I hade many Female Bosses. Women worked for me. Women were my peers. Many were married. Some had children. We worked together and accomplished mission. Every day was not a bed of roses but my career will be positively remembered always. Men and Women of many races, religions working together. Fuck Hegseth. And fuck those who think conservative values are a solution. To anything.

I have an Aunt who spent her career in the Army back when that wasn't easy for a woman to do (the sixties and seventies). I appreciate your recognition of the women who serve.

God Bless your Aunt. A trailblazer. My Wife served in the Navy. We met while in the Navy. I retired from the Canoe Club. She served 6 years. We have been Married for 51 years. Any person not cognizant enough to know the value of women in uniform is a freaking idiot. Hegseth fired ADM Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. Got the job because she was an awesome leader. Had military experience Hegseth could not fathom. ADM Franchetti was fired because she was a she. Those with conservative values know not of the value of anything or anybody.

This is what I said in a thread tonight started by someone who chose not to watch the Capitol 4th concert -

Military musicians hold a special place in my heart. Anytime I watch the medley of the songs of each of the branches of the military services, and see current uniformed members and past members in their civvies stand when their branch's song is played, it really moves me, and I usually cry my way thru the whole medley.

I spent 4 years on active duty in the Air Force nurse corps, and another 8 as a reservist. I think, for the most part, those of us who have served take pride in that, whether we enjoyed our time in uniform or not, whether we were in for a single tour or a full career. There is a kinship you feel for others who have served or are serving now, that is understood without any words being needed.

I agree about the musicians.

I like that! Changing it to sisterhood. I joined the Navy in 1973 at the age of 20... Had never been away from home and left CA for FL for 8 weeks of bootcamp. Then got stationed at a Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi TX. When I got there, I was the 5th female to join a squadron of over 300 sailors. By the time I left at the end of '75 there were over 55 women!! We had to make changes...like standing post watches and such. Had to make it 'fair' for the fellas. Anyway...The early 70's was another ground making era. Things have changed so much since then..

REAL MEN ARE NOT AFRAID OF WOMEN!

. . . in the bush in Vietnam with a rucksack on my back and an M-16 in my hand. All male.

My son served in Iraq with female soldiers. When the question of women in combat comes up, his response is: "I don't care if you pee standing up or if you squat to pee. All I give a damn about is -- when the shit hits the fan, are you with me -- and the women were always right there!!!"

It’s not fully dark here yet, but Boy the Joint is JUMPIN’!

And BOOMING! All around!