I do not know your name. I do not know your story. I do know, that the sacrifice you make is a very hard one. Many people stop you in the stores to tell you thank you for your service. Others will roll their eyes and downgrade your job. They say the work you do is pointless. The benefits you receive is unfair that you're paid to much. But, I want you to know that I think the opposite of all these negative things.

I firmly believe that you don't get enough for what you do. You are a strong person. You dedicate your life to making our lives better. This takes a strong person with a lot of courage. You're beyond words brave. I am not sure how you feel about people saying the things I have said, and want to continue saying. But, I want you to know how much you mean to me. As well as how thankful I am for your daily sacrifice.

I know to some people the things you do may not seem like much. But, you're a mother, father, husband, wife, daughter, son. You are someone's family. You leave them for extended periods of time. You miss their first steps, words, and sometimes even the birth. These are things that should never be overlooked. They aren't simple or easy, and they aren't things you want to do. You put your job first. The most common thing I have heard is "Solider first everything else is second." This just throws me overboard. I couldn't imagine being so dedicated to helping the people of my country that I would leave my family behind for long periods. But, I guess that's one of the many many reasons you guys are so strong and amazing for what you do. You carry heavy backpacks on your back for extended periods of time. There are nights you lay your head down in the middle of nowhere surrounded by gunfire and pure danger.

Saying thank you will never be enough for all that you do. You shoot a gun at people that are shooting one at you. You lay in places most people would puke over. You're more than a mother, daughter, wife or a father, son, and husband. You're a hero without a cape. You're a soldier who I am thankful for. Thank you for all the sacrifices that you make to give us the best things possible.