Veterans Day Should Be A Promise

On days like November 11, stores hang flags and offer sales. Some schools and government offices will be closed. The 24 hour news channels will laud heroes between political chatter and try to pitch their version of who is more patriotic. Every politician who ever set foot in a recruiting station will cite their “connection” to the military.

For the most part, it’s all just noise.

Memorial Day is somber joy. A time to grieve for those who lost their lives defending us, our way of life while acknowledging their sacrifice.

Veterans Day……..Veterans Day should be a promise. It should be a comforting hand on the shoulder of every man and woman who served. It should a celebration of those wonderfully ordinary people who made the conscious decision to do something extraordinary – serve their nation. It should remind us that we also have a debt to pay – an obligation to create and offer veterans the opportunity to come home and chase a dream for themselves. Want to hear it in a veteran’s own words? Check out the story of Daniel Rodriguez, veteran and Clemson football player.

Stretched Thin

When I met my husband, 10 years ago last month, America was marveling that we were still engaged in the Middle East 3 years after 9/11. He would soon head out for his first trip downrange. In the ensuing 10 years there have been more midnight good byes, glorious homecomings, challenging re-integrations. We have learned to live with the aftermath of TBI and combat stress. In a military community continually stressed to the max, we’ve learned to lean on each other.

But we’re tired.

This year, as my family was dealing with our latest deployment, we were also absorbing the news of VA scandals, more budget cuts, separation boards and more missions. Among our friends, there seem to be similar frustrations. More and more, we’re asking each other “is it really worth it”?

Last week the President announced that the US force that has gone back into Iraq would be doubling. This follows on the heels of several units being deployed to Africa on a humanitarian mission. At the same time, the structure of US forces in Korea has changed to whole unit deployments. Three more opportunities for our service members to be separated from their families. Our elected officials are quick to highlight the power of the world’s leading military force, and reluctant to pay the price of maintaining that level of readiness.

Our service member are dedicated, capable professionals. They have proven their resilience through ambiguous political missions and civilian disconnect. Threats to promotion, retention and compensation packages have generated quiet murmurings – while they continue to serve. Like so many other family members, I’ve watched the wear and tear, the worry, the awareness that his sacrifice is appreciated mainly in the form of meaningless platitudes.

This year, on Veterans Day, by all means say Thank You to a Veteran – of any war. But it’s time that we do more. Hold our newly elected officials accountable for cleaning up the VA so that those who were injured in service to our country get the care they deserve. Let businesses know that they need to make employing veterans a priority – and let them know with your dollars. This year for your holiday shopping, shop first from military family owned businesses like the ones you can find on Rosie’s List.

Say thank you. But this year, put real meaning behind your words with some action.