It happens almost everyday. The volume begins to rise whenever there is a holiday or an election of some type on the horizon. It is a phenomenon that, quite honestly now just pisses me off whenever it appears in my in-box.
I am talking about those generic, ultra patriotic "Support Our Troops" e-mail form communique that demand my unquestioned loyalty. They were particularly bad during the last White House Administration.
These diatribe letters are offensive to me for one essential reason -- it takes more than forwarding a stock text, or a magnet on your car, to take care of those who are in harm's way for our benefit.
First and foremost, there is little more myself and my family can do for those men and women in the theaters of combat. My brother, my one and only sibling, the only one who shared my childhood home, to be there when I can no longer call upon mom and dad, is serving his second combat tour. Sending a family member, a kin of direct consanguinity, it the greatest manner in which the "House of Govignon" can support the cause.
Removed from this initial circle of effect, there are other things we are doing to provide "support." There have been an above average number of treckin's to North Carolina by my parents to spend time with my sister-in-law who is left to raise a two year old boy single handed. The are currently staying at Chez Govignon on Stonehaven this week to provide a respite. She has been forced into the life of a single parent without the benefit of divorce. I try to spend sometime with my nephew to give him a male influence while his father is away.
Additionally, I help provide "support" by providing dramatically reduced legal fees for clients in uniform. I have volunteered to provide all of the legal services for establishing a local monument for the fallen caused by these to conflicts. I try and provide to the USO, or other care agencies, to give an anonymous gift to someone in country. I can't count how many pounds of Starbuck's coffee I have provided in the past three years in the basket for the local Guard unit on deployment when buying my morning cup of Joe. A little taste of home is the least that I can provide.
All of this is what I AM doing. What are YOU doing? Aside from "spamming" up my in-box, what has the author of this decree endeavored to accomplish?
I feel everyone who is not directly effected, has forgotten those in uniform. Anyone remember that there are two armed conflicts in which the blood of our families are being spilled into timeless sand?
Maybe we have become too complacent. During WWII, there was sacrifice on the part of everyone. During Vietnam, the war was finally brought into America's living room every night to the horror of those who had never "seen the elephant."
Perhaps we are immune now. Maybe we have fooled ourselves into the belief that "war" is clean, efficient, and surgical with unmanned drones and smart weapons. Truth is, those without a personal investment of some kind in the armed forces of the United States have little impact in their lives anymore while sons and daughters return home in unmarked, flag draped metal caskets. Our current President caught some flack for having been photographed saluting one of those sacred flights, but he made the effort to welcome those souls home one last time. Never saw Cheney there.
Here is my challenge to America -- our chance to really be the team behind the team! If you know someone in the service, or one of those left behind while a loved one is serving in harm's way, just take a moment to ask them the following, to wit: (1) how are they doing?; and (2) is there anything that you can do to help them out? Then do it!
Send them a card or letter. Surprise them with dinner. Offer to watch the children to give them a night out.
Hell, offer to pay a utility bill.
Really America -- put your money where your mouth is, get off your ass, and do more than hit "forward."
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