After serving nearly three decades in the military, with two thirds of that time in overseas locations, I’ve been fortunate or unfortunate to have experienced something unforgettable during one of my many, many deployments. Especially those on Christmas.

I remember coming home from the Vietnam War to celebrate my survival and enjoy a peaceful Christmas with the family. Finding, however, extreme hostility by our own citizens protesting the war at Los Angeles International Airport. Thinking I would be met with respect and receiving thanks for my service, I found nothing but anger and hatred. Something that will always be engrained in my heart.