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What a wonderful post! What a wonderful wife! What a great and thoughtful tribute to someone who never boasts, never so much as talks about himself and his service to America.
Denizens of the PIT seldom get sentimental, but without so much as a trace of jest, even appreciative jest, I do declare: thank God for Matt Balzer. Thank God there are still men like him around.
TRN,
Fantastic post. Thank you for writing it. I am sure that your husband is just as proud of you.
Some random thoughts:
If you were married when he was in the Army, you served also. Those who are left behind when a soldier, sailor or Marine deploys very often have the tougher job. Holding down the homefront, and waiting, is no easy task and requires a high degree of selflessness.
Service. People (usually politicians, community organizers, or public sector employees) talk a lot about public service as if it were some higher good. Generally, it’s not. It’s a job, a means to advance their personal interests, or just to be able to tell someone else what to do. Mr. TheRightNurse chose military service, a type of service that requires putting others before yourself and sacrifice – physical, emotional, mental, and, sometimes, life itself. Your husband chose true service.
That he doesn’t talk much about it speaks well of him. The ones who know don’t brag.
Sincerely,
Tim
No such luck. I was lucky enough to find him after he served. I don’t know how I would’ve handled it dating him while he served.
Interesting story. I used to examine military recruits. I finally quit when I turned 80. Lots of interesting stories. One young man had gone into the Air Force right out of high school, like your husband. He spent his enlistment working in electronics. When he got out, he went to the U of Alaska on GI Bill and got a BSEE. Now, he was going back in the Air Force. Lots of good stories.
Gary, I could not have said it better.
Thank you Matt and thank you TRN for sharing!
Awwww
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month…
Wonderful post. I thank your husband and all veterans for their service to our country. Such service is truly an act of selfless love.
In England, it is “Remembrance Day” and everyone buys a red poppy. About ten years ago, my daughter and I got to sit with the Royal Army Medical Corps in Westminster Abbey on that day. Behind us was the memorial window.
Great post, and God bless all of our veterans.
My husband joined the Navy in 1973. He’d always planned to serve in the military–his older brothers did, so did his dad. But then the draft numbers came out and his birthday was #3 on the list, so he decided to choose for himself which branch he would be part of and chose the U.S. Navy. It was during a time when many people were dismissive and derogatory to military people. He served for fourteen years and then, because his job/rate was no longer an option, he got out and worked with the military as a civilian for about 25 more years.
Now that we’re geezers, he’s developed an interesting pride in his service that I didn’t see before when he was actually serving. He chose license plates for our vehicles (including his motorcycle) that show his veteran status. He proudly acknowledges it and always asks if an establishment offers a discount for vets. He actually showed up to the elementary school where I used to teach when we’d have our veteran tribute flag ceremony the Friday before November 11th.
Be proud of your husband. I’m proud of mine. Many veterans won’t brag on themselves. I’m sure it’s because they learned in their service that it wasn’t for themselves. I read this today: Soldiers [Marines, sailors, airmen] don’t fight the people in front of them because of hatred. They fight because of the love they have for the people they left behind them.
It’s very true. He would’ve raised a ruckus if he’d been home to know I wrote this. But it wasn’t just for him, but for the many like him who look at their service as a fact, rather than something they should get rewarded for choosing.
That said, I’ve convinced him to come out to dinner and take the discount (for once!).
Thank you Matt and all veterans for your service!
Two of my good friends also joined the military as soon as they were able, one to the navy and one to the marines. The events of September 11, 2001, I believe, heavily influenced Dylan’s decision to join the marines– at his high school graduation, his mom said he had mentioned doing so just once when he was in 8th grade, 2001-2002. The terrorist attacks changed the world that day, the day after his birthday, but didn’t change him, just sealed who he is.