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.