Whats the best thing you feel you have done for your country while in the military

My team was doing command and control at the bridge over the Sava River in last of Jan, Feb of '96. We had some people from the museum at Zuponja come up to document the TOC. While there I was talking with one of the translators. I asked her how she felt about NATO being there (at the time it was suppose to be only 1 yr). Her reply was, "At least for one year we get to live like people. We can plant our gardens, walk the streets in the evenings to to cafe to have a coffee and enjoy at least this summer, thank you for being here." I was speechless. I'd never thought about it like this before. To me it was just a job and I was there to do it. After talking to her, my whole attitude changed. I had no reply to her, but "You're welcome". And with that I had nothing to say, but a lot to think about.

Simply serving in the military is truly a sacrifice that 99% of our population will never comprehend, and is by itself one of the best things anyone can do for your country.

I find it hard to list any one thing, but an aspect of my career that I am quite proud of is that I helped 14 individuals transition from being outstanding young enlisted leaders, to becoming incredible officers that I am proud to salute.

Provided the best equipment of the time.  Tested and produced the weapons that carried us through the last few wars.  I was a Humvee test driver, supported the testing of the TOW upgrades, Dragon missile, Abrams tank, Bradley fighting vehicle, Apache and Blackhawk helicopters.