I work at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, home to the Test Pilot School. We do Research, Development, Test and Engineering on all Naval Aircraft. Our office currently has three military members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, another two here, and four reservists. Additionally, about 75% of the remaining 45 or so people are retired from the military, and/or currently married to a Naval or Marine military member. I work for a contractor, and we recently lost a young man, the son of a co-worker. I've been a contractor in military organizations for 27 years. I was based at the Pentagon. My cousin was in the same wing where the plane crashed, and that plane crashed into what were my former offices.
I live, breathe and eat surrounded by military folks, and let me tell you, there is no greater sacrifice.
If you see someone in uniform, be sure to greet them, say thank you, clap, do whatever motivates you. Regardless of your feelings about the current military operations, the people serving and those who have served deserve our heartfelt thanks! Show them how much you appreciate them. Attend a parade. Drop by a VFW and say thanks, do something! Without them, we are not a democracy, and we don't have freedoms!