Dear Editor:

My definition of a veteran: When asked why they enlisted in the PA National Guard on the edge of our country going to war they respond "Because it's something I felt I had to do."; respond that the military gave them everything they promised and more days after returning from an 18 month deployment in Iraq getting occasionally shot at and always in fear of being blown up by and IED; giving a response of " I go where they tell me to."Following an announcement of a 12 month deployment of his unit to Afghanistan just 17 days prior to his 6 year enlistment being up; immediately starts looking for a full time teaching position upon return from Afghanistan rather than collect the nine months of unemployment he is entitled to; when asked by his new bride about his experiences in Afghanistan provides a response of "I went there, did my job and came home.So on the hot and sunny afternoon of June 18, 2010 Garrett W. McMullen, my veteran, was awarded a bronze star with valor device for his actions in Afghanistan. The ceremony was held at Fort Indiantown Gap in the presence of his PA National Guard company. No newspapers, news stations or articles appeared regarding the presentation but the thank you and accolades that I witnessed from his fellow soldiers were astounding. "Thanks for saving my life, I wouldn't be here without you"., "You're real calm and cool in a tough situation"., only made me more proud of my veteran.Thank you Garrett, my son, and all of the other veterans for your service.William McMullenHometown