I often wonder how in four years time I could have gotten so attached to so many soldiers; ingrained them and their stories in my heart and mind and how can these stories be shared?
Stories of soldiers leaving their homes and families behind, seems like stories that have been shared since the beginning of time. Fighting for freedom is not new to us, just watching it on TV and expecting an instant fix would be. Since the Global War on Terrorism is going to continue and we continue to listen to the political banter we need to remind you that these soldiers that continue to mobilize are our neighbors, our kids down the street that volunteer to serve our country. It is a young person’s war, not a war that will be won on a TV set.
Our responsibility as Americans has been lost to the few that we have allowed to become our voices. We need to regain that voice, listen to our hearts and stand up beside our soldiers that we send off across the ocean and around the nation. If we really listen to the soldiers stories, they will tell you all…
Older soldiers do not relish the thought of going to war, but duty, honor and country were the order of the day when they joined the military. Their wisdom is what keeps the young men and women alive today. Since I am around these soldiers everyday, I see these soldiers train, train, and train. I see the battle buddies, lifelong friendships, and a team. I see pride, honor, respect; our future.
If we are going to win this global war on terrorism, we cannot forget the events that brought us to it; Oklahoma City, the Pentagon, Pennsylvania, and New York City to name a few. Terrorism whether its’ by a foreigner or by a citizen is terrorism just the same. Unfortunately, we have both in our country and the longer time passes from 9-1-1 our memory slips us. The pain of watching all the horrific acts of evil escapes us as we move through the grocery stores, go shopping, hurry to work, take the kids to school or have a family BBQ. I was once like that growing up in Houston not realizing that only 3 hours away was the largest military instillation in the free world.
I never imagined that families were separated, babies born, children graduating, family members that become ill and have to manage all the while that their loved ones are at any number of places in the world protecting us. I never imagined that I would someday watch soldiers hug their spouses and children goodbye or watch single soldiers off to the side wondering why they were alone and not saying goodbye to someone.
I never imagined I would watch a general sit on the ground and talk to his soldiers about anything and everything in the wee hours of the morning. Sharing those last moments with them before they board a plane, telling them how proud we are of what they have learned and become. What an honorable duty they have chosen. To protect those that cannot protect themselves.
At one of the deployments the soldiers dressed me up in all their gear. I had on the vest (fully loaded with armor), the helmet, picked up an M16 weapon (not loaded). I fell over! Of course the backpack and camel pack broke my fall, I don’t think I have ever heard them laugh so hard. I decided I would stick to giving them hugs and candy and the smiley face stickers on their uniforms. I knew I couldn’t possibly ever do what they were doing and that I had to continue to support them the best way I could think of.
Doing what I do best I guess just came naturally, I found that “mom” was my name. That actually came to be at one of the deployments after saying goodbye to a rather large group one of the last soldiers out the door turned around and said simply, “bye mom”
While these soldiers are thinking of duty, honor and country; I am thinking of patriotism, motherhood and sacrifice. While they are walking out the door to board these planes, I am praying that their families will sustain the year long deployment and the soldier will return safely. Sometimes I receive calls on my cell phone an hour or so after soldiers leave that have used my phone while waiting to deploy and end up talking to the family member often a mother on the other end. I hope it is comforting for them to know that there is someone, actually a team of us that are there with those soldiers deploying.
The years seem to be passing by so quickly to me. The soldiers faces that have become so familiar to me during their training and deployment bring happiness upon recognition at the many, many welcome home ceremonies that I provide for. It is common to hear them coming through the door saying “you were here when I left”, or I used my sunscreen, which is something I tell all of them. They have their battle buddies, and share with their family quick hugs, introductions of family members (new babies and grandparents) and soldiers and then they disperse. You hope and pray that they make it through the transition back into the home and that all goes well.
It is these moments and many more like these that you realize what you have to offer is so small in comparison to what they have given. But, when given from a patriot and mother that sacrifices to provide for them and protects them or speaks up for them when needed the soldiers realize they truly have a friend.
During the few years that I have been blessed to be a part of these soldiers’ lives, I have met many other organizations. Each providing in their own way what they think is necessary to the war effort and support of these soldiers that have given so much. I have yet to meet a group that I wouldn’t support if I was not in the position that I am today. Some of us coordinate efforts and share information and supplies as needed. It is all good. People-helping-people is nothing new. Isn’t that what America is about and isn’t that what true patriotism is?
With July 4th festivities around us, all the parades, the movies, the family reunions, remember why we have the freedom we have, remember those that have given the ultimate price. Remember the families.
Won’t you help us help them this July 4th with a tax deductible donation? Paypal is available for you at the bottom of this page or mail in a donation to the address provided. It is much appreciated and needed.
