Oh What A Concert!

Let me just start off by saying HOLY WOW!!! Saturday night I went up to Columbia, South Carolina with my good friend Shirley, and her husband Brice. We saw Kenny Chesney's Poets & Pirates Tour. It was really awesome!

First up we saw Luke Bryan, Gary Allen, LeAnn Rimes, Brooks & Dunn, and then Kenny Chesney.

My highlight of the night was during the Brooks & Dunn show. They were singing "Only In America" what a beautiful song! Towards the climax of the song the video panels showed 4 Servicemembers marching in a line. Next thing I know, I see them walking onto the stage. Shirley and I both jumped to our feet (tears are filling my eyes now remembering the scene!) anyway, we were soo busy screaming and cheering that it took me awhile to notice we weren't the only ones. All 44,430 plus people were on their feet screaming, clapping and cheering. The entire evening, no set of applause was as defening as when those servicemembers simply marched onto stage, saluted the audience, dropped their salute, turned and marched back off stage. Nothing was said to them, no one asked everyone to stand or even asked them to send their respect. They just did it. At the end of the song it hit me.

AMERICA STILL LOVES US

Us as the Soldiers, Sailors, Air Force, Marines, Veterans.

They LOVE, RESPECT, CARE for us.

America is so wrapped up in disliking the war, that they forget about the individuals who strap on their uniforms day in and day out, regardless of how we feel about the war. We put on our uniforms and we do what we have to to ensure our missions are complete. I am so proud of my brothers and sisters. Overseas, At the War, At Home, In Recovery. I love them more than I could ever put to words. I always have loved them, but joining the ranks and earning the title of Soldier made me love them even more.

Next time you see a service member, Retired, Injured, Part Time, Full Time, Active, Reserve, Guard, Veteran. Remind them that you still love them. Don't mention the war, just say thanks. I've yet to meet a brother or sister that when I've said thank-you, they didn't smile. Isn't that what life is about? Being happy? Loving it while we have it? Make someone's day.

I challenge you today. Make 1 person smile. That's all!

SPC Woodard