in the beginning opening observations
Military: Serving or Being Served?
love the month of November for many reasons; probably has something to do with being born in it. November usually brings a change in weather, which is always welcome. It also brings a couple of holidaysVeterans Day and Thanksgiving. As you can see from our cover this month, we are focused a bit on our military in this issue.
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My grandfather, uncle and brother each served many years in the mili- tary. My family was checked out more times than I care to count when my brother was moving up in security clearance levels while working in D.C. many years ago. A different uncle and my father- in-law were career servicemen, now retired. My cousin is still serving (tours in Afghanistan), as is my brother-in-law (multiple tours in Iraq). Additionally, a very good friend of my husband served as an Army Ranger and then went on to serve as a Green Beret (multiple tours in areas of conflict over many years). So, although I may not know all of the military lingo or who outranks who, I do know the impact the military can have on lives—theirs, those around them and, ultimately, on my life.
I have no urge to discuss the political issues associated with the military or debate the right
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or wrong of each military action. Everyone is entitled to their own views and opinions. What I do know is that each of these men in my life chose to join the service. Each of these men sacrificed time with their families to serve our country. Many of these men will live with some ugly scars. Yes, there are some physical scars and injuries, but the ones I'm talking about are the emotional and psychological scars they must live with for the rest of their lives. They all have parts of
their life they cannot share with even their closest loved one. I have dif ficulty grasping that at times.
I often tear up when I run into someone in the military, just thinking about what they are doing for our country. We are a great nation protected by all branches of the service whose members are willing to lay down their lives for us. For that, I believe they deserve our utmost respect and our ongoing prayers for their safety.
As for the second holiday of the month, shouldn't we be giving thanks every day for what we have?
Volume 9, Issue 11 Editor
Harlene Doane
Assistant Editors Kimberly Long
Daryl K. Tabor Contributing Authors
Ali Amirrezvani Greg Goebel
Thomas B. Hudson David Keller
Alan Mosher Paul Potratz Don Reed
Kelly Wadlinger Layout & PrePress Regent Promotions, Inc.
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