Marvin Lewis on USO Tour

I'm a veteran. My four years in the military were the greatest and most challenging of my life. I both loved and hated every second of it. I think many veterans would agree. I made the greatest friends that I rarely get to see and when I think back on my experience, I'm greeted with fond memories of camaraderie mixed with the complex feelings of... everything else. I wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything in the world.

It was always nice, and still is, to be appreciated for what I did. I never expected it but it was nice to know that people would still go out of their way to thank a soldier for their service. That's what Marvin Lewis is doing right now.

"Thanks" and "appreciation" were persistent themes during our visit at Landstuhl – as is often the case on USO tours. The NFL coaches couldn’t express their gratitude enough to the wounded warriors they met at Landstuhl who had sacrificed so significantly for our country. But at the same time, the troops kept telling the coaches how appreciative they were for the visit.

USO tours were nice. They do a great job at bringing a taste of home to soldiers who haven't been home in a long time and allow soldiers to forget about what they are doing. That can be of major importance, even if it's just for a couple hours. It's great that Lewis is taking time out of what is probably one of the busiest times of his year to go overseas and visit the young men and women who are fighting for our country. I'm not even in anymore and I appreciate it, I'm sure that they do too.

Thank you to all of those who have served and thank you to all of those who are currently serving at home and abroad. Come home safe.