Disabled veteran pays respect to members, hopes others follow Published Nov. 9, 2006 By Bradley Stearns Air Force retired disabled veteran TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Recently, I saw a show on TV entitled, "Letters from Home: Voices" by Bill Couterie. It was a moving documentary about the families of military members who gave their lives in the war in Iraq. The pain that filled the emptiness left from these deaths was almost unbearable to witness. I felt such empathy for these families. But I was also filled with an immense pride for the soldiers who perished; a pride that comes from a feeling of deep indebtedness for the sacrifice each man and woman made for my country, not only in this current war, but all wars in our country's history. I do indeed feel indebted to those people, as well as those who are currently sacrificing by placing themselves in harm's way to ensure a safe tomorrow for all who believe in and desire freedom and a just society. In this documentary, each family recounted not only the letters their loved ones sent home, but the dreaded "knock on the door" that brought their family life as they knew it to ruin. I, thankfully have not had to hear the "knock on the door" and pray to God I never do. I am proud my wife chose to follow in my path by earning a commission in the Air Force. But, I know the fear and loathing of a possible visit from the base chaplain at my door. So I empathize with those that have lost. Feeling this way only intensifies my pride and gratitude for having the freedoms I do and the gift of living in such a free country. This is where I see a lot of Americans falter, even here on an active duty military installation. We are all Americans, and we owe our freedoms and rights to all the men and women who have fought, suffered, bled and died on the battle fields of history to protect our lives, homeland and security. It is a price paid for us by them. We as American citizens paid nothing for it, and seemingly have no obligation to pay any price for what we have. But I say we do have a price to pay. What we as American citizens have to pay is respect to our veterans, our soldiers, our flag and our country. Every single American citizen has an obligatory duty to pay a price of decency and respect to ourselves through respect for our county. Just the other day, I was driving on base right around the time when retreat sounded. Granted, I am no longer active duty military, I still understand my obligations but as a citizen of my country and as such, am proud to pay proper respect when required. I and a few others pulled our vehicles over and stopped for the playing of our national anthem. Yet during the anthem three other vehicles kept moving as if nothing were happening. They seemed oblivious to the many people who were stopped on the road for the playing of our anthem. As a prior military member, I know I am supposed to stop while the anthem is played, if on foot and in uniform salute the flag or the music, and if not in uniform, place my hand over my heart. I feel everyone should know this - not just active duty members, but their families as well, simply by virtue of being an American citizen. It is the price of respect we all must pay for the sacrifices made everyday by those much braver than ourselves to step forth and stand in defense of our way of life. I find it offensive that citizens would choose not to stop for a few moments and pay respect to the symbol of what two of my own friends have died for just this past year. I feel even the military members themselves should feel proud of one another. Senior enlisted folks and field grade officers - remember why it was you made the choice to join the world's greatest military and what it was you felt you needed to help defend. Turn to your nearest airman basic or second lieutenant and say how proud you are of them, that they, too, would feel as strongly about this job that they would selflessly sign up for the chance to defend the ideals and beliefs held deep within the hearts of the citizens of this country. Be proud of each other and let each other know it. Lastly, I would like to say thank you to all active duty members for choosing to serve my country and defend my way of life.