Today, I was doing some locksmith work for a National Guardsman about to re-deploy to Iraq. We talked about Military Service and everything that goes along with it. He ask if I was in the National Guard. I told him no, and told him about the Tennessee State Guard, all our training and buying our own equipment, etc... He ask if the payscale is the same as the NG. "No," I said " We pay for everything out of our own pocket, including the M4 I have in lay-away." He asked why we would do such a thing. I rattled off my list of reasons, and what he said next floored me. He said " I will feel better about being in Iraq, knowing that there are people like you here. You guys are keeping our Families safe. I am honoured to meet you!" HOLY DOGGIE DOO! This guy is going to Iraq for his third time and he says this to ME?! I am just a weekend warrior! Someone who wasn't able to serve in the REAL Military. I didn't know what to say! What do you say to something like that? God Bless those Guys and Gals! They're the ones that deserve the praise!