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On this Holiday, Remember the 1%

I recently read that 70 percent of kids today would not physically qualify for military service. Of the remaining 30 percent, only three will choose to serve. In short, only ONE PERCENT of our population are called on to defend us.

Those folks will miss Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and every other holiday.

Next time you are in church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or wherever you might gather, ask around and find out who has a kid serving. Then take some time to buy a bunch of goodies (cookies, deodorant, razors, magazines, home town newspaper, Slim Jims, crackers, puzzle books, or anything else YOU use to pass the time or enjoy a treat) and send them to those kids who are serving.

We who served appreciate our family sending things. But I really appreciated getting a package from the folks who lived down the block: when they said "thanks" it really meant something.

Oh, and one other thing. Take a minute and mark four random days (not holidays) on next year's calender and send packages on those days. It's easy to remember our servicemen and women on holidays, but getting a "thank you" note and package on March 10th, June 6th, October 7th, or any other random day means a bunch.

June 6th has a meaning... but great message.

You can also help by donating to those wounded/injured:

Home - Wounded Warrior Project

Semper Fi Fund Home

Due to physical fitness/ability, education, criminal records, or intellect, only 15% are eligible to serve. I would guess only 3% of them would elect to do so.

Currently, 0.5% of the population is serving. This contrasts with World War II, where 8.5% of the entire populace served. :eek:

Nationally, only 1% (as you stated) have served. The ranks of former military who serve in the House or Senate is at an all-time low. I can't remember this number exactly, but I think it was 15%.

The article I read stated that never before in America's history has society been so isolated from the military----and vice-versa.

Pretty sure I read it in Newsweek.