Work Ethic

My layover in Dallas Ft. Worth after having missed my flight this morning to Vegas was the first time I had been here since 1999. The amenities and entire facility has improved signficantly from what I remember.

Upon arrival, I quickly went to my gate to wait for my Vegas departure. I was only going to be there about 40 minutes, so I figured I would get there. I took a call from work to discuss some issues that were going on in my absence. As I spoke, I started to realize the sheer number of U.S. Army troops that were making their way through the terminal. Only makes sense, given the proximity of the major U.S. Army base nearby. All the troops were in their camo fatigues, predominantly in the old school Desert Storm sand patterns. I did catch a glimpse of a few in the new “digitized” standard regulation camoflague.

After I hung up with work, I started to realize that this was my first up close and personal experience with troops that are serving in Iraq. Most of them, I assume, were on their way over to do a tour of duty there. Surprise came in how they were all handling themselves, as they travelled almost exclusively in pairs. Some were smiling, carrying on, almost like they were going on a vacation. Others were somewhat more somber, but none seemed disheartened or of low morale. Really, it was like they were going to work; they had a job to do in the most horrible working environment imaginable.

I’m not sure what I expected saying all that, but I’m just terribly proud of these men and women as we all should be. Whether you disagree on how we go there, our country is being represented by people you should be proud of.

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