Commentary: Your service matters

  • Published
  • By Colonel Hubie Hegtvedt
  • 442d Fighter Wing Commander
WHITEMAN AFB, Mo --  "Thank you for your service."

Like you, I hear this frequently while I'm out and about in uniform. The vast majority of Americans are proud of and thankful for their military, and they truly appreciate your service. While it's very humbling to get thanked for "just doing your job", it's important to know, for perspective, that only a fraction of our nation's population will ever hear those words. Statistics show less than 0.5 percent of the American population will ever serve in the armed forces.

Why do those of us in the military decide to serve? That answer is unique for everyone but the effect of your service is the same.

George Orwell famously once said, "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." This quote paints a clear picture of the overall effect of your service. It might sound cliché, but you literally make it possible for the average American citizen to live their day-to-day lives without fear of being harmed by our nation's enemies.

All of us took the oath to serve our country, and for that alone, each one of us should be proud. Whether you're in the AOR supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, or supporting the mission at home, be proud of what you do. All of us in the armed services play a part in defending our nation and preserving the freedoms that every American citizen enjoys.

Don't take the fact that you are a veteran lightly. You chose to put your own personal wants and needs aside. You put them aside for something you knew was greater than yourself. You chose to sacrifice time away from your loved ones on weekend drills and deployments.

President Reagan succinctly captured the impact of military service on Veteran's Day, 1981; "The willingness of our citizens to give freely and unselfishly of themselves, even their lives, in the defense of our democratic principles, gives this great Nation continued strength and vitality."

Thank you for your service.