We Ask Too Much of Our Warriors

As of Friday, August 13, 2010

Throughout our United States history, every generation has had its war and young people to die in that war.

The wars run together like so many pages in a history book: our war for independence, the French and Indian War, the War of 1812, the Spanish American War, the War for Southern Independence, World War I, World War II, the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, and our current excursions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I’ve probably left out a couple of conflicts, but it has been a long time since U.S. History 101. There is a difference today, however, from our bloody sacrifices of the past. Now, as the No. 1 super power, we have an all-volunteer military — young people who put their lives on the line every day to keep the world free.

The rest of us go about our business. We go to work every morning, come home, watch the evening news and grimace as the news reader tells us of another soldier dying in a far-off land. Then we flip off the tube and venture into the kitchen to see what’s for dinner.

I’m afraid our volunteer forces didn’t sign up for a lot of our responsibilities that they’ve had to take on their shoulders. That thought hit me right between the eyes the other day when I picked up The Pilot and saw that Master Sgt. Jared Van Aalst had been killed in a combat operation in Afghanistan. A professional soldier, he dedicated his life to this country and paid the ultimate price so we could go on with ours.

Perhaps we’re asking these warriors for too much. It’s as if we don’t have a dog in the fight. I’ll bet most of the citizens in this country don’t have a clue where Afghanistan is.

I think it’s time to bring back the draft.

Every young citizen should be required to give at least two years of service to the country — if not in the military, then in some other endeavor that would at least bring young minds and even older ones up to speed as to what’s going on in our republic.

Programs could be started almost like the old WPA initiated by Franklin Roosevelt during the Great Depression. Work could be done in the inner cities or in our national parks. Veterans hospitals need all the help they can get from whatever source, and this would be an excellent way to introduce young people to the sacrifices given by veterans of past wars.

In other words, I believe we have to get away from the entitlement mentality of our current generation. Just because you’re born in this country doesn’t mean that you should have a free ride from cradle to the grave. There has to be some payback.

Young people who give two years of service to the country will then have a justifiable right to insist on what direction they think the nation should take. Universal service would give them ownership and help them get involved in everyday political affairs. They would also learn more about the people who are running the country and what they are doing for its betterment or detriment.

In some high schools, community service is a requirement for graduation. It’s a start, but it’s still a feeble attempt to get the attention of young people and show them that there is a way to give back to the nation that has given so much to them. It’s not much, but it’s a start. John Kennedy said it best in his inaugural speech as president: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

In my war, we still had the draft. Vietnam required a lot of bodies to further a cause that we later discovered was futile. When young Johnny was taken out of his easy life of college, cold beer and hot dates, given an M1 rifle and sent off to the jungles to free people he knew nothing about, his mama got involved.

Sgt. Van Aalst made the ultimate sacrifice, not unlike several good friends of mine who paid the price in Vietnam. Looking back now, I wonder what that war was all about.

If I had only one prayer in this regard that could be answered, it would be that Sgt. Van Aalst’s family and friends realize how much we appreciate their sacrifice — and, as time passes, that they will realize the difference his service made to our great country.

Tom Bryant, retired advertising director of The Pilot and a Marine Corps veteran, lives in Southern Pine. Contact him at tom@thepilot.com.

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lb314 2 years, 9 months ago

Calling someone an "idiot" and a "moron" does not an argument make. The sad truth of these discussion boards is that they have turned into little more than a forum for immature name calling. If you don't agree with someone, fine, but why don't you try actually saying something rather than resorting to childishness?

lb314 2 years, 9 months ago

I'm not sure what political correctness has to do with it. I'm not even saying that I disagree with you. However, name calling adds absolutely nothing to your post and in fact devalues what you have to say.

greentara13 2 years, 9 months ago

I think highly of the people who have risked their lives for our country. I am not too happy with our leaders past and present who get us in these situations. We have wasted so much money, it is incredulous. What has it gained us? There has been no justice over the Sept. 11 attacks. Clearly something is not working, except the money flowing out of our pockets. It makes me so sad, I have friends who have husbands in Iraq and Afganistan and I feel their anguish and pain. Do you know what they tell me? That there is no reason for us to be there, it is all lies. Sure, all the big boys have made millions on their private deals, but at the cost of our faithful men and women who have bravely done their job and horribly lost their lives.

JohnChappell 2 years, 9 months ago

Treason against the United States can only consist in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. Conviction requires the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, (or confession in open court) — so comments or views cannot constitute treason no matter what some think.

Congress has the sole power to declare war, and we have not had one (in a legal sense) since World War II. (Lots of military conflicts, of course.) The two world wars were legal, because the Congress declared war and thereby gave presidents the authority to wage war as commanders-in-chief.

Of course I might be wrong, but these are my strict-constructionist conservative opinions based on the Constitution.

You have your views; the Founding Fathers and I have ours.

LB67 2 years, 9 months ago

I have a better idea, how about all Mexicans who want to live in the USA have to serve at least 4 years in the Military, and learn to speak ENGLISH, maybe then they would appreciate what it means to be American

JER 2 years, 9 months ago

We have made war a business. Our economy cannot survive without it. It's the ideal business for us to be involved in. It's got great potential for growth and offers steady employment to all who want jobs. We gladly pay taxes to support and expand it, we greatly revere all involved in carrying out its operation and we take great pride in being the greatest practitioner of it on earth. Why make garments or furniture or electronic devices when we can make war!!

JER 2 years, 9 months ago

LB67: So what you're saying is, if they are going to do all of our menial jobs, why not have them wage our wars for us as well. Wouldn't that be taking jobs from real red blooded, English speaking patriotic Americans. You know, someone like you? Oh, by the way, Mexicans already know what it's like to be an "American". In fact, so do Canadians and all the other countries located in North, Central and South AMERICA!!