With the safe return of our local hero, Erich “Fluffy” Weinert, somehow thanks seem inadequate. Whether you agree with the policies of our President and Commander and Chief or not, thousands of men and women just like Erich choose to serve our nation in ways we cannot fully understand unless you have been there. Since Viet Nam our nation has relied on an all volunteer military. Men and women who leave their family and friends, put their careers and lives on hold to defend and protect our nation’s security, freedom and democratic way of life.  
Our military personnel make the choice to serve but their families also make a huge sacrifice. Husbands and wives sleep alone, children do homework, play in concerts and play in their big athletic games without their deployed moms and dads. These unsung heroes deserve our thanks and appreciation as well.  
As much as we try to be thankful and appreciative, as much as we try to keep our military in our hearts and minds, our lives go on without much sacrifice. We drive our cars without concern about scarce gasoline. We don’t save rubber and tin cans as our grandparents did during World War II. We suffer few shortages. For most of us, despite hundreds of thousands of our military in harm’s way, our lives go on.
There are no words that can ever repay our military and their families for the sacrifices they make everyday. For now all we can do is say Thanks.  
ERICH “FLUFFY” WEINERT THANK YOU, THANKS TOO TO YOUR WIFE.  THANKS TO ALL OUR MILITARY