I've always been patriotic; I guess it really started around 1990 when the first Gulf War started. I remember being 13, sitting in front of the TV with my family the night Baghdad was bombed and being scared to death. I had never lived through a war at the time; like many my age at the time, we were sure they were going to attack us right back. Over time, I discovered a love for the American Soldier; a respect for what they were doing to protect our country, our freedoms, our way of life. Even today, I'm still amazed at the fact there are men and women who are willing to face death, risk losing limbs, becoming disfigured, in an unknown country. I can honestly say, I don't have the guts to do that; but, I am so honored to know people who do. I'm fortunate to have met many veterans during my life; from WW2 to the present day wars. I get so emotional when I hear all the heroic tales, funny stories, and the many not so funny stories they wish they could forget. I have