When President Obama was elected to office in 2008, there were lots of arguments and racial remarks following him into the White House. Why he was elected as our nation's president caused great tension and divide between Americans, and even as a middle schooler, I remember having family dinner talks about what students said and how our teachers handled certain remarks.
What else do I remember? I remember President Obama's promise to bring our troops home. I remember being confused as to why that was his number one selling point to Americans throughout the election year. Our troops had been in combat for seven years at that point, though; a long war by any textbook’s standards. Osama Bin Laden was still alive. I knew that al-Qaeda was angry. I knew Americans were regarded as savage rebels, self-obsessed pigs known to reject al-Qaeda's Allah. What little I knew scared me enough to wonder why bringing home all the troops was a good thing. I wondered, even then, if Mr. Obama could really keep his promise.
Bin Laden was killed on May 2, 2011. I remember that day. I remember the American flags flying in my neighbor’s yard, the victorious chants heard in the background on breaking news reports and seeing footage of his sheet-covered corpse on live television. I remember asking my dad, “Won’t al-Qaeda be even more mad at America now?” Don’t get me wrong—I was thankful for the end of the terrorist that caused unimaginable grief for our country and for victims’ families from 9/11. I also remember wondering what was going to happen if we kept pulling our troops back home.
Over the weekend of April 23 and 24, 2016, President Obama made an announcement that the United States is sending 217 military personnel, including special operation forces, to Iraq to continue fighting the infamous terrorist group ISIS, which is responsible for the Paris attacks in November, the San Bernadino attack in December and more unreported terrorism in the Middle East and abroad. These military personnel will be on the ground to train and advise Iraqi soldiers to combat ISIS members.
Mr. Obama did not keep his promise; in fact, troops are returning to the Middle East where war continues and unstable relationships reside. I wondered what would happen if our troops came home and an American presence in the Middle East was diminished. We’ve seen enough to know and understand that a lack of our presence doesn’t decrease jihadists’ anger or acts of terror upon our allies or on our country’s people. Now I wonder what will happen when our military men and women return.
Some Americans may be angry at the President for betraying his campaign promise, but if you are angry—pause. Our men and women have fought bravely and without surrender. They signed up to protect and defend our country; our men and women were not drafted without choice; they chose a lifestyle pursuing freedom that they knew could cost them their lives. Our men and women, whatever branch of the military they commit to, have chosen a career bigger than themselves and have done so without looking back. Their bravery, courage and sacrifice are the reasons they are remembered, honored, memorialized, respected and cherished.
Imagine if Americans stood up and yelled in disagreement with the President and Defense Secretary’s choice. How would the 217 troops returning to the Middle East look upon us? How might they look at those they are willing to protect by training Iraqis to fight a never-ending war? This is their duty. Their fight. Their battle. Their families. Their freedom. But it is all of our duty to support and respect them.
We are free because of their sacrifice of family, time and lifelong service. Do not shake your heads as they return; respect and honor their decision and who they are as courageous soldiers. Thank them for keeping us safe, and fighting ISIS among other terror cells.
Will their sacrifice pay off? Can ISIS be stopped? I'm not a political candidate or service woman, but I am an American. It is my belief that to stand by, watch and do nothing as a terrorist cell conquers and strikes fear into our allies and other countries is abhorrently wrong. Doing nothing ensures their victory. Sending troops to fight back shows resistance and a will to fight what is evil.
In regard to our current president, my dad has told me, “You have to respect what he is supposed to represent.” I do not agree with the president's actions or motives very often, but Mr. Obama has sided with Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and agreed that more must be done to stop the growing threat and fear of ISIS.
Today I stand with the presidential office and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and pray for our nation's military.
