Thank you to the people of NIU and DeKalb. Last Thursday there were numerous Veterans Day ceremonies locally, such as free dinner for veterans at Applebee’s (the steak was great) and numerous free oil change locations throughout DeKalb and Sycamore (which was convenient because I needed one).

All of these expressions of gratitude are appreciated and humbling. Even today I feel unworthy of the title “veteran” because I look to the men and woman who have come before and have done so much more than I, and it’s hard to be placed within their ranks.

I am proud of my service and the fact that while others have sat idly by complaining about far off wars, there were those of us who actually saw first hand the struggles of our fellow man in nations torn by dictators and brutal regimes and were willing to sacrifice for others.

I do not look down on anyone who has not served in the military – no, what’s great about America is ability to chose to serve or not. The freedoms we hold true, even to allow someone to say insensitive things when someone has little ground to do so.

That said, I would like to personally ask Mr. Aaron Brooks to understand that while he receives an education, there is a difference between him and the men and women who have put their own lives on the line.

So Mr. Brooks, please do not use your column as an opportunity to make light of the sacrifices of others or feel that it is appropriate to put yourself in the same category of these brave people.

Thanks again to everyone for your support and prayers. They are appreciated.

Austin M. D. Quick

Senior

Political science major

U.S. Navy Veteran, Operation Iraqi Freedom