Soldiers..

When I watch newsclips or read stories about our military, I often wonder what gave these people the courage to go forth and do what they do.  They often travel to far away, rather undesirable, places to fight for our country, get paid much less than those in cushy, private sector jobs and spend sometimes years at a time away from their families.  In return, what do they get?  From where I sit, I see many come back with terrible emotional difficulties, including severe PTSD, and substance abuse problems. There are many programs available for soldiers and a few that extend services to their families as well. However, it is difficult to get them in because they have a very difficult time trusting people upon their return from duty. Honestly, what I have seen disturbs me. To make matters worse, they very people that should be lifting up their soldiers (spouses, etc.) are taking advantage of them.  Now, I personally do not know MANY people in the military; however, the few I do know have given me some very sad stories.  One soldier told me how he made very little money, but was given a housing allowance and other perks in order to get by.  Unfortunately, once the kids came along, that didn't go very far and many in the military are living in poverty.  Stories of unfaithful spouses abound as well.  I know someone who told me that while he was in the military, his wife was with so many other men that he didn't know if all the kids belonged to him or not! Pitiful. Apparently, this girl was taking everything that came within her radar, including the UPS driver and a Pepsi delivery guy!  That is how our soldiers are honored...by their own families??  My husband used to be in the Army and was also in the National Guard. A month after their unit went to Afghanistan, two of the soldiers were killed.  He went to both funerals; I went to one.  At one of the funerals, the dead soldier's wife arrived on the back of a motorcycle belonging to her new boyfriend!  Tacky?  You bet. More like inconceivable.  So, what motivates these brave men and women to do what they do? Is it desperation?  Is it a true passion for defending our land, and all the greedy people in it?  Is it a burning sense of patriotism that drives them?  Is it a need for power, or perceived power?  Family acceptance? Or could it be a little bit of all these things?  I'm not sure.  I would like to see our soldiers treated respectfully however.  Isn't that the least we can all do for their gift to us of ongoing freedom and safety?  I think so.  Thank a soldier today.