The excuse: There isn’t anyone else available to do the job.
The reason: The draw down started by Bush Senior has gutted our regular military to the point where our national guard has to step in and do the job.
The reality: These men and women are part-time soldiers with full-time families and these families are suffering hardships way beyond what should be happening.
And now? They’re talking about drawing down again.
WHY?
Because they can’t find enough folks who want to risk their lives in our name, and keeping the bases open is costing them too much money.
The result: DH ships off twice, for four months in a seven-month period, leaving his bosses hanging, leaving us with a reduced income (yes, that’s right, he’s not making his current salary while on duty), and he gets a whopping extra $250 per month in combat pay. He’ll have 240 hours of military leave between now and the end of the period. He’ll be gone for 640 hours total. Big effing deal.
I love my DH but I cannot and will not support this activity, and I will make my voice heard this time.
I didn’t go and march with the Million Moms. Last time I was out on the Mall in protest was during one of the Roe v. Wade support rallies (has to be 10 years ago, now). It’s time. I’ll be there and so will my kids.
Where will you be September 24th? Wanna join me?