I am sitting in SFO waiting for my plane and I keep seeing men walking by with their assault bags that double as a carry on. A few are in uniform but most look like regular Joe’s minus the high and tights and distinct military bearing.

I have been home from Iraq since 2004 and thinking that the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are moving into the 5 year mark makes me sad. I remember the day I wrote ‘We are not done yet‘ and thinking that home and the dream of a normal life seemed like an eternity away.

I am sure the feeling is the same for all of the troops currently deployed as well as their families back home. Daily attacks and dealing with the unknown is not a pleasant place to be mentally. But soldiers are trained to some extent to deal with this.

Seeing the people walking by me in the airport brings me back to my personal reality and reminds me again that life should not be taken for granted. I try to be appreciative of all the blessing I have in my civilian life and though I do make mistakes and I fall into complacency, I really am grateful.

For any of my readers that have been overseas or have family in the military fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan, know this, there is a large support structure available and the troops are not forgotten about.

For the soldiers returning home, use your training in the civilian world to benefit others. I think about all of the men and women deployed on a daily basis since I know what they are going through.

Stay alert, Stay alive and come home!