Norman Gregory Fernandez, Attorney at Law, on left, Sheppard AFB, TX, 1981

The year is 2015, the month is November, and the day is the 11^th, another Veterans Day.

As I type this many men and women are serving our nation’s armed forces, and many are in harm’s way.

I and many millions of people have served in the armed forces of the United States of America from its inception.

Today we give thanks to all of those who served in the Armed Forces of the United States whether it be the Navy, Air Force, Marines, Army, or Coast Guard.

Let me tell you from personal experience that enlisting in the military is the easy part. The hard part is getting to boot camp and realizing your ass belongs to Uncle Sam. There is nothing easy about any part of our military service.

Anyone who joins the military puts their ass on the line not only for their friends, but for the nation.

The United States of America would not exist in its present form unless many many people but their ass on the line to serve this great nation.

Many have paid the ultimate price for our freedom, that day is observed by Memorial Day. Today, Veterans Day, is to honor all who served in the armed forces.

Although I served many moons ago, my service is entrenched in my mind, and the United States Air Force is part of my blood. I will never forget.

For those of you who have not served in the armed forces, give thanks to those who have because it is a very difficult thing to do, and for those who do it they’re basically signing a contract and taking an oath that they will defend our freedoms with their lives if they have to.

By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Attorney at Law, and United States Air Force veteran