TIger Cubs

"TIger Cubs" is the nickname given to those whom I've trained over the years.  Since I'm "the TIger", why not have TIger Cubs?  Okay, Corny.
However, I would be remiss in not recognizing those young men and women I've trained.  They have a unique advantage over me, which I'll explain.
I joined the military during peactime.  As a matter of fact, it had been 15 years since we fired more than a few shots in anger at another country.  I joined a safe-haven. Needless to say, it hasn't been that way since that time.  We've fired more shots from our planes since I joined than we fired on the ground during WWII! 
TIger Cubs all joined during times of war.  I stood up during peacetime and said "YEA, I'll FIGHT FOR THE USA!" but that means nothing when you compare it to the 1,057 young men and women who stood up in the middle of a war and said "ME, TOO!".  Sure, there are many more than just TIger Cubs, and they deserve to be recognized, too.  But they didn't have to survive the TIger.  :-D
I always used to say "I live my life off of page 7 of the Air Force Times."  I did.  That used to be the page that they listed the previous week's combat losses.  And I did- I went home every Tuesday night and looked on the list, Praying that I didn't see a name I recognized.  They move the list around now, but to this date, I've never seen a TIger Cub listed.  And for that I give thanks daily.
I have learned of a few injured in "the zone" but they are all tough.  I know- I made them that way, I like to think.
Of course, it doesn't mean I haven't lost any of them.  God is watching over 2 TIger Cubs.  One who was victim of a horrible homicide, and one who fell to the evils of suicide.  God Rest to Airmen Santos and Anthe.  Gentlemen-Airmen, May you rest in peace.