My Salute to Our Fighting Men and Women this Veteran’s Day

I was the student that you hated in high school.  I can take no credit for it, but God gave me a mind that learns quickly and remembers.  I would do my homework the period before it was due.  I would pay attention in class, review my notes the night before a test – and make A’s.

I’m giving my little brother his first salute during his commissioning ceremony.

Then I got to college.  Because of my cognitive advantages, I never developed study habits.  I was lazy.  I relied on my natural ability and did not work to develop those strengths.  In 4 years at Murray State University, I dropped 14 classes, had a 2.3 GPA, and lacked a full year to graduate.  I had no clue of what I wanted to do or be.  My parents were disappointed in me.  I was actually a disappointment to myself in every aspect of my life.

I remember waking up one morning having fallen asleep on my couch.  The TV was on.  I started to reflect on who I had become.  I had no direction.  The only thing that I had clarity about was that I was a shell of who I knew that I should be.  Then an Army Reserve commercial came on TV.  I began thinking of all of the men in my life that I held the utmost respect for.

I thought about my dad.  My dad is a man on impeccable integrity.  He has rock-solid character oozing out of his pores.  He lives his life based on principles.  He is a business owner.  I provider for his family.  I lover of his wife.  An A+ father for his six children.  He was in the Army for 7 years.  I could see the discipline in his life and began to make a connection.

My dad, brothers, and I giving the “eyebrow.”

I thought of my grandfathers.  Both served in the Army in World War II.  My Granddad Barron was one of the first people to work in the Pentagon when it was just a Line (only one wing had been built.)  My other grandfather was responsible for diverting many of the German forces away from the D-Day invasion.  He then rushed on Omaha Beach.  These are men of courage, character, discipline, and integrity.

My grandfather

As I thought through all these men who I wished I was like, their military background was a common theme.  I need a kick in the rear end. I went to visit the recruiters looking for the biggest boot.

Note:  My story takes a serious USMC turn here.  My apologies for my ingrained biases.

In my town, all the recruiting offices were in the same strip mall.  I started with the Air Force.  After speaking with the recruiter for 30 minutes, it was clear that they were not what I was looking for.  I skipped the Navy because I was not going to wear those uniforms.  When I got to the Army office, they shared with me all the benefits of being a soldier:  become a man, learn discipline, serve your country.  They promised me a sizable signing bonus, to repay college loans (that I didn’t have), etc.  I was impressed and interested.

Lastly, I walked into the Marine office.  I recapped for Sgt. Tate my previous 3 hours.  I shared with him how I was not interested in the Air Force.  I relayed to him all the things the Army would give me.  I asked him, “What does the Marine Corps have to offer me?”  He then said the words that would change my life.  He answered, “I don’t have anything for you, son.  I wonder if you have the metal to be in my Marine Corps.”  I had found my boot, and I have never been the same.

Today is Veteran’s Day.  Today is the day that we remember and honor all the men and women who sacrificed.  They sacrificed years. Some sacrifices limbs.  Many sacrificed their lives – for you and me.  We understand freedoms not known by most throughout history.  My brother, who is a Marine Aviator, is this day protecting the freedoms of Americans to burn the flag or hate our country.  That is sacrifice.

Capt. “Little Bro”

So on this Veterans’s Day, I honor all the men and women who made my life possible.  I have the privilege of loving my wife and family in freedom.  I have the right to worship my God.  I have the liberty to work hard and find success.  On this day, I honor my dad, grandfathers, and my little brother.

Sleep well America.  Your best men and women are keeping you safe!

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Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.

  • Jay Barron

    Happy Veteran’s Day! It is an honor to serve my country and a privilege to call you my
    brother. Love you bro.

    • Be safe driving that big machine back home. We had a blast having your wife in town last week.

  • Jo Barron

    A treasure to my heart. Ur dad choked up numerous times as he read this to me. Thank u, Bo. What a blessing.

    Love, Mama

    Sent from my iPhone

  • A privilege to have a window on your world – gratitude to you, your family members, and all others who have fought to defend our freedoms.

  • Your post was moving – brought me to tears. It was also refreshing – saying what needs to be said without chickening out to p.c. I thank you for you and your families faithful service to our country to protect those freedoms that way too often are taken for granted. Your daily sacrifices go unnoticed and once a year (I feel) is not enough recognition for those who serve or have served. I want you to know that I am grateful to wake up in a nation where I can still worship GOD freely. I don’t take it for granted. I believe that honor, integrity and character are the qualities to be desired and sought after above all else. I happily and proudly share this link. I think there are quite a few people in our country who need this timely reminder. Thank you Bo. GOD bless always.

    • Beth Anne – thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts we me – so encouraging. The beauty of this country is we have the ability to disagree – believe differently. I remember realizing I was fighting for the right for some to completely disagree with my worldview. It is those inalienable rights that our service-members fight to protect. How we use them is up to us. My best!

  • Excellent post Bo and so inspiring for so many young ones who have no clue where to go or what to do with their lives or college educations today! I worry about them so very much and hope they realize these are the best of times as they will have to figure it out for themselves. Nobody can help them, they must help themselves! Proud to know you and have such admiration for your accomplishments and generosity in sharing this story!
    Thanks,
    Linda

    • Thanks Linda. I thought this would resonate with you. Our young people would be so well serves by enlisting in the military if only for a short time. My best!

  • Lisa Hyland

    Outstanding!! Thank you Bo, for taking the time to write this. I try to have my son, Ross, read those things which I believe will inspire him and call him up (as I’m sure your mom did with you many times over the years:) What is different about this is that he knows you. And your honesty about where you were before is priceless. More than I planned to write but, THANKS!

    Lisa Hyland

    • Lisa – you are so welcome. Ross is a great young man and he’s so blessed to have parents like you. Blessings!

  • TASHA WHITTAKER

    I was so inspired as I read your words last night and this morning paraphrased them to Will during our devotion..A man of integrity,courage and honor what a blessing it is to have you and your family serving our country..Thank you.

    • Thanks so much Tasha for commenting. You are very encouraging to me. Blessings!

  • Anonymous

    What a legacy! I can see Will and Ben (in my mind’s eye) taking the Barron/Rogers tradition into their generation! Wonderful testimony, Bo. Thank you for sharing!

  • Connie Goodman

    What a blessing Bo, what a tribute, what a God we serve, what a country we are privileged to live in. Thank you for your service to our country and for your witness for our Lord. May He continue to bless and keep you and your sweet family.
    So thankful your mom sent this to me:)

    • Connie – thanks so much for commenting and for your encouragement!