Reply #15: Had never considered my self a veteran, never really thought about it,

[trof]

but I was convinced otherwise by the "active duty" vets here.
I served as a pilot in the Air National Guard for 7+ years.
I was in the Inactive Reserves, subject to call up, for who knows how many years.

Hangng on my wall are my Commission as a Second Lieutenant signed by LBJ, a Certificate of Aeronautical Rating signed by the Secretary of the Air Force, and an Honorable Discharge signed by the Secretary of Defense.

And to top it off, yesterday a Veteran for Kerry pinned a "Veterans for Kerry" button on me.
I'm a veteran.

On edit: Because I was a guard troop, I am not eligible for any veteran's benefits.
Saved y'all a bunch of dough.
;-)