I didn't know how to classify this Hub because there are no tags that reflect honor, sacrifice, bravery, and heroism. This day, Veterans' Day, used to mean very little to me. I admit that as the grandson of a WWII Vet in high school I could have cared less about why we had days off from school, as long as we didn't have to attend classes. Unfortunately for me, by the time I came to not only respect all that my grandfather gave, but also the sacrifices of so many millions of brave men and women and their families, Grandpa Louis lay wasting in a home, stripped of all but his past glories. It took my own enlistment in the army for me to recognize true greatness. And I thank him today, as I pray for what Veterans have done for this nation since its inception.

This is my second Veterans' Day as a civilian after leaving the army with my captain's bars back in April 2007. My six years in the army served me well. I found discipline in myself I thought only existed for sports or standing in line for playoff tickets. I lived in many parts of the country I might not have otherwise, and I served for 16 months in combat. But this day means more to me because it binds me forever with my grandfather and my brother, by more than blood, by the honor of serving our Nation.

Last year I raged with disgust as my former employer, Lockheed Martin, made me decide to work either on Veterans' Day or the day after Thanksgiving. A company that is comprised of thousands of Vets actually made their employees choose to work on a day when they should be toasted. This year I am kicking back, working on my book about the parallels between my time in Iraq and my grandfather"s time in WWII, and thinking about my brother serving in Iraq now as his family, a wife and two young sons, pretend to go about their day to day lives in Arizona while counting the days, hours, minutes, and seconds down to when he returns. The same could be said of thousands of other families whose sons and daughters lace up their boots each day, in and out of this land. Those that choose others before themselves. Those that get paid far less than movie stars and heiresses for doing something this country needs. But most would happily do it for meager pay, because we are a small percentage who give more than we can ever be reimbursed for. It's a forever kind of fraternity. And it's kind of cool, actually.

Because I don't know when I'll finsih this book, or even know that it will ever publish when I am done, I wanted to thank some people who helped me be a better Soldier, leader, officer, and by some way allowed me to come home safe. Though they may never read this, and in no particular order, my sincerest thanks go out to:

Phil Zachary (CBS Radio honcho who said I would be a shitty Soldier), you made me try harder everyday and you don't even know it; Drill Sergeant Sparkman. You never got my name right, and you couldn't spell, but your incompetence made the platoon come together; The dude from my Basic Platoon who told me to read The Fountainhead. Great book. Ryan Simpson, my AIT roommate and pal at Bragg; Wes Welton, Bragg buddy and confidant; Lt Col Tim Parker, for getting me out of my civilian clothes at USASOC and into Butterbars; My tank-mates at Armor Officer Basic Course, Ft. Knox. You never let me live down swamping the tank, but we were a good crew; My former Troop Commanders, Rex Copeland, John Hawbaker, and Andy Hiersteter. I was glad for my time serving with each. John, I always admired your thinking. Andy, my friend, we'll always have Mosul...and Baghdad; Jeff Bouldin. Thank God for you in the desert. I laughed and learned from/with you. You were the real commander of C Troop in the end. The whale story will forever make me laugh; Jackie DeGaine. My lawyer-iffic friend. Thanks for the songs, the dinners, and making it to my wedding. You're amazing; Melissa Alex, widow of Staff Sergeant Eugene Alex. You and yours are in my prayers daily; Mike Felsberg. A childhood friend of mine who died a yound 2LT in Ramadi. When your light expired too early I got even more focused. Just found a picture of you from little league, too, best of times; My best friend and college roommate, Keegin. I love ya; The men I served with in every unit; Our good family friend, Barry. You are the master of the care package and Im Pine Tar. My sister, Zett. You're the best cheerleader; My brother, Ross. You are more suited for the army life than I ever was, but that always made me push myself harder and harder. Be safe. Come home intact; My grandfather, Louis, for everything; My parents, Mark and Marybeth. You could have forbidden me to join the army after spending so much money on college, but you didn't. I know it wasn't easy for you, but the number one thing that has remained a constant has been your love and support. Without you I'm nothing; And of course my wife, Sandi. You didn't have a great role in my time in the military, but you are the star of my life's show now. I thank you for putting up with me, marrying me, and inspiring me daily.

Happy Veterans' Day to all those who have earned the right to be called veterans.