On Being an Army Wife: "Honey-Glazed Propaganda"

Sometimes it's hard to be struck in the forehead by someone who has an obvious disdain for your point of view. In my last article, I wrote of my personal experiences as a new Army wife. Not two days after it was published I was given harsh feedback about my article in which this person opened with, "What a load of honey-glazed propaganda," (What It Means To Be An Army Wife, article comment) as if I was out to change the minds of millions of people. While anyone should respect the opinion of another person, it is hardly acceptable to sit back and let someone make a mockery of the life you lead. It seems, from this one incident, that bridges are being burned.

While I understand that everyone has a view in regards to this war and the people involved, one thing should always remain clear. People put their lives on the line for others everyday whether it be a police officer, a firefighter, or a soldier, in any country around the world. We all need these people whether anyone would like to admit it or not. Countries and people all over the world are saved on a daily basis by these people who so selflessly contribute the ultimate sacrifice, their lives. I don't believe that there is one person out there who can honestly say that we would all be better off if these people didn't exist. So, saying, " In other words it means allowing those you love to callously put their lives in danger without asking questions," (What It Means To Be An Army Wife, article comment) makes it out to be some cruel act to support an American soldier in their quest to serve our country.

Nobody has to believe in this war to understand that there are husbands, wives, children, fathers and mothers doing their part for our country. All politics aside, it's a matter of respecting those individuals and supporting them. It's hard enough having people fight over reasons when anyone could take a minute to think of what it took to for someone to decide that being a soldier was right for them. Now, imagine what it would be like to be that person and have everyone around them question and degrade their decision. You don't have to like it, but you should certainly be there for this brave individual who wants to give that much.

Is it hard? Of course it's hard to have someone you love go to war. Is it so hard that you would regret giving them the support and love they need to continue with their journey? I say no. Everyone needs love, support and guidance no-matter what they pursue. Yet, the undertaking is not theirs alone. Anyone who knows and cares for someone going to war feels the war in themselves trudging on as each day passes that their loved one is out there doing their best for their family, friends and country.

So, being a loved one of a soldier is a sacrifice as well, because it's as if you are going to war together. They support you as you stand on the sidelines feeling helpless and you support them as they are on the front-lines because we all need that extra cushion to get us to where we are going. The fear will always be there. It is sitting at the back of your mind that the person you love may not come home. And, it's scary. But, I can tell you from personal experience and from the mouths of many other people in the same position that focusing on the maybe makes the road that much harder, not only for you but for those around you as well. It's not a matter of not asking questions. It's about giving your all to give back to them. Everyone needs that shoulder to lean on metaphorically and literally. I say it's better to be there 100% than to be halfway in and halfway out. That way, forgetting why they're fighting is harder to do.