I don’t like to say Happy Veteran’s Day. To me, it isn’t a happy day, it’s a day to remember those who served this country.

Today had even more meaning. A 25 year old man from the area was killed in Afghanistan a few weeks ago. He came home today. I think today was the perfect day for him to come home. It’s starting to get too close to home, we lost another soldier from the area back in September. We’ve stood on the side of the road of both of these young men, if only because they were both close to my age, and could have been my friends. It’s been tough for me, because I have friends who have been injured while serving, and I have friends who are recently home, and some who will be leaving soon. I come from a military family. I feel a very deep pride for what my friends and family have done. They have fought for the right to be doing what I am now, giving you my thoughts.

Welcome home, Cpl. Chad Young. Thank you for your service.