I was so blessed to be one of six families of the SC Fallen Soldiers that the SC National Guard out of Columbia sponsored to attend the TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) National Seminar for Memorial Day Weekend. This is a seminar that brings families across the United States together to take part in workshops on grief and how to get through each day. We were also bused in to Arlington National Cemetery to be part of the the Presidents speech to the soldiers and families of the fallen. Since the death of my son SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III on November 12, 2006 my life as I knew it before his death has changed forever.

Veterans, aren't drunks or drug addicts as some may think. They aren't appreciated nor before this year have they had counseling available to them without having a LABEL put on them as having a MENTAL problem. I don't believe anyone who comes back from war is the same and it's sad that families or communities don't see that. Just because one reporters family had an addictive nature doesn't mean that all do.

We sit in our homes and other than watching news we don't know what anyone in a war zone goes through. I know that my own son, Buck, on the end of his first deployment was a totally changed person. Do we extend a hand out to thank a soldier or veteran for their service? Most I don't believe do. Watching your battle buddies blown up or have limbs taken off is hard for everyone. Did anyone ask our veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm or current two wars what YOU could do to help make their re-entry back into civilan life easier?

I have spent the last two years reaching out to our service men and women in Iraq & Afghanstian and also to families of the Fallen across the United States. All of us who have suffered deaths of sons, daughters and loved ones still do what we can to support our military. We don't think about the day off work because a good many weren't able to return to work. We don't think about that BBQ without thinking of our loved ones who gave their all.

FREEDOM ISN'T FREE the price is higher than you realize.