Column: Returning to Iraq on Veterans Day
Editor’s note: Jim Clarkson is a member of the Michigan Army National Guard serving in Iraq. He’s on leave back home in Michigan right now, but heading back to Iraq on Nov. 11. He writes a blog called War Inside My Head, which describes some of his experiences there.
Dear Chronicle readers,
As I sit here and reflect on the irony of having to return to Iraq on this upcoming Veterans Day I find myself contemplating the true meaning of the day.
Many people view Veterans Day as just another day off work. With this upcoming Veterans Day I urge the citizens of Michigan to take a moment during their day off to remember the thousands of soldiers across the world who on any given day put their lives on the line for the freedoms of this country. I call on my fellow citizens to take action to help our troops and veterans during the upcoming holiday season.
Send a care package overseas. Write a letter of support to a lonely service member. Host a holiday celebration for military families. Remind young people what Veterans Day is all about. Donate to VFW programs that help our defenders, deployed and at home.
To put it in perspective, your worst day at work or at home is any given soldier’s best day, either in a war zone or serving their country elsewhere overseas.
Sincerely,
PFC. Clarkson
Michigan Army National Guard
COS Sykes, Iraq
Nice work PFC Clarkston. Take care and come home again safely.
Thank you so much for your service on this Veterans Day, and on the 364 days we take it for granted.
Let’s support our veterans!
Thank you for your service, and for the suggestion.
Anyone have an idea for how we can go about sending a care package? I remember doing this a few years ago through a website.
It was good to see you for a bit while u were here, Jim. CYA!
You can find more information about donating to the troops on the websites for VFW Post 423 in Ann Arbor and VFW Post 2408 in Ypsilanti.