Remembering Where We Are
The current
events within the last year have provided much to be confused about for the
American citizen. The government shutdown, Obamacare, Syria, and not too long
ago we had the crisis in Libya. While most of us are carrying on with our lives
and may take a brief interest in America’s foreign policy issues, the fact is
we still have men and women fighting the continuing war in Afghanistan. Maybe
it’s overwhelming to keep up with all the news; there’s so much information out
there. However, when I hear of those who don’t know whether or not America has
forces fighting overseas, it’s very disheartening as a veteran myself. As a
nation that has a military that defends our freedom and fights for the freedoms
of others in the world, we should care to know when and where our military is
operating.
In 2009, I
deployed with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Iraq. So I
know firsthand what it’s like to be away from home for a year, in a hostile
environment where your presence is not necessarily seen as a positive
contribution. The heat, the substandard living conditions, the stress of
knowing you won’t see your family or friends for a long time. These are things
that you don’t really appreciate until you’re in the situation. I was lucky to have been working with a team
of great soldiers, and I forged some lifelong friendships. When you’re across
the world and away from everything familiar to you, it’s who you have next to
you that matters, and that’s about all that does. As a U.S. soldier, it’s known
that you represent more than just yourself. You represent a group, an
organization, a force that is held to the highest standards and are trained to uphold
the values of a free and sovereign nation.
To volunteer and serve, to put your life in harm’s way, to be willing to
stand up for those that can’t or won’t, it’s a serious commitment. And those
that are still over there should be remembered daily.
It’s true that
the war in Afghanistan has not been a popular one. However, it must be asked,
what does that mean exactly? There hasn’t been a “popular” war since WWII, when
we had an American nation fully in support of the war effort. Since then, the
Cold War, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and any other military efforts of the U.S.
have not been considered “popular” by the American people. In fact, there have
been large differences in opinion when it comes to the U.S. military overseas.
The latest numbers from PollingReport.com show that when people were asked
whether the war in Afghanistan was worth fighting or not, only 39% said it was
while 56% said it was not. Fair enough, we’re all entitled to our opinions. I’m
not asking the people to blindly follow the country’s Foreign Policy procedures
and/or actions. What about the financial
cost of war? True, it’s expensive. According to the National Priorities
Project, we (the tax payers) have spent over $665 billion in Afghanistan alone,
since 2001.
While there are
many valid concerns with how our country operates, to include foreign policy,
national security, and tax payer spending, we should not neglect those who are
willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. The men and women of
our U.S. military are a volunteer force, who deserves our recognition. The war
is continuing in Afghanistan. Just because the U.S. has withdrawn a number of
troops from the area, doesn’t mean we aren’t still losing men and women of our
military to the war. For those of you in the desert, for those who put their
lives on the line, for those who are sacrificing for this country, I am with
you. I will remember you and your efforts. I am continually concerned for your
well being. I wish you a safe return home. I am always grateful for your
service to this nation, and I hope my fellow Americans feel the same.
