sized bed with the one I love every night for the past nineteen years. I eat hot meals when I desire. I've never really volunteered to lay my life on the line for anyone, let alone perfect strangers. I've never pulled a sixteen-hour patrol shift, never climbed to the top of some sand hill in 115 degree heat wearing Kevlar body armor, a 65-pound backpack and carrying a 15-pound machine gun. I've never slept in a hole in the ground that I'd dug just hours before, or in the crawl-space beneath a Humvee while sucking diesel fumes or trying to block out the thunder from passing birds of war.

When I'm hot, I turn up the a/c; when cold, turn up the heat; when hungry, go to a well-stocked kitchen just a few feet away. I don't live with my head on a swivel. I haven't lost dozens of close friend, co-workers, brethren-in-arms and had to deal with the grief of losing them while knowing it was just inches away from being me.

Veterans have lived in a world I cannot imagine. I have no commanding officer nor anyone else yelling in my ear and demanding precision. They missed births, birthdays, tucking in and all the rest by accepting a job that sends them half a globe away from the ones they love for months sometimes years at a time. They do it for all-too-little pay, often times serving as political ping pong balls as citizens and elected representatives alike bicker and posture. And they do it all because they've sworn an oath to defend this, the greatest land on earth, from any and all who threaten her.

Thank you, from a grateful father and husband, America's veterans. You are the best this nation has. Extraordinary human beings in every aspect of the term. I sleep better at night knowing you are on that wall. :!: :!:

To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

JimMe

AuntiE wrote:

To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank you!

I have never worn my country's uniform...
Derrick Wilburn

My name is Derrick Wilburn. I live in Colorado, USA and I would consider myself a typical "John Q. Citizen." I have three wonderful children and I was there for all of their births, there for first teeth coming in, there to see first steps taken, there to help teach them how to tie shoe laces and throw a baseball, there for graduation ceremonies from the kindergarten. I've taken them to YMCA league basketball practice, and soccer, and dance, and wh**ever else they've been into. I took the training wheels off of all of their bikes and ran beside them on those wobbly first attempts at two-wheeling it.

Though I've missed a few, I've been there to watch their games. Been there to blow runny noses, help them figure out how two minus three can result in a number that's less actually than zero. Made them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when they were hungry. Gone hiking in the summer, sledding in winter.

With the exception of nights that I've slept in a comfortable hotel room, I sleep in a king-sized bed with the one I love every night for the past nineteen years. I eat hot meals when I desire. I've never really volunteered to lay my life on the line for anyone, let alone perfect strangers. I've never pulled a sixteen-hour patrol shift, never climbed to the top of some sand hill in 115 degree heat wearing Kevlar body armor, a 65-pound backpack and carrying a 15-pound machine gun. I've never slept in a hole in the ground that I'd dug just hours before, or in the crawl-space beneath a Humvee while sucking diesel fumes or trying to block out the thunder from passing birds of war.

When I'm hot, I turn up the a/c; when cold, turn up the heat; when hungry, go to a well-stocked kitchen just a few feet away. I don't live with my head on a swivel. I haven't lost dozens of close friend, co-workers, brethren-in-arms and had to deal with the grief of losing them while knowing it was just inches away from being me.

Veterans have lived in a world I cannot imagine. I have no commanding officer nor anyone else yelling in my ear and demanding precision. They missed births, birthdays, tucking in and all the rest by accepting a job that sends them half a globe away from the ones they love for months sometimes years at a time. They do it for all-too-little pay, often times serving as political ping pong balls as citizens and elected representatives alike bicker and posture. And they do it all because they've sworn an oath to defend this, the greatest land on earth, from any and all who threaten her.

Thank you, from a grateful father and husband, America's veterans. You are the best this nation has. Extraordinary human beings in every aspect of the term. I sleep better at night knowing you are on that wall. :!: :!:

To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank... (show quote)

Yes, TY for having our back... and front and sides and in-ards and out-ards... USA Freedom is spelled "VETERAN"...

Not-a-RINO Loc: Michigan

I have often said we owe a debt of honor and gratitude towards our veterans and active armed forces personnel we could never repay. It is because of their service, honor and love of country we are still free today.

I now have a son in the USAF which only underlines my position.

To me, every day is Veteran's Day. If I happen to see a veteran or a member of our active armed forces, I always thank them for their service to our country and shake their hand. I think it's nice to know there are some people who appreciate the work you have done. I am certain I am NOT the only one in this regard.

THANK GOD FOR OUR VETERANS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL!

bahmer

Not-a-RINO wrote:

I have often said we owe a debt of honor and grati... (show quote)

Amen, and amen.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

TeaPartyRon Loc: Tennessee

Thank You Sir from A retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant with over 20 year's of service to this great country of our's The United States Of America, may God bless our beautiful country always.

AuntiE wrote:

To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank you!

I have never worn my country's uniform...
Derrick Wilburn

My name is Derrick Wilburn. I live in Colorado, USA and I would consider myself a typical "John Q. Citizen." I have three wonderful children and I was there for all of their births, there for first teeth coming in, there to see first steps taken, there to help teach them how to tie shoe laces and throw a baseball, there for graduation ceremonies from the kindergarten. I've taken them to YMCA league basketball practice, and soccer, and dance, and wh**ever else they've been into. I took the training wheels off of all of their bikes and ran beside them on those wobbly first attempts at two-wheeling it.

Though I've missed a few, I've been there to watch their games. Been there to blow runny noses, help them figure out how two minus three can result in a number that's less actually than zero. Made them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when they were hungry. Gone hiking in the summer, sledding in winter.

With the exception of nights that I've slept in a comfortable hotel room, I sleep in a king-sized bed with the one I love every night for the past nineteen years. I eat hot meals when I desire. I've never really volunteered to lay my life on the line for anyone, let alone perfect strangers. I've never pulled a sixteen-hour patrol shift, never climbed to the top of some sand hill in 115 degree heat wearing Kevlar body armor, a 65-pound backpack and carrying a 15-pound machine gun. I've never slept in a hole in the ground that I'd dug just hours before, or in the crawl-space beneath a Humvee while sucking diesel fumes or trying to block out the thunder from passing birds of war.

When I'm hot, I turn up the a/c; when cold, turn up the heat; when hungry, go to a well-stocked kitchen just a few feet away. I don't live with my head on a swivel. I haven't lost dozens of close friend, co-workers, brethren-in-arms and had to deal with the grief of losing them while knowing it was just inches away from being me.

Veterans have lived in a world I cannot imagine. I have no commanding officer nor anyone else yelling in my ear and demanding precision. They missed births, birthdays, tucking in and all the rest by accepting a job that sends them half a globe away from the ones they love for months sometimes years at a time. They do it for all-too-little pay, often times serving as political ping pong balls as citizens and elected representatives alike bicker and posture. And they do it all because they've sworn an oath to defend this, the greatest land on earth, from any and all who threaten her.

Thank you, from a grateful father and husband, America's veterans. You are the best this nation has. Extraordinary human beings in every aspect of the term. I sleep better at night knowing you are on that wall. :!: :!:

To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank... (show quote)

Unclet Loc: Amarillo, Tx

AuntiE wrote:

To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank you!

I have never worn my country's uniform...
Derrick Wilburn

My name is Derrick Wilburn. I live in Colorado, USA and I would consider myself a typical "John Q. Citizen." I have three wonderful children and I was there for all of their births, there for first teeth coming in, there to see first steps taken, there to help teach them how to tie shoe laces and throw a baseball, there for graduation ceremonies from the kindergarten. I've taken them to YMCA league basketball practice, and soccer, and dance, and wh**ever else they've been into. I took the training wheels off of all of their bikes and ran beside them on those wobbly first attempts at two-wheeling it.

Though I've missed a few, I've been there to watch their games. Been there to blow runny noses, help them figure out how two minus three can result in a number that's less actually than zero. Made them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when they were hungry. Gone hiking in the summer, sledding in winter.

With the exception of nights that I've slept in a comfortable hotel room, I sleep in a king-sized bed with the one I love every night for the past nineteen years. I eat hot meals when I desire. I've never really volunteered to lay my life on the line for anyone, let alone perfect strangers. I've never pulled a sixteen-hour patrol shift, never climbed to the top of some sand hill in 115 degree heat wearing Kevlar body armor, a 65-pound backpack and carrying a 15-pound machine gun. I've never slept in a hole in the ground that I'd dug just hours before, or in the crawl-space beneath a Humvee while sucking diesel fumes or trying to block out the thunder from passing birds of war.

When I'm hot, I turn up the a/c; when cold, turn up the heat; when hungry, go to a well-stocked kitchen just a few feet away. I don't live with my head on a swivel. I haven't lost dozens of close friend, co-workers, brethren-in-arms and had to deal with the grief of losing them while knowing it was just inches away from being me.

Veterans have lived in a world I cannot imagine. I have no commanding officer nor anyone else yelling in my ear and demanding precision. They missed births, birthdays, tucking in and all the rest by accepting a job that sends them half a globe away from the ones they love for months sometimes years at a time. They do it for all-too-little pay, often times serving as political ping pong balls as citizens and elected representatives alike bicker and posture. And they do it all because they've sworn an oath to defend this, the greatest land on earth, from any and all who threaten her.

Thank you, from a grateful father and husband, America's veterans. You are the best this nation has. Extraordinary human beings in every aspect of the term. I sleep better at night knowing you are on that wall. :!: :!:

To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank... (show quote)

I wish to thank my fellow Veterans for their Service and Sacrifice. It was, and is an Honor to serve this Nation and It's Citizens.

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

AuntiE wrote:

To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank you!

I have never worn my country's uniform...
Derrick Wilburn

My name is Derrick Wilburn. I live in Colorado, USA and I would consider myself a typical "John Q. Citizen." I have three wonderful children and I was there for all of their births, there for first teeth coming in, there to see first steps taken, there to help teach them how to tie shoe laces and throw a baseball, there for graduation ceremonies from the kindergarten. I've taken them to YMCA league basketball practice, and soccer, and dance, and wh**ever else they've been into. I took the training wheels off of all of their bikes and ran beside them on those wobbly first attempts at two-wheeling it.

Though I've missed a few, I've been there to watch their games. Been there to blow runny noses, help them figure out how two minus three can result in a number that's less actually than zero. Made them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when they were hungry. Gone hiking in the summer, sledding in winter.

With the exception of nights that I've slept in a comfortable hotel room, I sleep in a king-sized bed with the one I love every night for the past nineteen years. I eat hot meals when I desire. I've never really volunteered to lay my life on the line for anyone, let alone perfect strangers. I've never pulled a sixteen-hour patrol shift, never climbed to the top of some sand hill in 115 degree heat wearing Kevlar body armor, a 65-pound backpack and carrying a 15-pound machine gun. I've never slept in a hole in the ground that I'd dug just hours before, or in the crawl-space beneath a Humvee while sucking diesel fumes or trying to block out the thunder from passing birds of war.

When I'm hot, I turn up the a/c; when cold, turn up the heat; when hungry, go to a well-stocked kitchen just a few feet away. I don't live with my head on a swivel. I haven't lost dozens of close friend, co-workers, brethren-in-arms and had to deal with the grief of losing them while knowing it was just inches away from being me.

Veterans have lived in a world I cannot imagine. I have no commanding officer nor anyone else yelling in my ear and demanding precision. They missed births, birthdays, tucking in and all the rest by accepting a job that sends them half a globe away from the ones they love for months sometimes years at a time. They do it for all-too-little pay, often times serving as political ping pong balls as citizens and elected representatives alike bicker and posture. And they do it all because they've sworn an oath to defend this, the greatest land on earth, from any and all who threaten her.

Thank you, from a grateful father and husband, America's veterans. You are the best this nation has. Extraordinary human beings in every aspect of the term. I sleep better at night knowing you are on that wall. :!: :!:

To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank... (show quote)

Tanks! :)

OldSchool Loc: Moving to the Red State of Utah soon!

AuntiE wrote:

To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank you!

I have never worn my country's uniform...
Derrick Wilburn

My name is Derrick Wilburn. I live in Colorado, USA and I would consider myself a typical "John Q. Citizen." I have three wonderful children and I was there for all of their births, there for first teeth coming in, there to see first steps taken, there to help teach them how to tie shoe laces and throw a baseball, there for graduation ceremonies from the kindergarten. I've taken them to YMCA league basketball practice, and soccer, and dance, and wh**ever else they've been into. I took the training wheels off of all of their bikes and ran beside them on those wobbly first attempts at two-wheeling it.

Though I've missed a few, I've been there to watch their games. Been there to blow runny noses, help them figure out how two minus three can result in a number that's less actually than zero. Made them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when they were hungry. Gone hiking in the summer, sledding in winter.

With the exception of nights that I've slept in a comfortable hotel room, I sleep in a king-sized bed with the one I love every night for the past nineteen years. I eat hot meals when I desire. I've never really volunteered to lay my life on the line for anyone, let alone perfect strangers. I've never pulled a sixteen-hour patrol shift, never climbed to the top of some sand hill in 115 degree heat wearing Kevlar body armor, a 65-pound backpack and carrying a 15-pound machine gun. I've never slept in a hole in the ground that I'd dug just hours before, or in the crawl-space beneath a Humvee while sucking diesel fumes or trying to block out the thunder from passing birds of war.

When I'm hot, I turn up the a/c; when cold, turn up the heat; when hungry, go to a well-stocked kitchen just a few feet away. I don't live with my head on a swivel. I haven't lost dozens of close friend, co-workers, brethren-in-arms and had to deal with the grief of losing them while knowing it was just inches away from being me.

Veterans have lived in a world I cannot imagine. I have no commanding officer nor anyone else yelling in my ear and demanding precision. They missed births, birthdays, tucking in and all the rest by accepting a job that sends them half a globe away from the ones they love for months sometimes years at a time. They do it for all-too-little pay, often times serving as political ping pong balls as citizens and elected representatives alike bicker and posture. And they do it all because they've sworn an oath to defend this, the greatest land on earth, from any and all who threaten her.

Thank you, from a grateful father and husband, America's veterans. You are the best this nation has. Extraordinary human beings in every aspect of the term. I sleep better at night knowing you are on that wall. :!: :!:

To all the Veteran's On One Political Plaza. Thank... (show quote)

Thank you from a retired Naval Officer. My best to all of our veterans out there!

snowbear37 Loc: MA.

TeaPartyRon wrote:

Thank You Sir from A retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant with over 20 year's of service to this great country of our's The United States Of America, may God bless our beautiful country always.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

votenoobama Loc: Texas

Dear Derrick Wilburn,
Thank you for the great words. I'm glad you have never had to served in the Military.
I was drafted in 1968 into the U.S. Army and the Army makes you the best k*****g machine on two legs. I spent 13 months and 21 days overseas, my time was spent on or in the DMZ. I would get one hot meal, hot shower, haircut, paid on the same day and the nest 30 days of sea rations. War is a trouble thing but, someone has to do it. Let me tell you the t***h about War that no one else will say. You have to k**l a lot of people some with your rifle and some with bombs and then you have to go into the village and look for rest of them and take them out, as you walk in you see all the dead bodies, women, kids, babies, men and then you see some of the enemy that was k**led as well, then you start to see some of the people that survive but, are wounded very bad, now you're trying to save their lives. You spend all your time there k*****g people and then it comes your time to go home and you are all excited because, they pull you out of the jungle the day before you go home and you fly 12 to 14 hours in the plane, you then spend 6 to8 hours at the returning base where you are release back onto the streets of America. It is very hard on Veterans because one day you are fighting and k*****g the next day you are thrown onto the street and you don't know what to do but, go home. You are scare when you get home because everything has change sense you been gone, most people that you knew are gone and the ones that are there say you are not the same person they used to know. You fill necked without you gun so, you start carrying one with you and you hope no one will give you a hard time because, if they do you might just shoot them. Then you start to have all these dreams or as I say nightmares of the war and fighting, you wake up in the middle of the night all sweaty and you look up to the ceiling to make sure it's still white. The smallest noise scares you and it make you jumpy, it's like when someone drop a pallet on the floor, it makes a popping noise and you hit the ground crawling and everyone laughing. Then you go home and repeat it all over again. That is why you hear so many stories about Veterans and their problems. This is something to Government won't tell you and try to cover it up. Most Vets has PTSD but, that don't make them bad Vets, they just need help.
So be glad you did not have to fight in a war. I want to wish you and your family the best of luck and have a great day and Pray to God for your Safety.

Ricktloml

So many of us want to thank those who have sacrificed and served, and saying thank you seems so inadequate,but THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU

JimMe

v**enoobama wrote:

Dear Derrick Wilburn,
Thank you for the great words. I'm glad you have never had to served in the Military.
I was drafted in 1968 into the U.S. Army and the Army makes you the best k*****g machine on two legs. I spent 13 months and 21 days overseas, my time was spent on or in the DMZ. I would get one hot meal, hot shower, haircut, paid on the same day and the nest 30 days of sea rations. War is a trouble thing but, someone has to do it. Let me tell you the t***h about War that no one else will say. You have to k**l a lot of people some with your rifle and some with bombs and then you have to go into the village and look for rest of them and take them out, as you walk in you see all the dead bodies, women, kids, babies, men and then you see some of the enemy that was k**led as well, then you start to see some of the people that survive but, are wounded very bad, now you're trying to save their lives. You spend all your time there k*****g people and then it comes your time to go home and you are all excited because, they pull you out of the jungle the day before you go home and you fly 12 to 14 hours in the plane, you then spend 6 to8 hours at the returning base where you are release back onto the streets of America. It is very hard on Veterans because one day you are fighting and k*****g the next day you are thrown onto the street and you don't know what to do but, go home. You are scare when you get home because everything has change sense you been gone, most people that you knew are gone and the ones that are there say you are not the same person they used to know. You fill necked without you gun so, you start carrying one with you and you hope no one will give you a hard time because, if they do you might just shoot them. Then you start to have all these dreams or as I say nightmares of the war and fighting, you wake up in the middle of the night all sweaty and you look up to the ceiling to make sure it's still white. The smallest noise scares you and it make you jumpy, it's like when someone drop a pallet on the floor, it makes a popping noise and you hit the ground crawling and everyone laughing. Then you go home and repeat it all over again. That is why you hear so many stories about Veterans and their problems. This is something to Government won't tell you and try to cover it up. Most Vets has PTSD but, that don't make them bad Vets, they just need help.
So be glad you did not have to fight in a war. I want to wish you and your family the best of luck and have a great day and Pray to God for your Safety.

Dear Derrick Wilburn, br Thank you for the great w... (show quote)

I've known Veterans for 63 years & I'm EMBARRASSED at how OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS treat YOU & YOUR FAMILES... YOU ARE THE REASON WE HAVE OUR FREEDOM... TY TY TY...