Jerri Kelley

In 1987 I aspired to become a marine. I heard the recruiting information, asked questions, and thought I understood what being a marine (or a soldier) meant. I realized a long time ago I didn’t understand. I understood the honor of wearing the uniform, but I didn’t understand the commitment of wearing the uniform.

I didn’t understand the toll it takes on families.
I didn’t understand how it could make you so incredibly proud and absolutely break your heart.
I didn’t understand what it meant to “fearlessly go to war” when you were terrified or “do your duty” when you really didn’t want to have to.
I didn’t understand that war didn’t stay on the other side of the world but came home with you, waited for you in your dreams, and sometimes won months or years later.
I didn’t understand that the same drinks you lifted in victory could be the same drinks that a buddy would drown in.

I saw the honor and the belonging and the shiny, but now I know that is wrapping on the hard gift you give to our country…to the people of our country.

Thank you, Veterans, for giving that hard gift.
Thank you for being that gift.

With my very deepest respect and gratitude…
Jerri Kelley