Tonight I was talking to an old friend who has now been in the Marines for several years and it has made me realize how I have under appreciated these people in the past. So I told him thanks for everything he is doing. On top of that I made a resolution with myself, recognize these individuals who are fighting for our country more.

I'd like to thank everyone on these forums that are in the armed forces for fighting for America.

What resolutions have you guys thought of/made?

You're welcome, Alpine.

None. Havent for years now.

I just go with the flow of things most times, but this year I'm going to work on being a better father to my son.

I just go with the flow of things as well.

But im going to try and not get as wasted again on new years. I feel like someone took a baseball bat to my head and stomache. now i remember why i quit drinking.

lol, WHAT WAS THAT BOOST? WHY ARE YOU TALKIN SO QUIET AND WEARING SUNGLASSES IN A WINDOW-LESS, UNLIT ROOM? lmao

Yeah. i forgot what it was like afterwards. uhhh kill me now. hah

Weakling lol.

Well their is an upside and downside to having a high tolerance. And no I'm not Irish.

The upside you can win many drinking games. You can drink alot and still work your magic since certain areas seem to taste better ;P The downside it takes alot longer to get drunk and ends up costing more.

oh i could tell storys........but i swore to secrecy lol

What are these stories you speak of?

I've decided this year I'm going to email my brother and sister on a regular basis...to stay better in touch with them.

I never know how to respond to those thanks. So I'll say thank you.

As for resolutions. It's the same as always. Try to be the best person I can be. Unfortunately I fail at it some times.

Agreed. Getting appreciation for doing my job. It is...awkward. Pleasant? Very much so. Yet still awkward. How to sound sincere and appreciative, but not arrogant or self-important is such a fine line to walk.

Well sorry to the both of you for an awkward moment.

Alpine, I hope you didnt take it the wrong way. Thank you for your appreciation. Really. No sarcasm, no joking, no nothing but thank you for the recognition. Bob and I come from an era when the military was little more than a necessary evil that was money hungry and prestige lacking. So this emergence of esteem for the military is...how can I put this? disarming. Do I say "thank you" for being thanked or do I say "you're welcome", which comes out sounding something like "yeah, I know, and it's about time you realize ALL the sacrifice and hardship I endure for this decent pay and excellent benefits packages I receive"? It's very difficult to describe, and the only way I can respond is: Thank You and, my dear man, You Are Welcome.

Again, no sarcasm. No joking. No intent to belittle or humiliate. At all. Just pure and simple humility, I hope.

Don't sweat it. We actually appreciate it.