My parents tell a story about my dad's time in the US Army that speaks to importance of family and sacrifice. Although the details are cloudy, I feel it's an important story to write down especially today Veteran's Day.

Like many men in their late teens and early twenties, my dad and his two older brothers Larry and Pence proudly enlisted in the US Army. I'm pretty sure they signed up shortly after high school graduation. Having about two years between each boy, my uncle Larry paved the way - showing both Uncle Pence and my dad what duties were expected of them. I believe he went directly to Vietnam - high combat zone. No more than a couple years later, my Uncle Pence followed Uncle Larry's lead and was also sent to serve in Vietnam. When it was my dad's turn to enlist, my Uncle Larry made a huge sacrifice and re-upped his tour of duty. He stayed in Vietnam so my dad wouldn't be sent there. Instead my dad's tour posted him in a non-combat base in Germany. It's my understanding that the US Army wouldn't allow more than two children from the same family to serve in a war zone. Remember Saving Private Ryan? By renewing his tour, my Uncle made a huge sacrifice by taking my dad out of harm's way

With God's grace my dad, both my Uncles, and my grandfather (from WW2) returned home from war unharmed. This undoubtedly made my grandmother a very happy and relieved woman. It's stories like this that remind me that military service is a choice and a sacrifice that thousands of men and women make each year. Choices of service that not only impact their own lives but also the lives of their families. All for millions of Americans they will never meet.

Thank you to my three favorite Vietnam vets and my grandpa.