Open letter to our military personnel stationed in the Middle East and Abroad:
It is appropriate to thank those of you who are serving in the armed forces and taking the battle to the terrorists, not sitting back and waiting for it to come to our shores again. You make the majority of us proud, regardless of the coordinated attempt to give you a bad reputation in the media.
I have a 15-year old son who is aspiring to be a Marine. He’s a tough kid, evidenced by the fact that he plays defensive noseguard on his varsity football squad. What makes him tenacious is that he’s doing it at 5’8″ and 115 lbs! He has no fear, and will do anything you ask him to do for the betterment of the “team.” He is very disciplined, very intelligent and honorable. The thought of seeing him standing at a graduation ceremony wearing a US armed forces uniform brings tears to my eyes…not tears of sorrow or loss, but of celebration and honor that he had chosen to “serve” rather than to be served.
I think we have too quickly forgotten that it was only a few short years ago when we were attacked on our own soil, with a death toll that exceeded Pearl Harbor. We must not fall into disregard or ignorance…we must continue to diligently defend ourselves and use all means to do so to ensure not only our safety, but the safety of generations yet to come.
However, there is one caveat to all of this. Had our son been of an age to enlist under the Bush administration, we would have supported and encouraged him in his decision to pursue a military career. However, with the recent cowardice Congress and many presidential candidates are displaying, plus a media pool that is doing its best to convince people we should tuck in our tails and flee Iraq, we have grave reservations.
Although it ultimately will be his decision, we have concerns about him serving under a Democratic administration with the likes of Hillary or Obama at the helm. The thought of Nancy Pelosi being third in line as Commander in Chief is already harrowing enough to our psyche, let alone the thought of another 4-8 years of “Billary” at the helm of our military and our nation.
We cannot appease Islamic Extremism. There is no “chatting” with them. These folks don’t care if you’re dead or “converted”. Their ultimate goal is to flush out all “infidels” worldwide through the the sword and spread of Islam.
Too many times, we as a nation, have interfered politically with what should be exclusively military operations. I’m convinced that right now is one of those times.
You were given a mission and told to win, but now politicians are making career-based decisions with your lives instead of mission based ones, and the message they are sending is “we can’t win.”
I, however, believe that we have the personnel in place in the Middle East to complete this mission, if only we’d allow you to take the gloves off and issue the knockout punch. But in order to do so, the politicians must get out of the way and allow you, the professional soldiers, to do your jobs. Once completed, we could then “redeploy and reunite” you, welcoming you home to warm embraces and victory parades as we did in WWII, not to cold shoulders, jeers and sneers as those who have preceded you experienced.
While I did not personally choose to serve in the military, I thank God for the men and women like you who have chosen that path. Because of your dedication to the cause, my family and I rest comfortably at night knowing that you have the watch. Your training and skills, combined with a ferocity and determination matched by none, keep this country and her people safe at home and abroad from every threat to her security.
We will continue to pray for your mission and safety, and for the peace and comfort of those loved ones who eagerly await your return. We will also carefully watch and actively stoke and participate in the political landscape to ensure that America will continue to stand strong, instead of sacrificing herself on the alter of the Democratic Party.
Granted, George Bush is not perfect. He has made and admitted his mistakes. But we have no doubt that first and foremost in his mind is the security and safety of this great county and those who serve her. To that end, we support him, the mission at hand, and those of you who would lay down your lives for the cause of Freedom.
‘Tis no greater honor than the sacrifice that you make. Rest assured, there are millions of us out here who support you and daily pray for your safety.
May God bless you and your families as you serve your President, your country and my family. We never fully understand, this side of heaven, what it truly costs you to give of yourselves.
Your efforts do not go unappreciated here in the heartland.
May you find encouragement and optimism within these words of thanks. Fight to win, and then come home soon!
Sincerely,
an Ohio Family
