attempting to re-load in different format. This format will hopefully be easier to view.

1. WHAT ABOUT THEM The attached article was inspired by my beloved grandmother. She was a very proud woman. All of “her boys”, (sons and grandsons) were/are enlisted in some branch of the Armed Forces. She lost one of “her boys”, her oldest son in Vietnam. One never really, truly gets over the loss of a loved one, but I believe that the fact that her son died a hero, fighting to uphold our country’s freedom and values helped her to move forward with her life. As I helped carry my grandmother to rest, dressed in my Air Force Dress Blue Uniform, all I could envision was the sight of her face with big, rosy cheeks, and a tremendous smile. At that moment, my spirit was overwhelmed with a numb, tingling sensation as she “spoke to me”. I then broke down in tears as I relayed her message to the rest of “her boys”. I said to them: “She was proud of us”. Thank you Grandma. By Eugene Presciti, SSgt, United States Air Force 10 September, 2001 The military: job, adventure, way of life…What is it to you? For many in today’s military, it’s easily all of the above. You may have signed up to get a start in life, to get a trade or skill. Some come in to travel -- “see the world,” and others to get an education, or to take advantage of the various other benefits offered. This is fine, dandy, n’all, but I believe that today’s military is rapidly losing sight of exactly why we are here. I fear that we have become a very materialistic and selfish military, always trying to find: “what’s in it for me?” ME..! Well, what about them? What about them? What about those before us? Do we really know the price they paid? Is it even possible for us to truly imagine the sights that have passed before their eyes, the scars they have carried; not just the mere physical, but emotional and psychological as well? What about them? They were aware of what they were up against. They knew that they were to make many sacrifices. They knew that they may be faced with the possibility of laying down their life to defend their country. They knew this, accepted it, and never asked: “what’s in it for me?” I often think of why I joined the United States Air Force, and why I continue to serve. Then, I usually find myself questioning my own rationale. People frequently ask me: “So, what made you join the military?” Of course, one of those generic answers pop out of my mouth: “to travel, or to get an education.” The truth is, I just detest the thought that I oftentimes find myself embarrassed to say the truth. I feel people will laugh at me, or think I’m a little corny if I tell them what’s really on my mind. You see, I serve in the United States Armed Forces just because of that, to serve. I joined, and continue to serve out of a sense of loyalty and obligation. It is because of the legacy of which those who served before us laid. It is because of the price they paid that I serve. What about them..? They are the reason I am what I am…Proud! Dedicated to the memory of my Grandmother: Nora E. Vanderhoff and her son Cpl. George “Butch” Vanderhoff - killed in action; Vietnam 16 Oct 1968