Usama / Osama, how ever you spell it, is no longer living. This is thanks to the Elite team of Navy SEALs Team Six. I learned of Usama's demise on Sunday night. My eyes were glued to the television wanting more. I woke yesterday to learn that it was the Navy who led the attack with precision, strategy and perfection. Zero American casualties and mission accomplished are two very important things to me.
I also received a slew of emails, telephone calls and texts thanking me for my time in the service and dedication to this country. Although I had nothing to do with this day, it was so good to see that people around me do care and appreciate the sacrafice that I was prepared to make any given day.
This day also got me thinking about an interaction that I had with a young soldier at the St Louis airport a few weeks ago. I was standing behind her in line at one of those news stands that are parsed throughout the terminals. The cashier was asking her where she was stationed and how she liked being in the military. I don't recall the base that she was stationed at, but I clearly remember her saying "Eh. I don't really like it." I remember feeling a little remorseful and let down that someone would say that while standing in uniform representing his / her country.
I purchased my trail mix and a water and thought about what I had just heard. As I was walking back to my gate I saw the soldier sitting by herself. Without hesitation I walked over to her as she was slumping in her seat and awaiting her plane to take her back to that place she so despised. I said "Hi. I just wanted to stop by and tell you that I heard what you told the clerk back at the store a moment ago. I just wanted to tell you 'Thanks' for serving our country. You should be proud to wear that uniform." Of course she looked perplexed and began to say "Thanks, but I just..." I interrupted her and said "It doesn't matter what you 'just' do. You serve this amazing country and I thank you for that."
Her face lightened up with a smile as I extended my hand to shake hers. She said "thanks" and I wished her a safe return flight. I know she has no idea who I am, whether I was part of the military or just one American thanking another. But I do hope that she knows that her fellow countrymen appreciate her role and contribution to the military. And hopefully this knowledge will help her appreciate her job a little more.
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