The first lucky thing that ever happened to me was being born in this great country. Many of our family have served before, but as it turned out, I had health problems just out of school, and wasn't eligible to go to the military. I don't think I would have liked Viet Nam, but when a high school classmate came back without legs, I knew I owed him.

Since then many family members, friends, and some of my children have served. I lost a nephew in Iraq to an IED, whose daughter was born two weeks later. How do I repay those kind of risks and losses?

Anyway, I want those vets and current service men and women to know the gratitude I have for them. Thanks, and God bless you!