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I still remember seeing ww1 vets in church as a boy and they did have a certain aura around them that the others do not. I am not sure if it was what they did, or just the great distance of time they crossed to meet me that gave me this impression. I do miss them.

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I was at lunch today with a friend who is a vet. It was a Mexican restaurant and staffed entirely Mexican/hispanic people who have the distinct sound of English as a second language. Prior to bringing the bill, the waitress asked if either of us were vets, my friend said yes, she said thank you for your service we really appreciate it. They bought his lunch. She seemed sincere and on other occasions I have been impressed by the service and attention to detail at this restaurant. I found the whole situation very interesting because I couldn't help but think to myself "No way any other restaurant in [extremely white and blue area I live] would treat us this well and do the same."

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"There’s just drones, rockets, and airstrikes."

Must be the American experience playing Chair Force. If you watch footage from Ukrainian battlefields, for all the advanced stand off weaponry of the Russians (even more advanced than the US at this point), you see how critical a motivated assault infantry force is to advancing the frontlines and taking strongholds. There is a lot more innovation on the ground than what the Western news media is telling people. For example, Russian assault troops have taken to using motorbikes to dilute the effectiveness of drones, forcing operators to waste their drone on inefficient strikes. It's not all stand off weaponry. Join the right military, and you'll get your chance at personal valor.

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here is a good article mystery grove did on the bonus army: https://www.theconundrumcluster.com/p/the-bonus-army-scandal-was-always

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