For Veteran's Day: Do More Than Wave a Flag!

For Veteran’s Day:  do more than wave a flag

It’s a day off of work and school for many—Veteran’s Day.  While a streak of patriotism is especially needed after the heartfelt election last week, our observance of Veteran’s Day should go beyond flag waving and posting.  Taking a deeper dive into the reality of those that serve, we may be shocked.  Despite Vice-President’s claim during her presidential debate that there “was not one member of the US military in active duty in a combat zone—in any war zone around the world” (I have also seen posts on social media from groups like Occupy Democrats claiming the same as recently as last week!), the facts tell another story. The wars in Ukraine and Israel, and increasing tensions arising from an alliance arising among Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are creating volatility all over the globe.  Without even considering the US presence in Ukraine, look at the situation in the Middle East:

—Approximately 1,000 US troops are in Syria, and 2,500 are stationed in Iraq, both of which are active combat zones. 

—Where there were usually around 34,000 troops stationed in the Middle East, recent additional deployments have raised the number to as many as 50,000. —The US Air Force now has four land-based fighter squadrons (each with 18 to 24 airplanes and the crews needed to operate them) present in the Middle East.

—A US Navy carrier strike group typically includes 75 aircraft, 8 ships, a submarine and 7,500 sailors and Marines.  At least one carrier strike group is stationed in the Middle East now.  

—As recently as last week, additional resources have been sent to the Middle East, including another fighter squadron, bomber aircraft (including B-52s from Minot Air Force Base), tanker aircraft and Navy destroyers. The numbers don’t lie.  But even more profound, look at the toll that military service takes on a soldier:

—Last year alone, more than 20,000 service memos were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). 

—Since 2000, more than 460,000 service members suffered TBIs.  —In just one Iran-backed attack on a US base in Syria and Iraq last October, 19 service members were injured and diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries. - In 2020, the age and sex-adjusted suicide rate among veterans was 57.3% higher than the age and sex-adjusted rate among non-Veteran U.S. adults. As US citizens, each and every one of us have a debt to pay.  We owe it to our service men and women to AT LEAST be aware of the reality they face. Not just on Veteran’s Day, but every day.  Take interest, thank them.  Support legislation that acknowledges their sacrifice.  Be their best advocate! In other words, BE WORTHY OF THEIR SERVICE.