How many people would sacrifice a career, a $40 thousand income and a family for Army duty in Iraq? Not many. However, one local citizen is choosing to volunteer in Iraq for a year. His name is Bruce Grant, and when asked why he was willing to give up so much, he responded by saying: “Some things are worth fighting for. Some things are worth sacrifice.” Grant, 53, spent 27 years serving his country as a paratrooper and ranger. He was a graduate of West Point in 1974, and retired from the Army as a Colonel in 2005.
Grant will ship out to Fort. Jackson, S.C. To take care of some administrative details for two weeks before heading to Ft. Campbell, Ky. to join the 101st Airborne en route to Iraq, according to www.tdo.com.
Unfortunately, there are not many American citizens like Grant, who are willing to step outside of themselves and join the fight to bring our men and women home safely. Regardless of how you may feel about the war in Iraq, many men and women in your cities, neighborhoods and churches have faithfully served their country in an effort to make this world a better place for everyone, not just a select few.
Many of us wish the war would come to a quick end, but many of us have not put our lives on the line for this country. The least we could do is appreciate the men and women who think differently.
Lauren Walker for the Editorial Board