Supporting troops does not mean favoring the war

     It’s been five years since the United States entered the war that is still being fought today. Unfortunately, as the years progress, the American people are focusing on the issues that at the end of the day will not support our troops.  Bashing at our president George W. Bush, or complaining about how pointless this war is, will not show how much love we have for the men and women that are out there fighting for this country. It only shows how selfish and ungrateful people are who live in the country for which these brave souls are risking their lives.

     Honestly, does it matter the reason why we ever went there, or the reasons why we are still located in the Middle East? Did the soldiers choose to enter the war or did the U.S. congress and president decide to go in and fight?

     The answers to the questions should make you think a little about the importance of honoring the citizens that truly deserver it, the ones that are doing greatness for our nation. Yes, it is not hard to spend some time thanking them and letting these soldiers know how much we love them and are grateful, instead of sitting on our big butts and just whining about the issues. If we want, both can be done, standing up for what you believe in (if you believe the war is dreadful) and thanking the military.

We all remember back in the 1960s and 1970s when America entered the Vietnam War, how anger over the war spilled over into mistreatment of our troops. If we learned anything from Vietnam, it should be that regardless of the issues surrounding war, support of our troops should never waver.

     Truly, just because the war (in your eyes) is lame, stupid, purposeless, or just plain wasteful does not mean that the men and women out there need backs turned to them. They did not choose to be there, they wanted to serve America and her people, which are all of us. Soldiers were sent over seas to ‘work for us,’ to protect us, if we all see it like that then supporting the troops might make much more sense.

     Whether you support the war or not, forgetting the armed forces is incorrect, irresponsible, disrespectful and just plain mean. They deserver the best, especially when they are giving us their best. They serve us, the least we can do is give them love, support, and a simple thank you. At this time of year, let’s remember as we sit around our Christmas trees, Menorahs and dinner tables with family and friends that many of our troops will not be with theirs.

     If you would like to help our troops call home for the holidays, you can go online to the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and purchase pre-paid phone cards. The cards will be delivered by organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Air Force Aid Society, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and the United Service Organizations. For more information, go to https://thor.aafes.com/scs/default.aspx.