Veteran's Salute with our wallets

"Don't tell me what you value, show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value."

Not to get all political on you, but that was one of the phrases from this past election that I remember most. It's been said many times in many different ways, this particular one by Joe Biden, but the truth resonates. We put money on things that we value. Money is an expresson of our time, our resources, and our worth. What we choose to do with our money is more telling of our person than just about anything else. What we do with our time would be the second most telling, in my opinion, but those two things could easily trade places.

Yesterday was Veteran's Day and many government businesses are observing the holiday today. My husband and I tailgated and attending the Zips home game on Saturday for the Band's annual patriotic show. Dr. Galen Karriker writes a show full of fanfare and classic American songs, while the ROTC and volunteers bring out a monstrous flag to wave. This year there were cannons and they marched into a pretty kickass star. (Full disclosure: we are total band nerds! We were in all bands all through high school and played in the University of Akron marching band for three years. While I do love football, we go for the band.) The show is always moving, even though we generally know what's coming. Since my husband joined the Army, this show has been especially moving as he gets to stand up when the band plays his song. I hold the tears back a bit, thank God that he's not yet been deployed, and pray for hope and health of our current troops over seas. Veteran's Day means something completely different to me now.

I see our nation and my friends rightly saluting our troops around this time. Many of their expressions come over my facebook feed and I know the troops and veterans appreciate their support. But today, I challenged my network to take this one step further. If you value your troops, why not donate so that they can be a little more comfortable while defending our comfort? A little bit of money goes a long way for toothbrushes, sunscreen, baby wipes, and snacks. These are not life or death items and most individuals can surely do without. But I think that's the least I can do for someone willing to defend me - especially at such a low pay.

I'm not saying I agree with the war. I'm saying I think people willing to put their life on the line for me (as in their creed) should get my support - at least for a stinkin' toothbrush and socks! :)

Here's how you can do the same: http://troopsdirect.org/help.html

God Bless.