I grew up in a Navy household during the Viet Nam war, and frequently experienced an officer and enlisted man parking in front of a neighbor's home more times than a person should.   I witnessed too many friends whose father would never come home.  Then later, those who did come home were often so emotionally scarred they had to self-medicate to ease their pain and suffering.  This lead to other problems in their personal lives and often ended in the vet losing those closest to him.  

I've always had a great compassion for those men/women who see and do things a human being isn't meant to experience.

Today I attended the funeral of one of those men who died with no loved ones there to be with him as he was laid to rest.   My Dad was his friend and went to the funeral.  My sister and I also went to be supportive of him (we didn't know the deceased).  

The Patriot Guard was there, and their selfless generosity in assisting with the ceremony moved me to tears.   I knew then and there I want to be part of this group and was excited to learn I didn't have to be a veteran.   

This was the most sane experience I've had in this time when it seems the world is going crazy, and I want to be a part of this group and give back.