As an American, there are many freedoms that we can enjoy without fear of reprimand. Each and every one of us is allowed the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom to keep and bear arms, and many other privileges. Many countries are ruled by monarchies and dictatorships where people are too afraid to leave their homes. Others live in fear of organizations such as the Taliban, the Gaddafi Regime or African War Lords.

So why then are people so upset to support our troops? They put their lives on the line every single day so that we can enjoy and live our everyday lives. Soldiers do not get paid adequately. Yes, some high ranking officials make some money, but the enlisted man does not. When enlisting, he/she is signing up for a minimum of eight years (if full-time.) After that eight years, the maximum pay that he/she can receive is slightly under $48,000.

Having been in a military family and knowing plenty of friends in the military, the gifts that the soldiers receive cannot be put into words. Being detached from loved ones is not an easy thing to do, especially when it is eight months of 16 hours shifts.

Americans, however, should not only support those who are currently deployed but help those who have come back. Retired veterans also need our support from healthcare to jobs to basic living necessities. But to say that we should not support them since they chose to leave is unimaginable. If you chose to leave for an overseas trip for eight months would you not like to hear from home?

Instead of receiving a gift that you will only use for a short time, ask that something be donated to military personnel. Not only will that bring joy to them, but it will also bring joy to yourself by making a person’s hard day a little more bearable.