Thousands upon thousnad have served in the military branches. Some may have done short stints for two to four years. Others much longer. Many did not get the opportunity (if you want to call it that) of serving in a foreign country or area, and many did not serve during any wartime events (thats a good thing!). My real point here, is that they all DID serve. But I wish to focus on the long time vets. The people who may have spent 12 plus years, or even hit retirement. Even more to the real point, I wish to sibngle out those who served during war times. Do you know what it feels like to be sent to war? Do you know the stress and the pain of separation that these people have to endure? If you do understand, then maybe you can agree. If you really don't get it, then picture yourself growing up, going to school, then joining the military, ending up serving during a campaign. You may not have counted on this happening to you, or maybe you joined BECAUSE there was a war to fight. Either way, you are trained, sent in to do a job, and hopefully, get out unscathed. Unfortunately, that last part does not happen for everybody. The problem I have with the general public is how these vets are treated when they return. Many lose arms, legs, eyes, or other parts, sacrificed for the country, but mostly for their buddies next to them.. They can't grow them back! Now they must try to live the rest of their lives with it, knowing full well what it does to job prospects, opportunities, etc...There is not supposed to be, by law, any hindrances for companies to hire these vets. But the reality is, there is! They gave everything they could to the cause; many with their lives. What do we do as a society to take care of these vets? Will YOU go fight the next war to protect our country and our families? Or is it just ok with you if SOME sacrifice themselves for you, and, as long as your safe to not even think about it, enjoy your daily life, and go on about your business, without a care to who is defending your ability to do just that, then everything is ok?
What am I asking here? Simple. Take better care of returning vets! All of them! Wounded or not! You can suffer almost as much mentally as you can physically. You don't have to give them MORE  than they deserve. You just need to give them WHAT they deserve. Mostly recognition of their sacrifices, medical care, and a willingness to show support. Be proud that you have these people who will stand up for us, anywhere, anytime, against anyone!
Without a great military to protect it, defend it, and stop aaggression against it, then the country is weak, vulnerable, and surely will be taken over by a stronger power. Showing ingratitude, lack of support, or even protesting against the military, is very assinine. It shows stupidity of a huge caliber! Do you really believe that if we disarmed or disbanded our military, that other countries would all say, yeah, that's a great idea, let's do it too. If you really believe this, then yes, you are in the stupid category. It's great to long for peace. Contrary to popular belief, military people don't all LONG for war. Mostly they are trying as hard as they can to PREVENT one! No sane person wants a war!
So, please don't ever forget the ones who have bled and died for all of us If you are very anti-military, you have the right to be. But, you only have that right because of your freedom, which was fought for BY the military. By voicing your protests, demonstrating against the military, etc. you are only showing how much you really do not have a grip on the real world situation. There are thousands out there who would not hesitate even a second to chop off your head, solely because you do not believe what they want you to believe. No other good reason at all. And the only thing that prevents that from happening to you, is us; the military!
Support your vets, all who have served before, and all who are serving now. Either locally or abroad. In harms way or not. They all have a job to do. Increase their medical, compenste them for losses. Losses that you, yourself, may have been unwilling or unable to take. If you are pro-military, either civilian or or whatever, then I thank you very much for that. If you are anti-military, then I hope that our paths do not cross. I have no need for you. I would consider it a great pleasure just to give you the punch in the face that you so badly need to correct your stupidity. Or, as we say, an "attitude adjustment!". Don't feel bad, tho, as everyone needs one sometimes.

Quick note added (off subject): Please pay our teachers and policemen more (a lot more), so we can get better training for both, and thereby better educated kids, and a better protected society (guns/drugs).! We rank very low in the world in education. If you think our school system is the best, think again. It's not! And it's obviously not safe, either. We need to use more ex military types in both the police force and the schools, as they have much better discipline and training than is normal. No slight intended against non-service people. Come on, people, wake up, notice your vets, thank them for their service, support them, and they will support you!