It was recently my privilege to meet a few of the finest young men and women America has to offer: United States soldiers. These brave warriors truly are America's sons and daughters. While some bemoan the possibility of a future draft, these adventurous individuals proudly proclaim, "I am an American soldier." It's part of the soldier's creed. And they not only proclaim it, they leave it every day.
I met these good people while attending an Educator/Community Leader Tour to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where Army recruits are trained. "I will never leave a fallen comrade" is yet another aspect of the soldier's creed. It is instilled from the first day of training.
Times have changed, and so has the Army. While the need for foot soldiers to tromp through the infantry forest will never disappear, the need for educated soldiers has increased tenfold. And the Army has responded with outstanding benefits that include not only paying for a college education but also paying off student loans that soldiers incurred while in the civilian sector. Is the Army for everyone? Absolutely not. But for those who have the desire to serve their country -- and can make the grade -- it provides the opportunity of a lifetime.
It is not my intent to paint a spring shower when a thunderstorm is raging. People who join any branch of the military in our current political climate may go to war. It takes a special breed of person to volunteer for such duty. But those who answer the call are rewarded with unmatched camaraderie, free housing and medical care, outstanding educational benefits and the opportunity to travel the world.
Those who are not interested in military service can still support the efforts of our troops. There are many opportunities for campus and community groups to let our soldiers know that we appreciate them. Numerous Web sites are looking for people to send mail and/or care packages to soldiers. One is sponsored by the Department of Defense: www.americasupportsyou.mil.
I recommend the Educator/Community Leader Tour to anyone who works in academia. What you will see exhibited by our soldiers is dignity, pride and respect. It might be that one of the "greatest generations" may be the one that is quickly assuming leadership roles in the most exceptional, well-trained military the world has ever known.
Elizabeth Waggoner wrote this 'Your Turn' for the Daily News. Her views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
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