|
|
April 26, 2004
As word of more deaths in Iraq play in the media, and with May being National Military Appreciation Month, I wanted to send a word of thanks to the men and women that are fighting so that we may enjoy the life we live. These soldiers are fighting more than just an enemy - they are fighting for a way of life. Every day they face challenges, battles and danger. Some have been away for more than a year. Others are there for the second time. I can't help but think of what they have missed. Birthdays, holidays, graduations, seeing their children born or taking their first steps. The list is endless. Their day-to-day lives don't include the comfort of coming home after a hard day's work and kicking back in front of the TV. Gone are their days of going out for a burger, or to a baseball game with friends.Yet the ones I talk to never mention their sacrifice. Instead they simply say they are doing what they have to do. What they feel they must do.
I also want to thank the families. Contact is limited and can be frustrating at times. Each day they must rely on news reports for their information. They also have to rely on faith. Faith that their husband, wife, son, daughter, father, mother, brother, sister, etc. will make it home safe. As the days go by, life does go on. It is sometimes difficult, but it is necessary. Maintaining any sense of normalcy is the most difficult task. The worry is always there, underlying every other emotion. Yet they must be strong - not just for the rest of the family at home - but for their soldier as well. They carry that added burden so that their soldier doesn't have to. We need to worry about them, we don't need them to worry about us.
There are additional burdens, and the people that help relieve them, that so many outside of the military do not see. The number of spouses that had to leave jobs or cut their work hours to take care of children as a single parent. The grandparents, aunts and uncles that have stepped up and taken on parenting duties. The teachers that have taken the time to work with students that are worried about their deployed parent. The neighbors that have generously offered to help take care of pets, lawns, maintenance, etc. The employers that are doing their best while short-staffed due to Reservists being called up. The utility companies that make special arrangements with deployed soldiers for their services and bills. The list is endless.
The outpouring of support was amazing to witness at the beginning of our fight in Iraq. It is an example of the charity of us as Americans that thousands were gathering goods for care packages to be sent overseas. It is heartening to see a complete stranger buy a meal for a person in uniform at a restaurant. History has taught us that we owe more than just respect to these soldiers - we owe our way of life to them and all soldiers - past and present.
As the fight wages on, the support must continue. It is important to remember, honor and give thanks. Not just to the soldiers - but to everyone that makes their deployment less difficult. National Military Appreciation Month (May) includes VE Day, Military Spouse Day, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Day/Week, National Day of Prayer, and Memorial Day. There are many things you can do to show your continuing support. For a list, please visit NMAM.org:
http://www.nmam.org/participate.htm#ALL_PARTICIPANTS
Each thing you do affects the lives of so many, and is appreciated beyond a simple thank-you. I know. My brother is currently fighting in Iraq. Each day I pray that I will hear from him and know that he is OK. Every night that doesn't happen I die a little bit inside, and hope for word tomorrow. Knowing that there are so many people supporting him and all of the other soldiers does help. It makes me feel as if me and all of the other family members aren't waiting alone. And it gives comfort that he knows there are so many people that appreciate the sacrifice he is making.
To Staff Sergeant Stephen Gardner, all of 5th Special Forces Group, and the rest of the soldiers: from the bottom of my heart - thank you.
~Trixie
Send this page to a friend
|
|
Printer Friendly Version