February is and has been a month to reflect and honor those I served with. Sixteen years ago our country deployed a somewhat large force to a little inknown country in a little unimportant part of the world.  The "war" officially had lasted until 2002 when at hat time a new war began in that same little region.

Looking back I reflect on what it all means to me; what affect it had on me, and how I have tried to live a better life from it.

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I have often considered myself open to culture and other's views...

Have you ever stopped and observed other people?  Have you ever listened to them?  Regardless of peoples personal religious views or individual realites; there is a common thread we all share.  We are human.  We are of that divine spark; that part of God.  Created in it's perfect image.  A spiritual being sharing experiencing life-consciousness through a physical body...

My pizza man is a very nice individual.  He is an older man, 50+.  He is always promt to deliver my pizza and gives the highest degree of character.  He is a Muslim. 

Imagine, here stands a Muslim and a United States Army Veteran and Christian.  You would think there would be some level of animosity.  Not here!  We exchange as always some words of thanks (I.E., the tip) and smiles are given.  I tell him "thank you and peace to you".  He says, the same and away he goes as I walk inside to dine on a delicious slice of Americanized Itallian pizza made by a Palestinian.  I love America!!!

What a country.  Where else can you have a pizza delivered or made with such a cultural diverse background.  Stop though, think for a minute.  Remember those people you pass and see as you walk.  The people you type-cast because they look or sound different.  Now look again.  Can you see how similar we all trully are?  As I said, made from that divine spark.

I have been blessed to have served in the Amred Forces.  To have seen many cultures, many religions (spiritual paths), unique cultures and most of all, Humans.  I am a disabled veteran.  I was medially discharged for injuries received while on active duty.  I served as a Scout (RECON).  I am very proud of my service.  Most of all; I am proud to have served the Constitution of the United States and every person living here.  That means I am very proud to have served that Muslim pizza man and the Buhdist Monk who lives down the street.

I hope these thoughts I have put into font make us all think.