I'd like to wish every veteran a Happy Veteran's Day.  My family and I are grateful for your service.  When I was putting my thoughts together for this column, I had to ask myself, "What makes someone leave their family and everything that they've ever known, to go and serve?"  I've always regretted that I didn't join.  It is a personal disappointment in myself that I didn't go.  One verse came to mind, and that was John 15:13.  Jesus states, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."  I spoke recently to the wife of an active duty Marine.  I inquired about how he was doing, where he was, when he would be home, etc....  She said "Even when he is home, he's not really here.  He is always ready to get back to the mission.  It's who he is."  I've heard that from several military families.  Their patriotism and love of country defines who they are and why they serve.

I've had a few friends throughout the years that have served.  But for the most part, the veterans I have known have been older men--WWII, Korean, or Vietnam Veterans.  So many of the older men that helped shape my life kept so much of their service a secret.  One, who has become a close friend over the years, served in Europe during WWII.  I've asked him a few questions and always get a teary eye, a nod, and a promise that "I'll tell you someday."  Time is getting short.  I hope I can get his story.

My best friend's grandmother, Ruth B. Chaney, served in WWII, as well.  She volunteered to go and said she would do anything for which she was needed.  She eventually found herself serving with SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force) from 1943 to 1945.  Without question she was one of the most interesting women I've ever had the privilege to know.  I sure wish now that her grandson and I had paid more attention to her stories when we were young.  She died in 2006 and received full military honors.  Well-deserved!  A true patriot.

On a personal note, my wife's father, Billy R. Shands, served in the U.S. Navy.  He's well into his seventies now.  Time seems to fade everything we hold dear to us.  I've always been a bit amused at how he can't recall something I told him just yesterday, but in finite detail he can give a complete play-by-play of something that happened (names and all) in the Pacific nearly sixty years ago.  He loved the Navy, and still does!  He's said many times he'd go back if they would let him.  Funny thing is that if they did, his old uniform would still fit!  He loves his country and flag.  I've been blessed to know him.  The photo that accompanies this column is of Gina's dad, shown serving in the Pacific--March, 1957.

Thank you to all of the veterans out there.  You've shown a "greater love" of country.  Your friends salute you!