Sorry to butt back in MSG Westberg, and a heart felt appreciation for your service.

I would ask you to reread what you're calling military bashing. I think you might see that it is criticism of the position and/or comment from a person who happens to be a veteran not a reflection on their service.

Your rank probably made you responsible for the rating of many soldiers. The example I thought of seemed to lead me to believe that Purple Hearts were handed out like m&m's, and a full tour was a good bit shorter than a year, but that's just me and me alone. How about you, do you see him as a friend of the 2nd?

While I served, that time has passed, and I too think more about direct family members who are overseas at this moment and proudly serving.