very rarely does anyone join up because they feel a need to protected their beloved motherland, especially these days. and in truth a working country is a team effort from all working members of society. were all just trying to improve are lives, and some end up having to take up grittier and more dangerous jobs. they are still people like you and me, they don't turn to into gods. i have friends who currently serve and family members who recently got off tour. some joined the airforce and claim to be living the life as they travel the world, others were on the front lines and are back, nailing law enforcement jobs thanks to their new resume. huge respect is in order, for sure.
hard work, sacrificed a lot of time, endured tough training, and some endure some truly horrific stuff out there. my deep thanks goes out to them.
i'll clap loudly for these kids, but i know they aren't sacrificing their futures because of me, they are human and have personal gains to achieve with their decision just like i do, and so i respect their jobs because they are something i wouldn't do and someone has to do them. but i'd clap even louder for the kid who said he wanted to be a coal miner, that shit is even more dangerous..
again, these jobs deserve respect, but when kids get in my face and other peoples with the "you know, you wouldn't even be able to go to college if it weren't for us" talk, i have to kindly remind them that no, we actually would.