We're all aware of the incident of a couple "crashing" President Obamas first state dinner last week. Its just been released that three Secret Service Officers were put on leave regarding the situation and an investigation is being done. I have to say it makes me wonder is our country really protected in every way that it should be? The leader of our country, is supposed to have the best of the best personal security and promises us that our nations borders are secure, yet people are able to sneak their way into what is supposed to be a highly secure presidential event. Does this not leave a huge lump in your throat? What does this say about the the possibility of infiltration yet again?
With the vulnerabilities of our nation currently, including economic struggle, emotional distress of the ongoing war, and insecurities over the future of our health care, can we handle another tragic event like 9/11? The lack of responsibilities of the security officials in the White House only makes me doubt the safety of our homeland. Far too many lives were lost due to over confidence and neglegent national officials. Hopefully this potentially tragic event has opened the eyes of our officials and the appropriate actions will take place in the future so that our heart, mind, and faith will be restored.

After the tragic event that took place at Ft. Hood in Killeen, Texas yesterday, I think that the U.S. national government should take a closer look at the daily struggles of the American soldier and thier families. Every civilian knows that without these heroic people our country would be a very different place to live. Most Americans praise these soldiers and show their strong grattitude by sending care packages overseas, volunteering at on post events, or even just a simple "thank you" with a handshake. If we took a closer look, do they really get the attention and rewards that they deserve? The average income of our military is $25,000 anually while a civilian contracted employee working overseas has an average starting pay of $120,000 anually working side by side with those soldiers. Most civilian contracted employees work a couple months on, a couple months off while the American soldier works twenty-four hours a day for as long as fifteen months with a two week leave in between. Dont get me wrong, I am firm on believing that these soldiers signed up for these duties knowing the pay and having an idea about the struggles that they would be going through, but shouldn't that be an even more reason to reward them? They are, in my opinion, some of the most selfless, without a doubt, bravest people I know.
Aside from the first hand emotions and troubles our soldiers go through, their families suffer a great amount as well. With your husband, wife, daughter, son or any family member being gone for long periods at a time, it can be extremely stressful and emotional for everyone. My older sister joined the military when I was just thirteen years old. We had our sibling fights and differences growing up but at the time when I was starting to grow out of my barbie dolls and N*SYNC, it was tough not having a big sister to look up to and go to for advice about the cute boy in my math class or what I was going through coming of age. I remember while she was deployed for 7 months in Iraq, praying all day everyday for her safety and that nauseating feeling I got everytime I would think about the environment that my only sister was in. Every time she got to come home for a day or two, I would spend every minute with her as I could before I watched my dad close her car door and wave her off as she drove away with tears in his eyes.
Every American has their opinions on the war in Iraq, it is our right to, but it doesn't change the fact of what these soldiers do for you, me and our country on a day to day basis. Whether it be more money or better benefits, something needs to change with the military lifestyle. A little more balance would be benefiting everyone.