Like most people I too have seen or heard the comments made by celebrities as of recent concerning the new movie American Sniper, based on the true story of Navy Seal Chris Kyle. I’ve read Michael Moore’s rebuttal of his infamous tweet, and even if he wasn’t specifically talking about Chris Kyle, as he claims, but instead a WWII Japanese sniper, I still think it was ill-timed. I mean even if he wasn’t attempting to make a jab at a dead, American hero why speak publicly on the subject of snipers during the time of the film’s release? Poor taste, and poorly thought out words in my opinion. But whatever.
I’m sure no one was really surprised to hear something like that come out of Michael Moore’s mouth, or even the likes of Seth Rogen, though I will admit disappointment there. Point is it wasn’t really shocking, per se, but rather disgusting. And the whole ordeal reminded me of the poor attitude towards veterans nationwide.
Why just yesterday I saw a comment on social media from a man stating he thought “military members were the most over-indulged, coddled over group in existence.” I thought it was really swell that he was allowed the freedom to sit behind his computer desk and practice his first amendment rights, and I wondered if he knew where he might credit such a gift.
Michael Moore called a soldier a coward, and a troll called them over-indulged, but I just wondered who called them to say, “thank you.” Anyone?
For the record I am a veteran, and while I did not serve in a combat situation, I did serve in a time of war. As a Hospital Corpsman in the US Navy I had the privilege to serve as the medical provider for many injured soldiers returning from the front lines. I saw limbs lost, so many missing, and I saw faces disfigured, lives too. I saw vacant eyes, broken hearts, but also strength beyond what can be imagined. Never in that time did I see anyone being coddled or cowardice.
I saw a man with only one remaining arm use it to hold his fiancé tightly. I saw Marines eager to get back to their unit. I saw men with one leg manage to stand during the Star-Spangled Banner, or when an officer entered the room.
I saw and experienced personally the feeling in the pit of your stomach when you know it’s time to go to war. As a dual military spouse I went through hugging my husband goodbye as he left for Iraq, not knowing when he would return. Then I watched him sit in silence by himself, staring into the distance after he did. But he got to return. Others did not.
When their mothers were handed their folded flags they did not feel like their sons and daughters had died a cowardly death, and I’m certain as they jolted emotionally along with the boom of the three-volley salute they didn’t seem the least bit entitled or indulged beyond that of the honor they deserved.
And this honor, the one which they deserve, this honor is the one I wish they could be given on a daily basis. Rather than ridiculed as brainless warmongers a little gratitude and appreciation would be only expected, and certainly considerate.
Since the idea of respecting military members seems so foreign and undeserved to so many I thought I would make a rather elementary comparison.
Imagine, if you will, that you have been given a sackful of money. You are accompanied by your gorgeous wife who also happens to be scantily clad. If you’re a woman then I want you to imagine you are the buxom, underdressed lady. You have your cash in hand, but now you have to walk to the bank through the worst, gang-ridden neighborhood imaginable. With your loved one on your arm looking so alluring. Would you care for an armed escort? Someone to protect you? You don’t have to pay them; it’s simply their honor and duty to protect you. And while no one may rob, rape, and murder y’all wouldn’t it be nice just to have that added assurance. It certainly might prevent such an atrocity from occurring.
I have always loved the quote by Theodore Roosevelt, “walk softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”
This is why we do what we do folks! Your military carries the big stick for you so when you’re walking down the street carrying your sack of money you can feel safe.
You have the freedom to call snipers cowardly and the military as a whole coddled because of the many men and woman who have died so that you may speak your mind. A thank you isn’t necessary, but it sure would be nice.
You don’t like war? Well neither do I. Neither does your soldier. Do you think young women want to leave their babies, or that young men wish to die too soon? Heck no! The American soldier is called to duty. They are called to protect you, your family, and all the freedoms that you carry as an American citizen. They do so for very little pay (trust me), and they do so with no expectations for what they will receive in return.
To place your life on the line for a stranger is honorable, but to then be called cowardice for that same action is despicable. I’m not expecting you to personally condone what the military has to do to keep our great nation free and safe, but a small measure of respect for that sacrifice would be appreciated.
That is all.
Leslie says
I sat in a silent theater at the end of American Sniper, hearing only the sniffling of noses from crying and the rustle of trying to get Kleenex. I was married to a man who did two tours in Iraq, and while we weren’t married during his second tour my children missed their Daddy. Thank God for America and for the men and women who are willing to do the things that many Americans do not have the stomach for. Our nation was won by warriors. Thank you for this post and for your service. God bless America!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much!
Dixie says
I was married to a Vietnam vet. He died of cancer from due to agent orange. ( which to this day) the military has not admitted. All the proof was there but was never acknowledged . I believe after all Vietnam vets have deceased the truth will come out. A little too late for what they all did for this country. I am appalled how some people treat our vets. I am proud and thankful for all our soldiers who, then and now protect our country. I pray all of the citizens of the US and our government take faster action to correct they’re mistakes in the way they are treating our soldiers, active, returning and retired veterans. They deserve much more then they are getting.
jamy says
Very well said Brie.. Thank you, you are an honor to all our brothers and sisters in arms!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you brother!
Kristen Lothenore says
Preach it, sista!!!!!! I totally agree! Thank you for sharing!!!!! And thank you for serving. It means so much and although many may never see this comment, thank you to ALL those who have served our country and fought for the freedoms we enjoy everyday. We truly are a blessed nation. Thank you!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thanks so much!
ruthiespage says
Yes!!!!
jesse nunley says
As you know I served as well. I lost some good friends that today I still call my brothers!!! To hear people like michanel moore and Seth Rogen to make comments like they did sicken me. One of my closest brothers is a seal. He gave his life for this country and I will never forget the day I got the call that he was gone!!! Thank you for your posts and thank you for your service!!!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you, and likewise my brother.
Jimmy Kennedy says
Outstanding article. I never saw combat either, but I volunteered to go. I also worked in Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Lundstuhl Regional Medical Center so I have seen first hand what the war has done to so many soldiers and their families. It is very gut wrenching and sad to see a double, triple or quadruple amputee trying to hold his wife, kids or mother or father. Rolling in a wheelchair and holding their newborn child they have never seen because they were fighting for our freedoms and the right for jackasses like Michael Moore to be able to have freedom of speech. I served for 16 1/2 years and my twin brother spent over 20. My fiance serves in the Air Force. I have many friends who served and still serve. Yes, a thank you feels wonderful but no it isn’t required from me because I did it with pride and I am in no way a coward or coddled. Pennies on a dollar is what our soldiers earn for a living, while Michael Moore baths in millions of dollars, he is the coward and the one who is a sissy getting coddled. He will need a soldier before a soldier needs him. Thank you for your great article and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your and your husband’s service to our country. God bless!!!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much! Thank you in return.