It’s Veterans Day and everyone should take some time to say thanks to a veteran. If it wasn’t for the sacrifices made by our military, I certainly wouldn’t have the freedom to write all this drivel to my crappy website.

Believe it or not, there was a time when I was considering a stint with the U.S. Marine Corps. I come from a long line of Marines and many in my family were thrilled that I’d be the first girl in the family to enlist.

I had a recruiter who would come to my house once a month to discuss my future career plans. Sgt. Burnside was his name and I only mention that because how friggin’ quintessential is that name for a Marine?! We would talk, watch videos about the Marines, discuss the benefits of a life in the military as well as the drawbacks, and he expressed to me the level of pride that comes along with being a Marine. He was such a nice guy.

One thing that I always found remarkable was the videos he showed me. They didn’t sugarcoat ANYTHING! In one video that focused on women in the Marines, three seemingly quiet female Marines were sworn in as Drill Instructors and, once sworn in, they turned toward the new female recruits and began screaming with spit flying and bulging veins and all that. Sgt. Burnside laughed when we watched it.

Ultimately, I wimped out which only strengthens my respect for those who do make the decision to enlist. I chose to go straight to college and Sgt. Burnside never pressured me. He never questioned my decision and he would occasionally call me to see how I was doing.

So, to those who didn’t wimp out, thank you.