Posted on 02/25/2007 8:33:03 AM PST by ContraryMary
DEAR ABBY: Our 17-year-old twin son and daughter met with military recruiters who came to their school and made the military sound exciting and glamorous. They are now saying that after they graduate next year, they want to join the military instead of going to college. They have even put up military posters in their rooms that they received from the recruiters.
My husband and I are horrified. We cannot stand the thought of them going off to war, and do not believe that war is the answer to the world's problems. It will be a year, and hopefully the novelty of the idea will wear off by then. However, I don't want to take a chance. How can I counter the idea? -- CLEVELAND MOM
DEAR CLEVELAND MOM: Before your children commit themselves to the idea that the military is all foreign travel, shiny medals and glory, they should see firsthand that there is a more serious side. Contact your nearest veterans hospital and inquire about you and your children paying some visits and volunteering to help wounded vets. It may be a sobering experience, but it should open their eyes in no time flat.
Wow, so was I!! I am a plankowner in VAQ-136 but, when we deployed aboard the Chicken Hawk in the mid 70s, I went to Cubi to provide IMA level support. The electronics, in those days, didn't like shop's power. They fixed that problem after I separated.
People do quit the military. But it is a dishonorable distinction. Anyone who joins the military signs an obligation and has plenty of time to reconsider that a committment is a committment regardless of whether they agree or disagree with a mission.
The military is not for everyone by todays standards. But the draft of past years proves that duty to country will make a person step up when placed in a position of need.
Patriotism is a dying breed.
The Guardian. Again, it was outstanding.
Good ole Abby = stupid liberal fool.
Try talking to some of us who proudly served bitch. I'll be happy to fill them in on the life.
EXcellent point!
Dear AWOL, ah, I mean Abby...SHEESH!
On a date?
My niece put up Air Force posters in her room when she was in high school. She ended up enlisting, got her college degree while she was active duty, and used her education benefits to go to law school. She graduates in May. The military provides opportunities for any kid who wants to take advantage of them.
My hubby was in VAQ-131. You say VAQ-136? Weren't they attached to the carrier that was stationed in Japan?
Good point indeed.
LOL
Love your reply!
DEAR CLEVELAND MOM:
The job is no more dangerous then it was in the Cold War.
Still potentially dangerous, but statisically there are more dangerous jobs. The job protects America, protects even no clue newspaper columnists. And spreads freedom round the globe for a safer world.
The job MAKES history. The job steers history and human civilization towards a better future.
The vets in the hospitals are heroes beyond words.
Few can say they made that much difference in life.
Maybe unintentionally, but "Abby" nailed it. If the kids are not military material, their eye opening will chase them away; if they are, it will strengthen their resolve. And the vets deserve the attention.
You're right. That would be unintentional, because that's certainly not what Dear Abby intended.
You're very brave. I said something like this on another thread the other day and got two responses that people like us try to make every issue an abortion issue. Well, that's okay with me.
Hubby says IMA's were what they had before they had the Vans. He was in the Vans; he was an exciter tech.
I told her that in my post and also that I would be horrified if my child said they wanted to be a journalist.
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