[mikester]

When I was about 18 or so my Uncle came to me (the air force brat who seemed to hate authority) to talk my slightly younger cousin out of joining the Marines. My uncle was also in the air force (like my dad) but that is neither here or there.

So my cousin and I go out for a few rounds of pool and I tell him (I was the long haired kid who fought authority remember?) that there is very little in this world that he could do that would be more respectable or honorable than becoming a Marine and if your dad doesn't see that - he will when he sees you come home after basic. One of the strongest dreams I ever had was to become a Marine, I wanted to be a marine pilot more than anything so there was no way I was going to tell him not to do it. I envied him for the ability to do so. I could never express my respect for the marines as well as the other services fully so I will just say "Thank you" to those that have served.