In 2002, I harshly disagreed with George Bush’s claim that Saddam Hussein was behind the attacks on 9/11 and the claim of WMD’s stockpiled in Iraq. I did not buy into the claim that this would be a short war and that the Iraqis would cheer on American Troops parading through the streets of Baghdad in victory.  But in March of 2003 our American Troops, including my son a Pfc. in the Army 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry, were deployed to Iraq and the war began. It was time for action.

At that point, it was no longer a time for words of protest, but instead it was time to support the troops. While the president claimed our troops were the best equipped military force second to none, my wife and I among other military parents began shipping packages containing socks, baby wipes, batteries (to power night vision goggles), pipe cleaners (to clean fire arms), green laser pointers (for targeting), body armor and other items that were in short supply. Troops in Iraq began foraging for scrap metal to armor their unarmored Humvees. It really didn’t matter what the reasons were, what mattered was taking immediate action, which was exactly what the Troops and the families of Troops did out of urgency.

Now, 17 years later, I see the same situation once again. This time it’s a different battle being fought by our front-line first responders, but the countless stories of critical equipment and supplies in short supply make it seem all the same.

Like then, the time for debate, disagreement and finger-pointing has passed. This is the time for action, not words. Where front line help is short, supplies are slow to come, the economy and our jobs uncertain, we have to focus on what needs to be done first and foremost.

While our governors are taking front-line action state-by-state, we as citizens across the nation must step up and do our part which comes down to these actions we are all aware of:

  • Practice social separation
  • Wash and sanitize your hands regularly and don’t touch your face
  • If you have to sneeze or cough, do so into your elbow
  • When shopping for supplies, purchase only what you need
  • For those who can work from home, do so
  • Be mindful of those furloughed from work and help if you can, but be safe

This time of uncertainty places all of us under extreme anxiety, anger and frustration, but fear not as this time will pass. What matters is that we all do our part for our families at home and for our community as much as we safely can. I simply can’t say this enough but this time will pass, even though it may seem at times that the end may not come soon enough.

Thank You and God Bless.

 

 

 

Image Sources

  • Time for action: Shutterstock