04/16/06 War Referendum's Effect On Troops: Does It Matter? It's A Slap In The Face To All Of Us Who Are Overseas
War Referendum's Effect On Troops: Does It Matter?
It's A Slap In The Face To All Of Us Who Are Overseas
Wisconsin State Journal
Sunday, April 16, 2006
STEVEN PAVLICK
The afternoon that CNN reported the results of Wisconsin's "Bring Our Troops Home Now" referendums, which passed in 24 municipalities, I can honestly say I was embarrassed to be from Wisconsin.
I am a Wisconsin National Guard soldier, with over 13 years of service, deployed in Afghanistan.
Because of the referendums, those of us from Wisconsin are now looked at by troops from other states as weak and unable to handle a deployment. And I am sure they now question how dependable we can be. That is not a good thing in the military because at any time the person next to you may have to depend on you to save their life.
The United States military is 100 percent voluntary; everyone serving their country and representing their states in the war on terrorism is doing it by their own volition. We all signed a contract, held up our right hand and took the oath to defend the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Some argue that they know people serving overseas who do not want to be there. It is our job; we signed up for this. Yes, we have moments when we complain about this or that, but who does not complain about some aspect of their job? Does that mean we quit and go home? Absolutely not. We adapt, overcome and persevere. We drive on with our missions and roll with the adversity.
Nothing about being away from family, friends and loved ones is easy. We miss our favorite things -- like summer days at the baseball stadium, riding the winding Wisconsin back roads on our motorcycles or simply a good summer barbecue. Missing birthdays, anniversaries, the birth of children and countless other events makes it quite a sacrifice. However, putting our lives on hold for over a year is well worth it when it comes to protecting the freedoms we can enjoy when we return stateside.
I am currently on my second deployment. I served in Iraq in 2003 and volunteered for my current tour in Afghanistan. The tragic memories of Sept. 11, 2001, are still very present in my mind. Freedom is not free. It is not guaranteed. It has to be protected in order for us to pass it on from generation to generation.
I want to see my children grow up and live their days in freedom and happiness, without fear of terrorists, suicide bombers and the many other people who wish us ill.
We are here so that the people who voted for the referendums can have freedom of speech. It's because of us that the people of Wisconsin and the United States are able to go to the polls to elect their government officials, things unimaginable, until now, in Iraq and Afghanistan.
You say you support the troops and your only anger is towards the government officials, elected by the people. If you support us as you say you do, please don't slap us in the face with these pointless referendums while we risk our lives every day protecting you and yours.
Instead, spend your time writing letters to service members thanking them for what they are doing, or send them a care package with some candy or snacks. That's all the support we ask for, and it gives us a much needed escape from the stress here.
So tonight when you put the children down to sleep and kiss them good night, remember that they are safe in your home because of the very people protecting you and yours overseas who you voted to bring home now. You're welcome.
It's A Slap In The Face To All Of Us Who Are Overseas
Wisconsin State Journal
Sunday, April 16, 2006
STEVEN PAVLICK
The afternoon that CNN reported the results of Wisconsin's "Bring Our Troops Home Now" referendums, which passed in 24 municipalities, I can honestly say I was embarrassed to be from Wisconsin.
I am a Wisconsin National Guard soldier, with over 13 years of service, deployed in Afghanistan.
Because of the referendums, those of us from Wisconsin are now looked at by troops from other states as weak and unable to handle a deployment. And I am sure they now question how dependable we can be. That is not a good thing in the military because at any time the person next to you may have to depend on you to save their life.
The United States military is 100 percent voluntary; everyone serving their country and representing their states in the war on terrorism is doing it by their own volition. We all signed a contract, held up our right hand and took the oath to defend the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Some argue that they know people serving overseas who do not want to be there. It is our job; we signed up for this. Yes, we have moments when we complain about this or that, but who does not complain about some aspect of their job? Does that mean we quit and go home? Absolutely not. We adapt, overcome and persevere. We drive on with our missions and roll with the adversity.
Nothing about being away from family, friends and loved ones is easy. We miss our favorite things -- like summer days at the baseball stadium, riding the winding Wisconsin back roads on our motorcycles or simply a good summer barbecue. Missing birthdays, anniversaries, the birth of children and countless other events makes it quite a sacrifice. However, putting our lives on hold for over a year is well worth it when it comes to protecting the freedoms we can enjoy when we return stateside.
I am currently on my second deployment. I served in Iraq in 2003 and volunteered for my current tour in Afghanistan. The tragic memories of Sept. 11, 2001, are still very present in my mind. Freedom is not free. It is not guaranteed. It has to be protected in order for us to pass it on from generation to generation.
I want to see my children grow up and live their days in freedom and happiness, without fear of terrorists, suicide bombers and the many other people who wish us ill.
We are here so that the people who voted for the referendums can have freedom of speech. It's because of us that the people of Wisconsin and the United States are able to go to the polls to elect their government officials, things unimaginable, until now, in Iraq and Afghanistan.
You say you support the troops and your only anger is towards the government officials, elected by the people. If you support us as you say you do, please don't slap us in the face with these pointless referendums while we risk our lives every day protecting you and yours.
Instead, spend your time writing letters to service members thanking them for what they are doing, or send them a care package with some candy or snacks. That's all the support we ask for, and it gives us a much needed escape from the stress here.
So tonight when you put the children down to sleep and kiss them good night, remember that they are safe in your home because of the very people protecting you and yours overseas who you voted to bring home now. You're welcome.
Submitted by wnpj on Wed, 04/19/2006 - 12:57pm.