An ode to my veteran

Ok, it's not really an ode because an ode usually implies good rhythm, a poetic way with words, and even music. Since this post will have none of those things, it's not really an ode...more of a tribute. But ode sounds so much more interesting.

So today is Veteran's Day, a fact which I had completely forgotten until I heard it on the radio this morning. American never really pays much attention to Veteran's Day (probably because us regular peeps don't get school and work off), but this year I'm going to be a conscientious citizen and remember it by introducing you to my veteran brother. He's the only veteran I associate with on a regular basis and is probably not exactly what pops into your head when you head the word "veteran" (I don't know about you, but I usually think of old grey-haired men wearing WWII uniforms that are dusty and possibly bursting at the seams). Nevertheless, my 22 year old brother has served in Iraq on 2 deployments with the Marines, and is scheduled for a 3rd (somewhere). He originally signed up because he didn't know what he wanted to do with his life, but liked the idea of getting paid to shoot guns. Because he was a little too excited at the thought of shooting at people, he volunteered to be in the artillery division when he could have had basically any job he wanted. But as crazy as he may be, my brother loves his country and what it stands for. He loves the guys he serves with and the job he does.. So thanks, brother, for serving our country. And for staying alive.

*Alas, I didn't have any brother-in-uniform pictures lying about...he really is a marine, I promise.