Recently, I’ve been invited to speak at several community forums. Here’s a glimpse into the message I’m sharing this week…
“Those we take time off to honor seldom took time off.”
Absolutely, that’s case with Veterans Day! Having served in three branches of the military, I can tell you that this life leaves little time for R&R. But I can also assure you that most veterans wouldn’t have it any other way.
As we’ve seen from the heroic stories emerging from last week’s tragic events at Fort Hood, soldiers don’t just “punch out” at the end of the day. Selfless service is one of our shared values. It’s important for us to live for something larger than ourselves – and always to have each other’s back.
ALL EYES ON VETS
Interest in Veteran’s Day seems heightened this year. Perhaps it’s just my perception. Or perhaps it’s because Veteran’s Day follows so closely on the heels of the horrible Fort Hood assault. Or perhaps it’s because our nation is struggling over its future in Afghanistan.
Regardless, Veteran’s Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the mission, purpose and importance of our military throughout the history of the U.S.A.
It’s simple – but it’s not easy. Veterans protect and defend the common rights, freedoms and values that define us all as Americans.
From the Revolutionary War to today, our men and woman in uniform have served in times war and peace to preserve our right to life, liberty and our pursuit of happiness. And they remain always ready to fight, when necessary, to maintain our unique freedoms. We owe these men and women our gratitude and support.
WHAT ABOUT AFGHANISTAN?
Today, we find ourselves at war again, defending ourselves against those who aim to oppress us in the name of their religious ideology.
Last year, I returned from active duty with the National Guard – training and mentoring Afghan Border Police in the Afghanistan desert near Pakistan. As I see it, we served dual objectives there:
- Eliminate terrorism and any base of operations for terrorists in that country, and
- Foster constructive relationships with the Afghan people and government.
This involved a twofold approach:
- Find and remove terrorist threats (largely the Taliban), and
- Assist Afghan people and support their development.
How did we do that? By spending face-time in Afghan villages – meeting with the tribal leaders, discussing their problems, and providing humanitarian assistance in the form of food, clothing, construction, medical support, and educational infrastructure.
AFHGANS ARE PEOPLE, TOO
Imagine living a world without paved roads, running water, electricity, or sewers. Think of what it’s like living in houses made of mud – with only wood fires to cook your food or warm you against the cold of night. That’s the reality across most of Afghanistan today. I’ve seen little children standing barefoot in snow. I’ve known children who died of easily treatable medical emergencies, because basic aid wasn’t available.
American troops go into Afghan villages, freely offering wheat, corn, beans, warm winter clothes, school supplies, and medical services for those in need.
In contrast, the Taliban go into villages demanding oaths of loyalty, robbing people of what little food and money they have, and killing them if they dare to resist. They torture or murder teachers and others who work toward a better life. It’s not hard to understand why Afghan villagers prefer to welcome us over the Taliban!
WAR – WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?
Why should this matter to us – half a world away? I like to say, “Ideas matter – ask the Nazis.” When we fight in Afghanistan, we’re not just defending American soil. We’re defending American principles – freedom and human rights, justice under law, and the banishment of cruelty and oppression.
Of course, as a Christian, I’ve struggled over whether war is necessary. After all, Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers.” But I believe our troops are making peace in Afghanistan today.
How? By defending the oppressed who cannot defend themselves – the men, women and children terrorized and victimized by the Taliban. With an American presence in Afghanistan, we’re bringing hope and progress to an impoverished people who yearn for the same peace and prosperity we cherish.
But without a strong U.S. military, none of this is possible.
DO YOU HEAR THE CALL?
There’s another passage from the Bible that cannot be ignored. It was mentioned today at the Fort Hood memorial service. It’s from the Book of Isaiah. And it asks a critical question: “Whom shall I send?” Since the founding of our country, veterans have responded to that question with a reply that echoes Isaiah’s words, “Here am I. Send me.” I urge everyone to support our military’s efforts in Afghanistan and elsewhere – in any way you can.
Join the service – quality people are needed as soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines!
EVERYONE CAN PARTICIPATE
If you can’t join, then I encourage you to offer time or talent in other ways. Why not send care packages of toys, school supplies and clothing for the poor children of Afghanistan? American troops will gladly pass them along in the villages they visit.
And if nothing else, consider sending an email or a letter of encouragement to one of our troops. Your message makes a bigger difference than you may know. I’ve actually framed some of the letters I received. They now hang on the wall in my office, as a reminder of those who trust me to protect their freedom.
So consider what you can contribute – and don’t be surprised if it’s one of the most rewarding things you ever do. I know that I’m often humbled and honored to have a small role in the military community.
GRATEFUL BEYOND WORDS
As a veteran myself, I offer my personal thanks to all those who’ve served our country – especially to the families of those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice – giving their lives in defense of our freedom. God bless you.
And on this Veterans Day, I join my fellow veterans in telling Americans and others worldwide who look to us as leaders in liberty – it’s a privilege to serve you all.
Jeff
(For more insights about the Afghan people and the Taliban, check out my book, “Afghan Journal: A Soldier’s Year in Afghanistan.” Learn more at the Afghan Journal website. Or order it at Amazon.com.)
