I served in the Army during two hot wars and most of the Cold War. I often heard service people remark (and probably did so myself) that their service was never appreciated by the public; that civilians back home could never imagine or understand how it was to live under miserable conditions or to be in danger for long periods of time.
I would now say to all who serve or will serve: "Whether you served two years, or 10 years, or 20 or 30 years, if the people back home never know what it is to live in misery, or to be in constant danger, then you have accomplished your mission. You have done your job well. You can be proud! I am."
— Don Neal
Anchorage
Anchorage Daily News