Iron Pol

I heard a statistic recently that helps explain the apathy or outright anger toward our military members in recent history.  During World War II, pretty much everybody knew somebody (or several somebodies) serving in the armed forces.  And a great many people knew at least one member of their extended family who wore a uniform.

Apparently that percentage has dropped dramatically.  I don't remember the exact figure used, but recall it was somewhere in the range of 20 to 30 percent.  That makes it easy to view those serving as anything less than superheros.

When it is your friends and family wearing the uniform, HERO is the only word you are willing to use.  Words like terrorist, occupier, and any of the other pejoratives used so frequently, today, are unacceptable, and border on fighting words.

The picture above is the long awaited homecoming of my brother-in-law after his deployment to overseas combat zones.  My sister was obviously overjoyed at his return.  If you look closely, you can see just how big an impact these dangerous assignments have.  One niece is standing by her parents.  Another is only a hand on his chest as she refused to let go of her dad.  These kids understand the risks our military face, and know their dad IS a hero.

Now, only weeks after the safe return of a family member, a close friend is headed into harm's way, himself.  The guy third from the left is my best friend's brother, John.  After spending the last several months training in Kuwait, he is headed to Baghdad.

His job, to help teach the US and Iraqi military how to use new technology to defeat roadside bombs.  So he is, in fact, heading directly into the jaws of the shark.  And this is something in which he had a choice.  With nearly 22 years of service and facing retirement, he had other options.

He believes the assignment demands the very best from people who believe in the effort.  John knows how many lives his training can save, so he serves.  And he does it with the always present smile you see in the picture.

For the past six months, my family kept my brother-in-law in their prayers as he was forward deployed.  Due to the nature of his job, his exact whereabouts were classified.  Now, we will add John to our prayers.  Due to the nature of HIS job, we know exactly where he will be and the extent of the danger he faces.

For everyone out there who DOESN'T know someone serving in harm's way, think about how your perspective might change if you did.  Growing up, I was taught to treat the girls I knew as if they were my mom.  Take a look at the pictures above (or consider any of the thousands serving in combat zones) and imagine they are a father, brother, or son.  Look at my sister and imagine if she were YOUR sister.  Then carefully consider how to voice your opinions.

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