I have always had a soft spot in my heart for all of those men and women who have served. I count among my friends, a medically retired Lt Comm US Navy, a retired USAR Capt, a CWO2 helicopter pilot from Ft Rucker, AL. My father served in WWII as a Underwater sonar specialist in the US Navy in both the Atlantic and Pacific campaigns. I also have many friends and relatives who have served.

I tried once to serve in the US Army back in 1982 when I was fresh out of High School, but the adventure became too much for me as I became severely homesick and elected to return home. Fast forward to 2001 when I was looking for a job and was able to secure one with AAFES as they were relocating a distribution center from Oakland, CA to French Camp, CA.

Now it is 2013 and I am into my 12th year of employment. We have quite the history with the US Military. As many veterans know, the organization I work for runs their post and base exchanges so they can have a little piece of home wherever they may be serving. What's even better is they get those supplies tax free. We even deploy on a voluntary basis to help run our stores in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Sometimes fellow veterans will let me stand with them when they are honored, and that is huge for me because I count myself lucky that I get to support the US Military every day I go to work. Thank You Veterans, for giving me a new lease on life and a REASON to get up in the morning.

Lawrence Borges
Freight Receiving Clerk
Sharpe Army Depot, CA

Lawrence Borges
Modesto, CA