by Jason Meyer
The day began like so many before: up early in the cold and dark of the morning, a quick shower and shave, and a fast breakfast, all before falling in and taking a seat on the transport by a designated time.
Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen alike, all gathered again for a joint mission. Not a typical mission their training had prepared them for; rather, this was a mission of diplomacy, of exercising their rights and freedoms afforded by their service in upholding democracy, to protect their hard-earned benefits, and to expand the protections and incentives of those yet serving in hopes of creating a welcoming environment when they finally return home.
This was Veterans Day on the Hill.