Why?

The Iraq War has been raging for four years now with no end in sight. No matter the intentions of our leaders or the premise for embarking on such a crusade the fact of the matter is we have now entered into a war of insurgency rife with reflections of Vietnam. Once again the United States is sending her best and brightest to die on foreign soil and those that truly suffer are those left behind.

I have a very good friend who after many years met the woman of his dreams. In all facets she is the perfect match for him and for once I have seen him truly happy in life. There is one drawback though, he is in the military. These two deeply in love people recently married and she became pregnant with their son. Two months after learning she was pregnant and due in August 2007 my friend received orders to depart for Iraq for one year in October 2007. He stopped by my office the other day to talk about it and like a true military man he was very stoic in his demeanor; but the tears were floating just beneath the surface.

He has dedicated over 16 years of his life to the military and has earned the right to look forward to a peaceful retirement. He has always done whatever was asked of him without complaint. He has even served in Iraq, both this time and during Operation Desert Storm. The day he was given this new assignment he was told by the organization he has served so well that he has two choices; take the assignment or get out with no benefits. Like our predecessors from Vietnam we are beginning to see the true nature of our government.

My friend has realized he will miss the entire first year of his son's life. Not only will he miss the first Christmas and birthday, he will miss the first steps and words. All the milestones I was able to mark in the development of my children will be taken from my friend. When he finally returns his son will not know who he his or why this strange man is so happy to see him. There is a very good chance he will be scared of him.