Recently, I've been working about 50 miles north of the American/Mexican border requiring a daily stop at a border check point on my return trip to the house. Usually, after seeing me in my company sedan, I'm waived though with little effort, but on occasion I'm asked a few questions regarding my destination, point of departure, reason for being below that check point latitude, etc.

But even when waved through, I always make a point to roll down my window, slow to a crawl, and tell the young men and women at the check point thanks for their service, and try to express my appreciation to them. I've even stopped and chatted for a minute or two, until cars start backing up behind me.

As I sit here thinking of the responses I've got in return, I'm saddened by the amount of surprise the uniformed agents show on a continuous basis. They are not used to hearing thank you as evidenced by their surprise. But the way I see it, they are not only working to prevent illegal immigration, but are standing between us and the bad guys with nefarious intentions, preventing them from attacking my Country in a real sense of the word.

Most of us rarely get to see these men and women in action, working in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, but when we do, I believe it is just as appropriate to express our gratitude to them as we do when we see soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines in uniform. For it is because of their effort and dedication to duty and Country, we can thrive as a free Nation.
 
To the men and women of our Border Patrol, Thank you for your service.