I grew up in the 60's and 70 during the Vietnam era, so I remember the days when soldiers had to travel incognito for fear of having to endure taunts and criticism from the public. Today we hear of very different attitudes towards traveling service members. We have all heard of, and many of us have seen, service men and women receiving very warm welcomes at airports and restaurants.

As I was traveling to Ft. Benning last weekend for final departure processing, I and another officer were exiting the Atlanta Airport train station to retrieve our checked baggage. As we came to the top of the escalator, we heard raucous applause. I looked around, thinking that there was a victorious sports team somewhere in the vicinity. It turns out the people were applauding for us, and they cheered and applauded each time other service members would come up the escalator.

It was humbling (and quite frankly, a little embarrassing) to be received like that. During the few days that I was staying in a hotel near Ft. Leavenworth, people would go out of their way to thank me and others for our service.

Although any military in any country works for the government of that country, our military is different in that, although it takes its marching orders from the government, it serves the citizens. When we meet people all around the country who go out of their way to show gratitude and support, it makes me realize what a privilege it is to serve on behalf of fellow citizens. I imagine other service men and women feel the same.

It is a fantastic feeling to experience first hand the support that people are showing for the troops. It is encouraging to know that when young soldiers come home from long deployments, they will be welcomed with open arms by their public. The other officers and soldiers here at Ft. Benning feel much the same, and everyone is grateful to all of you who are showing that type of support.