The Northwest Voice

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During a recent email conversation I had with Sergeant Evan Webb, who spends the majority of his days and nights outside the wire in Iraq, the topic of patriotism came up. "I've always been patriotic. The "Star Spangled Banner" has been my favorite song for as long as I can remember and I still tear up whenever I hear it. Serving in the Army has changed my viewpoint in some ways, though."

When I asked him to elaborate, he did so with much candor. "We always hear about sacrifices and hardships of past generations of Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airman. Each war or conflict does pose its different hardships such as terrain, weather, and of course, the enemy themselves. Our Grandfathers had to endure harsh winters while facing an enemy poised on controlling all of Europe - and even the world - in WWII. Our Fathers dealt with stopping the spread of Communism in arid jungles during Vietnam. Now, I am faced with dealing with 110+ degree heat in an effort to stop religious radicals from killing those who don't share the same beliefs as they do.

As technology improved over the years, the safety and effectiveness of the American fighting forces has grown along with it. My Grandfather, for instance, didn't have a vest that would stop a bullet fired from his adversaries rifle like I do. Nor did he have a vehicle that could take the force of energy from two, three, four, or more 155mm High Explosive Artillery sells exploding underneath it simultaneously like I do.

However, regardless of the differences in the respective war each American serviceman or woman has fought in, we all share some things in common. Everyday we wake up missing our families and friends back home. Everyday we wonder if today is the last day of our lives. We also wonder everyday if this is the last day we will see the man standing next to us alive.

The only people who can fully relate to how I feel about holidays like Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day are those who have done what I am currently doing. Men who know the distinct sound of an AK-47 Assault Rifle fired at them. Or the sound of a Improvised Explosive Device detonating underneath their vehicle. Many millions of people have served in the United States Armed Forces over our country's history. Yet only a small percentage of those men, or women, know the heart-skipping feeling you get when a Rocket Propelled Grenade hits the outside of the door your sitting behind or a Mortar shell landing outside of the building your sleeping in. There is nothing wrong with the average American not knowing these things. That is why we pick up our weapons with tired hands a walk miles in our worn out boots. We do it in hopes that the average American will never have to know those things."

What could my response be to such an answer? A feeble Thank You just wasn't good enough. He couldn't see the tears in my eyes as I read his words. The only response suitable was to share his thoughts with you this Independence Day (with his permission).

I asked Evan if he had a special message for anyone reading this and he replied, "Everyone says that Soldiers are such heroes. Personally, my wife is my hero! Oh yeah, and Go Diamondbacks!"