GUEST,A Regular, I think I can see where you're coming from. You've made a huge investment in the fundamental principles that this country is supposed to be all about; freedom, democracy, regard for human life, etc., by your service to this country. Getting shot at, even if you weren't physically hurt, must put the nature of your service to this country in pretty stark perspective. And you see that your sacrifice for this country, and the sacrifice made by others who have served this country in wars, those who have been wounded, and especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, seems to have been in vain at best, and at worst, for all the wrong reasons.

I can understand how you might find that pretty depressing. But I think you can also look at what your experiences have taught you. Maybe as a result of those experiences, you have much more wisedom, and a better sense of perspective to offer the world than you might have otherwise had. The world needs as much wisedom as it can get. I'm glad you're here to offer yours. That's one of the good things we can be thankful for.