you don't know WHO joined the USA Military and who didn't Senor BSailor .
If they joined the U.S. Navy from Oct 1st 1999 until May 15th, 2002 in Amarillo TX, I did. I ran the MEPS in Amarillo during that time, and EVERY person who enlisted had to have me sign their enlistment paperwork. Not only was I Leading Petty Officer (my boss was in San Antonio), but I was also Head Classifier, meaning I was the lead on assigning jobs too. And, if they needed a waiver, or didn't decide to enlist, I knew exactly who those people were as well.
Try again pismoe, you know nothing about me.
I don't usually go around handing out empty platitudes but, thank you for your service. I'm sorry that more Americans don't seem to understand how valuable your life is.
If you really want to thank a veteran for their service, the easiest way is to vote. Whenever someone thanks me, I ask if they voted, and then tell them that was one of the main reasons I joined. To help preserve this democracy.
And................the other half of that answer is this.............where else in the world could a poor country boy from Montana go to work and get to see the world? I've been to 26 different countries, and 49 different states (only missing AK). Not only did I get to see a lot of cool places, but I also had a LOT of fun doing it.
Ever had the government pay for your vacations overseas while rollerblading? I did.