Despite today being one of my rare chances to sleep in, I woke up this morning at 8 am and could not fall back asleep. As my mind churned through the million things I need to finish this weekend, a nagging thought popped into my head; a friend who was deployed to Afghanistan a month ago recently sent me an email, and I have been meaning to reply. He included his address, however, and as my tired mind lay in bed cursing my inability to fall back asleep, I found myself mentally writing a letter to him. I finally succumbed to the urge and pulled out a pen and a sheet of engineering paper. There's something just so organic and personal about a handwritten letter; both the giving and receiving have always been enjoyable for me. Only once I finished and I sealed the letter with a date did I realize what day it is today.

To the people whose nature compels them to serve and protect, in whichever walk of life they choose, you have my respect.