Supporting Our U.S. Troops


By:  Technical Sergeant Galen P. Sanderson

       United States Air Force



As I write this article, I am truly saddened and somewhat dismayed and angry
over the dwindling support that the American public has developed about our
war on terrorism.  I am especially concerned over the growing dissent about
our troops being in Iraq.  How quickly we as American's have forgotten.  It's
only been four years, and already we have fallen into the same dangerous
mindset trap that we had before "9-11".  An extremely dangerous mindset that
we as a country have had for many years unawares.



In the shock and aftermath of "9-11" and the uneasy days that followed that
fateful tragedy, I saw Americans every day for weeks, both young and old,
black and white alike going out to Wal*mart and other places rushing to get
flags for their vehicles, bumper stickers for their cars, buying patriotic
t-shirts, etc., etc.  In those immediate days and weeks, it wouldn't be an
uncommon sight for a man or women in uniform to be stopped by a complete
stranger on the street and thanked profusely and with much affection, for
their "service to their country".  What has happened??  Yes, there are still
a small number of people that fly their flags on vehicles.  Good for you!
Yes, there are still a small number of people who show vocal support for our
Troops and our President.  But what has happened?



What I am referring to here is the total lack of support for our military in
Iraq and other places overseas in our fight against terrorism.  I am
constantly bombarded with news media telling me how more and more people are
complaining about "the high cost" of war.  And the "Senseless loss of life"
surrounding this global war on terrorism.  I also here thoughtless statement's
like: "We are in a foreign country when America isn't being attacked" or
others like "This war on terrorism is costing tax payers millions of
dollars", etc.  Sad sentiment and attitude indeed.



Let me remind each and every one of you exactly what this war on terrorism
is costing us.  Everything.  Our livelihoods are at stake folks.  Yes,
billions of dollars are being spent to fight it, with what seems like at
times no visible or conclusive results. That, my fellow Americans IS the
cost of something that we all hold near and dear to our hearts:  FREEDOM!!!!
For you see, while our country is the greatest nation in the world, and we
do enjoy FREEDOM that many other countries do not enjoy, FREEDOM most
definitely is NOT FREE.  It never has been for America.  That FREEDOM that
we now enjoy has been bought with a price.  And that price, sad to say has
been paid for by the blood of thousands and thousands of men and women who
answered the call when their country needed them.  From the early days of
our founding fathers and the brave men who fought for our independence from
tyrannical rule in England until modern times, Freedom is not free.  And
NEVER WILL BE!!  Not as long as there are radical Islamic militant groups
and terrorist out there who seek to destroy us, our livelihoods as
Americans, and our most precious gift of all; our FREEDOM.



FREEDOM for our country was bought and paid for by the lives of great
American patriots who fought at Bunker Hill, and Valley Forge. Our FREEDOM
was paid for, in blood on the Sands of Iwo-Jima, out of the ashes of Pearl
Harbor, on the beaches of Normany, the jungles in Korea and Vietnam, the
desserts of the Middle East, and many other places to numerous to mention.
That FREEDOM has also been paid for and secured by over 2100 men who are
still listed as Missing in Action or Prisoners of war in various wars and
conflicts. Today, our FREEDOM is being bought, paid for, and being secured
by the lives of many men and women who serve in our United States Armed
forces.  With the exception of a few Vietnam era Veterans (Who I
wholeheartedly salute) our American military is an ALL-volunteer force.  We
serve because we want to.  We don't serve because we were drafted.  We serve
our country, so that our country can remain FREE.  Whether we are Officer or
Enlisted, we all took the same oath of enlistment.  And that was "to defend
this country against all enemies FOREIGN (in Iraq, Afghanistan, ET. Al) and
domestic".  We serve so that all of us can enjoy "Life, Liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness".



Many of us serving in the military have made sacrifices that our civilian
counterparts will never know of, and will never hear the liberal media
mention.  The story hasn't been told the way it really is. We have slept in
tents, and have worked long, arduous hours at times.  We miss birthdays,
holidays, anniversaries, the birth of our children and not to mention, we
are separated from our family and friends for months at a time.  So that
YOU, and I, and every other American remain FREE!  Yes, this is an unpopular
war that we are fighting.  But it is a necessary evil in order to protect
our most valuable blessing as Americans.  Our FREEDOM.  While we don't have
an enemy attacking our Pacific or Atlantic shores, we most definitely have
an enemy.  And that enemy is terrorism.  An enemy that isn't as visible as
previous adversaries, but very real nonetheless.



As you read this, and reflect on what has been said, please take the time to
thank a veteran today.  Not just today's military. But ALL veterans. World
War II, Korea, Vietnam, and desert storm.  They all deserve our undying
gratitude for their service to their country.  Those of us that currently
serve our country deserve the same.  We serve for YOU.  Please help me show
support for our American Armed forces currently serving in our war on
terrorism.  Please disseminate this article to every person you know.  And
please post this to every message group and website that you belong too.  In
our countries darkest hour of need, the very last thing that our men and
women in uniform need…myself included, is to hear that our countries support
of us is waning.  Not even the least little bit.  At least you know where
THIS American stands on the subject.



Very truly yours and GOD BLESS,



Galen P. Sanderson

United States Air Force


Shannan Hearne
http://www.SuccessPromotions.com
Aloe Vera based skin care http://www.shannan.lbrionline.com
Have you "Sparked" today? http://www.advocare.com/05063233
Maikai Scents http://www.MaikaiScents.com   ID # 2297100
Kat's Coffee's http://www.katscoffees.com ID # 1111
Gourmet to Go Mixes http://www.gourmetmixes.net/ ID # Shannan Hearne
Charmed by Betty B
http://charmedbybettyb.wahmweb.biz/store/aGo.asp?aff=92903
Love Beef Jerky?  Open your own Jerky Store!
http://beafdreams.jerkydirect.com/
Incredible Products for Pets and The People Who Love Them
http://sugar.alphapetproducts.biz/
Charlotte, NC VendorCentralUSA Director
http://www.vendorcentralusa.com/charlotte.htm
Our Holiday Shopping Guide
http://www.SuccessPromotions.com/holidayshoppingguide.html