If you make less ($$$$) than you believe you should on ANY of your advertisement(s) presented on your website(s), then, I invite you to come introduce yourself, and your website(s), on the AET Forum. I look forward to seeing you there!

http://www.adsenseeliteteam.com/forum/

For the friends of mine who had asked to see the pictures from my first trip down to Louisiana, shortly after Katrina hit, here are just a few:

A Unique Breed

The military veteran stands out as an incredible reflection of courage and personal sacrifice. I'm not saying this in order to inflate my own ego, but, rather, for those who have endured the bitter reality of war....any war....they know a special camaradere that others may not be familiar with. To watch a friend breathe his last dying breath after the cruelties of war manifest themselves in blood shed and exploited emotion, are among the many stories that I have had the honor of hearing from the same veterans who are reluctant to give any account of their war experiences.

With recent developments in Iraq and Afganistan, and, possibly Iran, a new breed of war hero has emerged. Along with their experiences come new stories that incorporate newer tactics and technology. The value of human life never changes, though. A life is a life, and death is as much a reality of war as it was years ago.

To stand in unwaverable resolution towards a cause is commendable. Even still, an integral part of our great Democratic Republic instills the capacity to be self-aware and, free to formulate our own opinions on any issue we choose. While many may not support the war efforts, a common consistency should be founded upon our ability to support, at the very least, the individuals who wear the uniform. With or without the uniform, they are fathers, mothers, children....and, they exude the same individualistic qualities of uniqueness that we all have.

They have interests and passions and feelings. They enjoy playing basketball, even though they traded in sneakers for a pair of highly-shined combat boots a while ago. They enjoy fishing, even though they haven't seen a pond, or lake, or river, in a few months. Desert sand has become as common as the same war they fight. And, they carry with them the long lineage of those who fight. They press their uniforms knowing that the same military bearing that they present would make those, that came before, proud of the service they represent.

...And, I, for one, cannot thank the military veteran enough. If you are a military veteran who reads this....Thank you!

A Reflection on War

Several years have passed since my unit redeployed from Afghanistan. Even still, the bitter reality of war still lingers. It never goes away. Of the many vietnam veterans I have spoken to, it's quite evident that, while battle field tactics may change, the same passion for country and battle buddies remain.

To the many who fight, war leaves both tangible, and intangible, wounds. The scars remain, but so does the resiliency. Strength holds its own special place in this rare breed of warrior. Beyond their camouflaged faces and powerful weapons lie an unhindered passion to do good. I have never been more proud to be one.

Within my 11 months deployed there, back in 2002-2003, the war in Afghanistan displayed another front that I'll never forget. While soldiers are trained to fight, the Afghani theatre diverged greatly from that of what those Vietnam Vets would describe. It was certainly a different type of war--one that required the allocation of various resources, beyond firepower and brute strength, to further its cause.

For those who wear the uniform, as they bear true faith and allegiance to the flag, time has demonstrated an overwhelming burden for the pursuit of freedom. Many wear that uniform proudly, hold their heads up high, and thank God for the strength to make it to the next day.

Despite varying opinions of the war efforts, inspiration can be found through the continual sacrifice of these individuals. A common consistency in thought amongst civilians, and soldiers, should be founded upon the basic principles of which our country was built upon. Daily choices are made and reflective of the same society that many have fought hard for. In complete application of their freedom to choose, they chose to serve for one reason or another. The events of 9/11, triggered that patriotic spirit within me and I chose, likewise, to serve. Even though many capitalized off of the concept, the injection of a human, emotional, element is undeniable.

On a personal level, the trials of war turned me from a boy into a man real quickly. I have absolutely no regrets.