It's a lot easier to go to Law School & Truck Driving school then sign up for the service and be deployed. Don't get me wrong I'm not knocking their choices, the service isn't for everyone.
All I'm doing is pointing out the simple fact that those who haven't served don't understand what it's like to be away from family & loved ones, while it's rewarding as hell, it's lonely and it can be very depressing.
I'm sure I'll hear a whine a** story from cooper about how he is gone all the time and while that is true it's NOTHING like being deployed. As a truck driver he can talk to his wife and kids anytime he wants to, by picking up his cell phone and dialing a number. He also get's the freedom to stop and eat in any restaurant he chooses and he can stay in a comfy bed every night if he wants. Also if it's that bad he can shut the truck off and make a call and say f**k you I'm going home.
On the other hand when I was deployed I got to write letters, there was no internet, and if the ship had a phone and you were lucky enough to get to use it the phone line had a 15 second delay so most of your conversation was garbled. So for me it was waiting for letters that by the time you got them it had been at least a week, and at times that really sucked but I did it because I wanted to serve.
The simple fact is if you give a solider a cigar and the time to smoke it, and it's a great moral booster. Most of the service men I know don't have a palette for only the best, they like anything they get no matter the brand. It's about relaxing and letting your mind go home for awhile and see your family, friends and pets, and while it's only in your head it's better then the reality you face when that cigar goes out.
So again THANKS to all that donated!
