Let's hear it

[Brian Wolle]

for the guy who's been with it for fourty years. Maybe never went after rank. It was always enough to be in the ranks than of the ranks.

The guy and girl who strive to keep their marriage together while remaining in the "hobby". We all know it places strain on a couple, but the rewards are there. Even for the kids.

the guy who actually fought against a modern foe; who could hardly wait to get back and put on the wool again; even though he has seen actual casualties -even friends.

the "newbie" who gets that urge we all have felt; cannot wait to get the uniform; the rifle; cannot BELIEVE someone lets him go out and with all the others marching with things done so military, so perfect and going into an actual battle; all the humor, all the maintaining of discipline -like some fantasy world, come to life. As though they let him be in the movie of his dreams...

the person with an increasing number of urgent things on his plate and still finds time to be in the ranks.

that young girl going for her first hoop. -her first coset. Like WOW -how does one get used to this? But the urge to see it through -she will achieve that assemblage toward the perfect look. The responses will attest to her having arrived.

Enough of my colorful prose.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Really well said. I've experienced most of that, and despite all of the issues of "real" life, this has become my real life. I've had relationships end over it, I've had it take much more time out of my life than what is probably necessary, but I still can't wait for that next event, that next living history, that "eureka" moment when doing new research - that's what its all about.

[GaWildcat]

Thats probably the most profound thing said in a long time. YEah, lets hear it for the average guy/gal in the hobby. Like we tell our guys in our unit.. it's their unit, if it weren't for them, there would be no unit. Same for the hobby.

[DColeman]

Well said Biran, well said!

And don't forget the private who's soles of his brogans fall off in combat and has to walk back with a big flapping gape ;-)

[Brian Wolle]

Mr Coleman is referring to yours truly. But heck, I made it through and did the repair when I got home!

Thanks, guys.