So, my uncle George will be returning from Iraq in the next few weeks.  If there’s a war, trust me, you want Commander George leading your team.  Evidenced by the following…I heard through the family grapevine that upon his return, he will be awarded a Bronze Star Medal for valor… described by Wikepedia as…

The Bronze Star for Valor Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration which may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the 9th highest military award (including both combat and non combat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations. 

You can imagine my routine outrage when Bush is opposed by fellow leaders about the war, when the troops are minimized, etc… How about we just say ‘Thank you’ instead?

All that to say, I think you have to do more than routine drills to earn this award.  So, to George and all the men and women who really are giving their lives for our freedom, I say a sincere and indebted ‘thank you’!  General George Patton said, “Freedom has a taste, and for those that have fought for it, the taste is so sweet, the protected will never know.”

Amen.