Stonewall does not like to go out in public in his uniform. He is very proud to be in the military and he will talk your ear off about how great it is to be in the military. However, when it comes to going out to dinner or stopping off at the store after work, he prefers to change into civilian clothes first. Now as much as I love seeing Stonewall in his uniform, I can't say I blame him. He knows, and I know, people are not trying to be rude or offend him, but sometimes people really need to think before they speak.
People have a natural curiosity about soldiers. I know I did before I met Stonewall, and I still do now. Whenever I see a soldier I wonder, "Where has he been? Where is he going? When was the last time he saw his family?" Being curious is not a bad thing and if the opportunity arises it is more than okay to say, "Thank you." However, unless the interaction between my soldier and a civilian is more than a mere passing, please stop there.
Stonewall likes when people thank him. I think its because it helps all the sacrifice and stress seem worth it. He knows that despite some bad press, Americans do support him, if not necessarily the cause. Here is the thing though. He does not like to hear that they don't support the cause because it is his cause. The war, the support of Iraqi civilians and the support of any oppressed/hurt/dying people, that is part of what he fights for, part of what he believes in.
My soldier does have an opinion. God knows he has lots of them. Stonewall will not share them with you. Like all soldiers, he does his job without question not only because that is what he is trained to do, but also because he has a sense of pride and loyalty no man can touch. My soldier does like to know that not only are you behind him, but also behind his cause. Stonewall is human also, and it can be hard to hear that a person does not believe in what he believes in.
If you want to thank my soldier, please do. Let him know that you support him and that you believe in him. You do not have to support the war, you do not have to like our president or government, you don't even have to be tolerant of foreigners, but Stonewall does not need to know that. My soldier will defend you and fight for you no matter how you feel. Trying to convince him that the war is wrong and that our president should send his daughters to Iraq, does not boost his morale.
My soldier wants to fight for you to hate him or to love him because he knows that is the right way. The great, no, the amazing thing about American soldiers is they are willing to die for those who do not support them or their cause. Take the time to thank all soldiers, and thank them with all of your heart and let them know that you are behind them 100%.
Picture couresy of Morgue File
2 comments:
I guess I never really thought about it that way...after 20 years of active duty, the "uniform" is just who my husband is....but I can see where you are coming from.....
I was at the airport today and saw a couple young soldiers with the "usual" carry on, headed back after R&R....and they were alone....having just ended ours and talking to my husband about how he felt leaving us again, I could imagine how these young men felt about returning to theater....but what amazed me what the fact that they seemed invisible to everyone. Now granted, I was not at a local airport, but still, it kind of amazed me that not one person, in the hour I observed them gave them a second look. Before I left, I walked up to them and told them to keep their head down and be safe, they both just kind of smiled and then I thanked them...before heading home myself. They did not have the option of "no uniform" and in my eyes, the least those traveling could have done would be to have taken the time out to be kind, say something to them, not ignore them....regardless of their opinions on the War.....it is their lives they are defending, and at this time of the year to be going back.....well, to me its a matter of being rude and disrespectful.
Thank Stonewall for my family.....his duty and the sacrifice of your family, does not go unnoticed.
~asw
asw,
I completely agree with you. People should talk to soldiers and not pretend to not see them. I think having Americans recognize them is what helps keep soldiers strong and able to continue doing what they are doing. I just don't agree with talking negatively about the war to a soldier, especially one in uniform.
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