On this 6th anniversary of ‘9/11,’ and as a civilian who has been privileged to be associated with the National Guard and the Army during these last 6 years, “Thank you for your service” and “Supporting the Troops” are buzz words that are tossed around too casually these days. Although I have been a little closer than most civilians you encounter, I know those seem like ‘generic’ statements, but sometimes people just don’t know what to say or how to say it.
You have made commitments that we haven’t made – perhaps we feel a bit guilty, perhaps we are too old to participate, perhaps we don’t really understand it. But we do know that your commitment to serve is something that is more serious that any other kind of commitment we make as civilians.
As recruiters, it is another kind of thanks for your service - because your continued efforts here on the home-front ‘battle lines’ to increase our enlisted ranks are what supports our brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and friends who are on battle lines far from home….
As I talk with civilians who are not informed about the Guard’s mission and unique position in the military world, I find that they usually become more ‘in awe’ of what YOU do as recruiters. They are definitely more appreciative when they understand the Guard’s unique aspect of serving both State and National calls.
As a mother of a soldier, and as a colleague of several active Guard members, I do “thank you for your service” and “support our troops” – from a deeper place of gratitude in my heart.
Keep the faith and stay strong in your commitment to our future and the overall mission.
