As I was sitting at my computer trying to cram Spanish vocabulary into my brain, I started to think about how my life would be if I lived in a different country.

How big of a change would it be growing up in Iraq, Mexico or Russia? I know for sure that I would not be writing this column right now if it were not for our Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy or National Guard. Most countries are not free like America is, and I seem to take that for granted a lot. This week we celebrated Veteran’s Day, and we would not be free to speak our mind or even choose what college to go to without them. Each day a life is lost in Iraq or Afghanistan to make sure we are free. I do not sit down at all, nor have I ever, to appreciate what a total stranger does for me and how hard their lives must be.

Being in the sun all day, living in fear of what bomb may go off or if I am going to die is not a life I want to live, but our soldiers and veterans do it everyday. I would like to take the time to thank everyone who is or has fought for America or any country for that matter. We are honestly blessed to live the lives we do. I know you know at least one person enlisted to serve our country, or maybe you know someone who knows someone. I encourage you to take the time out to thank at least one soldier or veteran today. I know this sounds like a service learning project, but it means a lot to me what they do…and it should mean a lot to you, too! They surely do not have the easiest job in the world, I promise.

-Andrea

Who do you want to thank? Make a comment below. Go ahead- break the ice! Don’t just think it…speak out!

(Photo by the scroogerreport.files.wordpress.com)