I’d like to preface my message. I may not write as eloquently as the rest of you. From what I’ve seen, I don’t come close to many of those who are active here.

I am the son of a father who was in the Army around 2000-2004. From my time spent being near those who served in the Armed Forces, I have been given a unique opportunity. I have spoken to those who many of you may demonize.

They are not an evil conglomerate. The individuals that enlist are not warmongers with an over inflated ego or self worth (for the most part). People enlist for many reasons. Most of which is to gain skills for a better life. The over rampant voice of the ignorant claims these people are, by nature, called for the sole purpose of a Machiavellian dream.

Their lives are not easy. They are constantly sleep deprived and over worked. They are just like you and me and have a limit to their patience. A letter from a stranger may be the single thing holding them together as they brave a harsh world.

How can you hate what you truly don’t know.

This is not news to anyone, and I don't believe anyone is demonizing every individual, but the military is a mixed bag in terms of the morality of the soldiers. "Thank you for your service" however is an endorsement of the military's actions. The public has shown remarkable restraint in terms of any blame toward individual soldiers given what the US military has done under command just this year.

> How can you hate what you truly don’t know.

Actions speak louder than words, and the actions of the US military industrial complex over the last decades has been absolutely and fundamentally appalling.