I know this is a little late since you've posted 25 times, but welcome to the forum, bulldog75. Always nice to see someone from my neck of the woods. (I'm in NE KY) I don't believe I've heard a description of a veteran any better than the excerpt from your poem. I've always had the utmost respect for our service men and women, but thinking in those terms makes you want to add a little extra "umph" to that handshake. Thank you for your service and God bless you.
Swoop