How many people do you have in your life that have joined the military or are about to? When was the last time that you thought of all the sacrifices they make to do it? Why did they decide to do it?

Two very important people in my life have decided the military is going to be a good fit for them. Their circumstances and desires lead them to the military for different reasons. The time, and the physical and emotional commitment they invest are something we often forget about.

We all like movies like "Pearl Harbor," "Top Gun," "American Sniper," and "Lone Survivor." They are glamorous and sometimes gory, but Hollywood has done a good job with showing a clear winner in the end.

What's hard for me to understand is the why. I have a hard time comprehending why someone chooses to put their life in more of harm's way. I know there are many benefits to joining, such as medical and college benefits, the latter being the one I am most familiar with, but is it worth it?

After thinking about it some more, I have decided that the military is not for me, but I would not be able to even write these articles without the freedoms that our military men and women help guard. They are much more than the men and women in uniform, they are people who have a passion to make us safe.

This past Fourth of July, I really thought about these things and hoped, as I got to sit with my family and enjoy the day, that the people in the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force had an opportunity to spend time with their families. The ones in uniform are not the only ones who sacrifice, it is with the support of the families behind those soldiers that we get our freedoms.

So, suggestion or thought: say thank you to those in uniform for their service, but also say thank you to their families for letting them serve. Not every story turns out for the best like some movies portray. Look at the story of Chris Kyle and his family, all the hardships they had to endure, all because of his love for his country and love for the courageous men standing next to him.

Remember to always say thank you with sincerity. They will appreciate it because maybe they are simply having a rough day, and you could make it better.