Thanks Topherchris!

topherchris:

Colbert got me. I just donated what I can afford to the USO.

1. I may be a godless communist pro-choice liberal gay-friendly heathen who strongly opposes current US military action, but the people on the ground aren’t a part of that problem. When it comes to the actual service personnel and the job they do, I’ve always felt: Fuck politics.

2. I dedicated my gift to my late grandfather who served honorably in the US Army for his entire career.

3. There’s no way to stop them from sending me a “formal gift acknowledgement” via US mail. While I appreciate the thought, this should be optional. It’s a waste of money and resources. Internet boys and girls don’t desire such formalities. (I bet in five years they’ll just send you a “thanks” via Twitter.)

Next week will mark the 29th anniversary of the day that I raised my hand and started my service in the Navy. It was done in the same aircraft hanger, by my father,  31 years to the day that he did the same.  I have been a recipient of the good works that the USO provides. They truly have a way of helping make a though situation better. Your gift means a bunch to someone who will probably not even read your post. Thanks so much!

The beautiful thing about this country is that it allows (invites) differing points of view. From your description in your first point, I can tell that you and I are polar opposites politically.  So were many of my friends. I roomed with: A Latino from the barrio in Phoenix, An African American from New Orleans, A farmer from Idaho, a city kid from NY,NY and a bunch of other good folks.  As the Marines that I served with stated: it we were all green. We all had differing backgrounds, experiences and political orientations but we had one thing in common: love of country. We were Americans. As I wind down my service (planning on retirement next year), I can tell you that the young men and women that are currently serving are a great group. We are in good hands. Thanks again for the gift, I know you made someone’s day.