Thank you for your service Published May 1, 2013 By Maj. William Jelks 9th Logistics Readiness Squadron BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, -- I had a conversation with my step daughter about why people thank me from time to time. We were getting ready to leave Langley and were staying in a hotel off base. Lodging was full, and periodically people would see me in uniform and say "Thank you for your service." Of course, I would smile and thank them in return, but it wasn't until this conversation with my step daughter occurred that I realized the significance of a simple "Thank you." A simple "Thank you" from someone can say many things. It could say thank you for upholding the high standards and moral values that we the public has placed upon you. It could say, thank you for putting yourself in harm's way to allow us the freedoms and liberties we have come to enjoy and love. It could say, thank you for saving someone's life. It could say thank you for dedicating your life to the defense of our nation or it could simply say thank you for the sacrifice. In my mind, when someone comes up and says "thank you for your service" it means all of the statements above and more. This is the answer I gave my step daughter when she asked me the question and the look on her face after I explained that to her will stick with me forever. It was a look of awe and surprise followed by a look of pride. Later that day I thought to myself how this would be a good story to tell at my next Commander's Call when we discussed the reason why we serve. A few weeks passed, we PCS'ed from Langley AFB to Beale AFB and amongst all the packing, traveling and multiple bathroom breaks along the road, the conversation between my step daughter and I had slipped to the back of my mind. It wasn't until 2 days ago as my wife and I were out to lunch that I was reminded of this conversation. We were ordering food at one of the local eating establishments when I felt a slight tug on my sleeve. I turned around to be greeted by the smile of an elderly woman who looked up at me and said, "Thank you for your service." Again, I smiled and said, "thank you" only have her look at me and say "no, we are the ones who should be thanking you." At that moment, I was reminded of my step daughter's conversation and my intention to share this story with our Airmen. Thank You. Eight letters, two words that mean so much and so many things. As simple as these gestures and acts may be, they have a huge impact on us as service members. It's moments like this that make you proud to serve in the greatest Air Force in the world protected the greatest nation in the world. So, to all that may read this article, Thank you for your service. Hopefully you will feel the same pride as I do when someone says these two words to you or when you explain to your son or daughter why a complete stranger comes up to you and says "Thank you for your service."