Respect For Our Veterans

I don't think many people really comprehend everything our service men and women put into this country. As if the time, and work they put in wasn't enough, they also risk their lives and experience the horrors of war that many citizens can't even stand to see on the news reports. The things they witness I hope never to see in my life. It truly takes a special kind of person to live the lives these men and women live.

Unfortunately, sometimes the pressures of their duty can overwhelm even these remarkable people, as was the case on November 5th on an army base in Texas when Major Nidal Hassan open fired without warning. 13 were killed and 30 were injured in this shooting.

Hassan was a psychiatrist for soldiers who had often lost limbs or had other physical wounds. Hassan was born a Muslim in the United States. As many of you can imagine being Muslim caused some difficulty for Hassan. He often mentioned to his cousin that he had been harassed for being Muslim. Hassan also told his cousin that his worst fear was being deporte to the front in either Iraq or Afaganistan. He was scheduled to be deprted soon when the shooting happened.

I personally can find little contempt in my heart for Nidal Hassan. He did so much for our country before the incident and that shouldn't be forgotten; we should also not forget all the hardships and pressure he was going through.

I can not even begin to explain all the respect and admiration I feel for our men and women in uniform. My heart goes out to not only the victims and their families, but Nidal and his family as well. I would just like to say veterans please take care of yourselves as best you can; we hope to have you home safe.