Survivor China Episode 10 - Eric Gone

The routine family reunion took place and there was some intrigue as to whether Peih Gee or Eric would get the boot - Eric won - but all in all a very mediocre Survivor show. Frankly, there is one part in every series of Survivor that always astounds me.

Millions of viewers join the Survivor contestants as they tear-up and talk about how much they miss their loved ones. The contestants talk about the emotional and physical demands placed on them and how their participation has been life-changing. When they are united with family or friends, there are hugs, kisses and an exchange about what events either happy or tragic have occurred during the 30 days that the contestants have competed for prizes and a chance to become a $1,000,000 winner. It is always portrayed as an extremely emotional event in the Survivor series.

Thirty days in a tough environment has changed their lives? C'mon get real!

Try 15 months in a combat zone. Try not being with your family at Christmas, Hanuka, New Years, a child's graduation, a birthday, anniversary or some other of the many special times that occur over the period of 12-15 months. Try arising everyday and not being sure if you will survive to see another. Attend the memorial services of a fellow soldier or watch the results of the mayhem as a suicide bomber targets children or other innocents that are simply shopping in the market to acquire a day's food. That's life changing!

If you happened to be among the millions that watched Survivor and a tear formed in your eye as you watched the contestants become emotional about their struggle, I hope you thought of those magnificent young men and women who are protecting our nation in Iraq, Afghanistan or in some other distant land. Every day they serve us to insure that we can shop, celebrate special events, enjoy our families, be free of the fear of terrorism and otherwise pursue our dreams. They know what hardship is.

We collectively elected the politicians that authorized our young men and women to engage in combat and collectively it is our responsibility - no - our duty to remember those that serve and protect us. As this holiday season approaches why not make a donation to any of a number of organizations that are dedicated to helping and assisting those that give so much for us?

It has been a long struggle to insure security in Iraq and the sacrifices of our soldiers are finally yielding results, as a more stable country is beginning to emerge from from the rubble of war. Give our soldiers a small pat on the back, a bit of recognition, some support from the home front and a small gesture of appreciation by contributing to a worthy cause that can bring a few moments of comfort to the young men and women during the trying time that they serve us and are away from their loved ones.

Enjoy the next episode of Survivor China knowing that America is safe because so many serve.