Home of the free thanks to brave veterans

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- With Veteran's Day upon us, it is important that we continue to recognize the sacrifices our brave soldiers are making and have made for us. Although at times we can disagree with our government in how they handle our relations with other countries, this should not reflect negatively on our military.

This past weekend I played on a lacrosse team that included an Iraqi Freedom veteran. Randy Block attended Kingwood high school and played lacrosse there back in the mid to late 90's. Back then, Randy didn't know if he'd be going into the military and he certainly couldn't predict he'd be in Iraq in less than five years.

Over the course of the weekend I'd ask Randy questions about Iraq and he'd answer them politely but I could tell he was uncomfortable with it. I told Randy one of my friend's sons was a sniper in Iraq and was assigned to observe checkpoints from a distance. I added that this soldier didn't like to talk about Iraq at all now but of the few things he would share was one time early on in his tour he was walking down the street and he saw a hand just laying there. He said people were walking by it like it was a normal occurrence that happened all the time. The soldier added that there were times when he'd stop himself and think...."This is a crazy life to get used to. Just a short time ago I was playing high school football and was just an innocent high school kid. Now, I'm watching people lose their limbs and lives and I am forced to deal with it and stay sane."

Randy acknowledged my story like he could relate 100 percent and said:

"I remember the first eye-opening experience I had. We (Randy's outfit) were driving down a street and we saw several charred, lifeless bodies dangling out of a vehicle as if they were unsuccessful at trying to get out."

I then asked Randy if he minded talking about his experiences all that much and he said:

"You know, Doug, I don't mind but it has to be at my own pace."

In observing Randy now as opposed to when he played lacrosse for Kingwood high school, he hasn't changed all that much on the outside. However, it is obvious when talking to him how much deeper he is now that he has seen a whole different world out there, a world that he has fought in so we can live free.

Like most of us were in high school, Randy was a happy-go-lucky kid. Now, he is a very deep individual thinking out every thought in his head before he speaks. We'll let Randy speak about his war experiences when he wants to speak. Until then, we'll just enjoy being around him.

On Tuesday, and every day for that matter, don't forget to thank Randy and everyone in our military for continuing to protect us and protect the freedoms we hold so dear.