My grandfather was a POW in Mussolini occupied Italy. Tough bid for an first generation Italian American. For 13 months he was given two potatoes a day for forced labor. He led 22 men over the border in an escape that carried them through the southern alps into France, Spain and finally Portugal where he was picked up by allied forces. 9 men made it home. I was the first one to hear his story. He asked me not to serve, feeling betrayed by his country for not receiving VA benefits for many ailments until he was diagnosed with cancer too late. I would drive him to chemo as a teenager and did as he asked, with a heavy heart.
I serve today domestically, with pride, the best I can to honor him. I serve with some of the best men I know, veterans who all sacrificed in one way or another.
My my brother from another mother here, a ten foot tall hairy three rowed tooth beast, is among these men. To TOMASS and all the other vets on the board, I salute you!