I need to throw in another thank you. No man is an island and all that. No military marches to victory on its own.

A sincere thank you to all that may not have served, but who give support to those who are. Somewhere there's a quote to the effect that 'they serve as well, who keep the home fires burning'. A lot of people have done much more than just keeping the home fires burning. They've put a lot of energy into supporting troops who are fighting a difficult war.

I can't possibly thank you enough for what you do. I'm out of the fight now. The very thought of a parachute jump is somewhat intimidating these days given my knees and back (though I'd love to do it again), but the support that you give to those who are still in the fight is invaluable.