Neither One Is "Better"

I've been really surprised with the number of people who have told me "at least he's not in Afghanistan" when I'm asked where Brian is serving. I know some people say it to make us feel better. But many others actually seem to think it's all over, we've won, no more combat, nothing more to do since we're going to start bringing some of our troops home.

No doubt, the situation in Iraq has improved since the military was finally provided the resources and management to do what they needed to do. Our country (and many families) sacrificed a lot along the way to get us here. But, the folks over there now aren't just sitting in the sand and eating bon-bons just because our politicians say we're drawing-down or because we don't hear about Iraq as much in the media. There are missions still taking place and the enemy we are fighting is still nuts. As we have seen in the past, the landscape over there changes in an instant. A sign over the exit to one of our bases over there says it best, "Complacency Kills".

There are still over 140,000 sons, brothers, fathers, mothers, wives, and daughters sacrificing for us over there every day. They are sacrificing precious time away from family and friends and putting their lives out there each day. Iraq is still dangerous and (in my opinion) still a mess. And, despite what our own views are of why we are there- most are completing their missions without question. They are "just doing their job" (I've heard that a lot)

Make no mistake, Afghanistan is extremely dangerous now and we pray every day for the troops that are serving there. But, from my perspective, neither place is "better". As long as there are still casualties and sacrifices being made in either place and as long as both remain unstable, despite what the politicians communicate or media says (or doesn't say), we're still at war in both.

For those who have served in Iraq in the past, are serving now, and will be serving in the future- I hope our country doesn't become complacent- or more naive.

Semper Fi