A friend of mine teaches high school in Oregon and he asked me to write them regarding the war on terror, how I feel about the support at home, etc...  This is the letter I wrote.

Dear Global Issues class,

Mr. (deleted for privacy sake) wanted me to write you giving you a soldier's perspective on the 'War on Terror'.  Having had some time to consider this (90% of my time here I'm bored out of my skull) I've come up with several points.

1.  Every man I am over here with is a volunteer.  This alone makes them the finest Oregon has to offer.  They have all volunteered to serve their country and many volunteered for this deployment despite having served one or more tours in Iraq.  Service to ones country is a defining choice.  It is the willingness to sacrifice your time, energy, and, potentially, your life that sets us apart.  In many countries service is mandatory and I believe they are weaker for it.  There are many ways to serve, the Peace Corps and America Corps are viable alternatives.  We have chosen the military and it is a choice we pride.

2.  The 'War on Terror' is set to be a long term low grade conflict.  It is doubtful that it will be 'won' anytime soon and even less likely that none of you will be involved.  9-11 was not so much an attack on our country as an attack upon way of life.  Those that planned and executed the attack do not compromise.  Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press are all ideas that they would see destroyed.  Burkhas and beards are what you'll have to look forward to.  If this sounds dramatic it's because it is.

3.  As a soldier here I feel lucky for my family and friends and the support they give me.  However, I also feel used by the hollow words of the politicians, the press, and the protestors.  All of them say the words 'Support the Troops' but it is the rare few who do more mouth the words to push forward their personal agenda.  The politicians to get re-elected.  The press to sell the story.  The protestors to legitimize their protest.  It cheapens the sacrifice of everyone who serves.

I go to sleep every night looking at the words a soldier before me has written on the bunk above me.

I saw man sitting in the desert
Eating his heart
I asked what he was doing
And he replied, "I am eating my heart
and enjoy the company of friends."
He was alone and so I asked,
"How does your heart taste?"
He smiled at me and said,
"Bitter for I enjoy it so."

How does your heart taste?