This is my first diary, so I so don't image I have to worry about it being read, If you do, thank you.
I'm an anti-war, Pro-Military, gay lovin, tree hugging, Obama campaign workin', get out the vote monger liberal (as my republican father would say)
I'm also the mom to 4 sons and a daugher. My oldest son, 23, married last year and has a beautiful 2 year old step daugter. They just welcomed,ironicly enough, on July 4th 2008, an amazing 9lb 14 oz screaming baby girl. I'm a young 40 year old grandmother and over joyed that I can suger them up and give them back to mom and dad!
But, My son just joined the Army on Tuesday. Out of the blue he called and said Momma, I need some information...Where were you born again?" Why I asked?
The recruiter need it. Breathless, I told him England, Citizen Born Abroad. I'm a dual Citizen. My mother is British, my father a U.S.A.F Veteran.
I knew why he was looking at enlisting, but it still took my breath away.
My son is and will be everything the Army would ever want. Stong, dedicated, loyal, honorable, tenacious, smart, kind, ready, willing and able.
But he's that for his family right now. Why give it all to the Army?
Why so sudden? What about the baby who has just started cooing and giving those addictive baby giggles! She just found her thumb and she's holding her head up. What about his wife who is an amazingly strong woman who's just settling in with this new family?
I want to say it's patriotic, but I can't. And my son and his family are not alone. They are part of the tide of enlistment rolls....
It's the economy. It's the economy stupid
He had worked 80+ hours a weeks, installing digital sat. systems, pre-wiring houses for the internet and cable, but now spends his time picking up equiptment. He has no health insurance.
The trickle down is now a drip on the heads of many. And they are turning to the miliary. I can't honestly say I think it's the best thing to have those desperate to keep their heads above water jumping into the services.
Don't get me wrong. I am 100% military brat, born and raise with blue diapers and strips on my ass. My grandfather was a WWII pow, my mother, father AND step father are veterans. I married into it twice! My brother, brother in law and sister in law are all miliary vets.
I grew up during the cold war and watched as my parents were involved in the evacuation of families during the Iran hostage crisis, and I wrote my name on the Berlin Wall.
I love all that the military has to offer any young man or woman...at the right time...for the right reasons..but I'm scared for my son.
****More on the economy and gaining troops*****
(http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hyE8dfEtvfEDq9hK-6m39i-V6ragD93NQODO5
Bad Economy Aids Recruiting