Take a ride Published Dec. 13, 2010 By Col. Douglas Curry 71st Medical Group commander VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Have you ever wondered if your military service is truly valued? Do the citizens of this great country understand and appreciate the sacrifice that you and your family make on a daily basis? We are a nation that has been at war for the past decade. Has the length of our involvement resulted in an emotional numbness throughout the American populace? As the challenges associated with Iraq and Afghanistan become routine and fade from the headlines, are we a forgotten entity? As I sit here at my desk in base housing, I hear taps; a gentle reminder that freedom is not free. I wonder if anyone can hear the somber sounds of the bugle outside of these gates. If you desire the answer to these questions, I encourage you to take a ride - no, not a sleigh ride, but a ride in a commercial airliner. Better yet, take a ride in a commercial airliner while wearing your military uniform. Open your eyes, ears and heart. There is a warm message waiting to be told. You will be amazed. My enlightenment came when least expected- returning home on a Friday morning from my third consecutive temporary duty. This particular trip was to San Antonio. I had traveled to and from this destination on many occasions in the past, all pleasant, but uneventful. This time was different. Why was it different? It all boiled down to one small change in routine - I wore my uniform. What I had never imagined was the overwhelming public response. It started from the moment I dropped off my rental car and continued throughout the day. It involved the full spectrum of our citizens - the shuttle driver for the rental car agency, airline check-in personnel, gate agents, flight attendants, pilots, store clerks, restaurant servers and fellow passengers. This particular airline made it a point to recognize and express their appreciation for all U.S. military members in uniform. I watched in amazement as our young Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines were upgraded to first class free of charge. Every agent and flight attendant made it a point to go out of their way to say thank you. The pilot came on the intercom system and delivered a 60 second heartfelt message of appreciation. There was clapping and cheering throughout the plane. As I disembarked in Dallas to make a connecting flight back home, I thought maybe I had just experienced a unique event. To my delight, I found this not to be the case. In the terminal, random strangers continued to walk up to me, shake my hand, and express their gratitude by uttering two simple, but hard hitting words -- thank you. The pilots, flight attendants, and passengers on my second flight also took the opportunity to recognize and pay homage to all military members on-board. Why do I tell this story? Because after 19 years of service to my country, my spirit has been reawakened, all because of a simple airplane ride. I feel alive, reinvigorated. I have never been more honored to wear my nation's uniform. Although we come from all walks of life we join the military for different reasons. It may be a calling to serve, education, skill development, discipline, direction, health care, retirement or security. We are unified by one overarching theme - an oath to support and defend the constitution of the United States. In fact, we have agreed to defend our country with our lives. As we enter this holiday season many military members find themselves thousands of miles apart from their loved ones. I ask that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers. Keep the spirit alive. Thank the Airmen. Thank the spouses. Thank the children. Thank the parents. Your service and sacrifice are appreciated. How do I know? I took a ride.