The "I have it harder than you" Card -- really?

I received an inbox on my army wives fan page ( *Army Wives Do It With Hooah* ) from someone who is OBVIOUSLY just trying to twist some panties. So, instead of posting it directly on my page, like I normally do, I decided to address it here and then let others give their input.

Here is the message:

"Hero Highlights" by Kevin E. Lake - First Sergeant Humphrey

Kevin E. Lake is an Iraq War veteran and an author. On his Facebook Page - Kevin E. Lake - he shares stories he has started calling "Hero Highlights". I have shared a few on my army wives page and Kevin has been kind enough to let me share them on my blog... 

The first "Hero Highlight" I will share from Kevin E. Lake's Facebook Page is about First Sgt. Humphrey ---


Follow Me
By Kevin E Lake

" In my novel, "Off Switch," which addresses both P.T.S.D. among soldiers and veterans and the pandemic suicide rate that is FINALLY getting more attention in the media, I address two issues in particular which are leading to the staggering rate of suicide among our heroes, currently reported as 22 each day, though those numbers would be much higher if the D.O.D. actually included the Army Reservists and National Guardsmen who commit suicide in their count as well. These two main culprits I address are severe substance abuse (mismanagement of medication the VA and Army hospitals call it) and toxic leadership. 

Teddy's From The Troops - (Product Review)

 Teddy's From The Troops

"Teddy's From The Troops" was started last November by an Army Veteran/Army Wife, Pamela Larson. During her husbands third deployment she took some of her old uniforms and made a few bears for her 2 young children to help comfort them during the deployment. Pamela says her children immediately loved them and that is what gave her the idea to start making them for others to give to their children who are dealing with a military separation.

Mrs. Larson did research on different styles of bears and tested the finished products on her kids and with some of her friends. Her finding was that her bears helped bring some comfort to children who were going through a military separation from one of their parents. 

What's the difference? Memorial Day/Veterans Day

I just need to say that it annoys the hell out of me when people get the two confused or think it doesn't matter that they interchange the two "holidays". These two days are NOT interchangeable.

Memorial Day was originally called "Decoration Day". Memorial Day is a day to honor those who died in war. Let me repeat one time.... A DAY TO HONOR THOSE WHO DIED IN WAR. Now, in my mind, I include all who have died while serving their country. Some may not like that, but that's okay.

Veterans Day is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. Veterans, those who served in the past and those who presently serve. Veterans Day is for those who are alive.

Now, while I do appreciate and I am thankful that people even acknowledge our troops at all, I just wish they would learn the difference. My husband has lost several soldiers in his time in the army...too many in his 9yrs so far. I'm sure my husband wouldn't want to be acknowledged on a day specifically meant to honor his fellow fallen soldiers.

So while people are out getting drunk and having their BBQ's on this "holiday", remember WHY you are able to do so. Remember the meaning of Memorial Day and remember the troops who this day is for.