Honoring those who serve

Around my left wrist you will see a black metal bracelet that reads: Adrian Orosco, 2005 KIA, Iraq.

Adrian was a good friend as well as a good soldier. He and I were stationed together in an infantry platoon in California before being deployed to Iraq in 2005. I returned home. Adrian did not.

Even though it’s been almost three years since an improvised explosive devise took his life, I can still remember that day as if it were yesterday. The bracelet I wear is one of millions honoring the life of a fallen soldier. These bracelets are a reminder to us of what some have sacrificed.

Thousands of families all across the United States have had to bear the brunt of this war. Some have had their brothers, sisters, fathers or even mothers board a cargo plane bound for Iraq or Afghanistan.

Watching a loved one get sent overseas is not an easy task to bear. An 18-year-old recent high school graduate, a father leaving for his third deployment, a mother having a 10-month tour extended into a 14-month tour as a result of “stop-loss”; these stories are real and most often unfeasible to bear.

Families like Adrian’s and countless others have had to bear the ultimate burden of having their loved one taken away from them.

My family has also seen the brunt of this war. My father, my brother and I have all completed tours of duty in Iraq. It’s a marvel my mother has not had a heart attack.

This week we take the time to honor all our veterans both past and present who have served our country. We take a moment to pay respect and homage to all those who have bravely worn the uniform of the United States and answered that dreaded “call to arms” when their country asked them to.

Whether Army or Marines, Air Force, Navy or Coast Guard, all deserve our recognition and gratitude for sacrificing so much. As we sleep comfortably in our beds tonight it is important that we show our reverence and admiration for those troops currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is also important that we pay respect to those families that have had to bear the pain of receiving a letter instead of a returning hug.

This is not an article urging people to stand behind our president in his stance on prevailing in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most people who know me will tell you that I am firmly against it.

This is simply an article to acknowledge those soldiers who have done the job we have asked them to do. Soldiers do not have the luxury of picking their battles and choosing their wars.

That job is left to the politicians who start them. So when you point your finger of disapproval make sure you do it in the right direction. And as you do it, remember that it is the soldier who has provided you with that luxury.