Back to School

"Hey Ken, no column for this week?"
I heard a few of those last week.
However, with it being the tenth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, I felt it was better to spend my time reflecting on those who died and those who died in service to save others who might have otherwise perished.
And as the kiddos head back to class, I take some time to think about the Senior Class of 2012.
What will they do?  Or better yet, what will YOU do?
As much as I've complained about the younger generation, it always does me proud to see that young people still step up to the plate and choose a branch of our armed forces, to 'preserve, protect, and defend' the Constitution of the United States.  Against all enemies, foreign or domestic.
With the recent call-ups we've had within the last twenty years for service to the Middle East, many parents have been reluctant to encourage their son or daughter to enlist in the military.
That's sad.
No one ever got rich in the military.  Those that did were people like Oliver North, Colin Powell, Norman Swartzkopf, and others.  They only profited after they got the book deals and media exclusives.
While the military these days offers incentives to sign up, those that do sign up do so because of a carefully-structured belief from the time they could walk, and not a paycheck.
The belief of sacrificing oneself for the greater good.  That duty, discipline, courage and honor are still of value and are of utmost necessity when it comes to answering the call to keeping our country free and fighting for others who can't fight for themselves.
But many young people are discouraged from this by their own families, who try to sway them towards college and then marriage and family. 
Nobody wants their kid shipped home in a box.  Especially me.   Though women aren't fighting in the foxholes side by side with men, the day will soon come that they will be doing just that.
If you're one of those people trying to steer your son or daughter away from the military, as a career or short-term enlistment, consider this.
Time for Military 101.  Class is now in session.
Enlisting in the military does not mean that your kid will automatically get sent to the front lines with a rifle in his hand in times of war.  That was never the case prior to 1973, and it's not the case now.
MOS, or Military Occupation Specialty, is what happens after basic training ends.  Those who sign up for 'infantry', or 'artillery' can count on going to the front lines.
Those who sign up.  Not forced.
As an American, I would not want a soldier sent to the front lines against his will. 
If your kid signs up for public affairs, they will be trained for that field.  However, as part of their basic training, they'll already know how to fire a rifle, along with survival and other skills that a rifleman will be more likely called upon to use.
Because you never know when you'll be in a situation where those skills will come in handy. 
It's all about being able to think on your feet and be ready to react quickly in situations that demand a fast-decision and an even faster act.
Those are skills your child will need later in life.  And possibly save a life in the process.  Including their own.
Naturally, none of this guarantees their safety.  But at the same time, neither does civilian life.  They could die simply being in a certain place at the wrong time.
Some of the most successful people in this country served in the Armed Forces.  Here's just a few examples:
Drew Carey, USMC
Jimi Hendrix, US Army
Bill Cosby, US Navy
Gene Autry, USAF
Any questions?
Class dismissed.
To those of you who have served, thank you.  For those of you with a son or daughter in the service, thank you and thank them for me. 
To those of you with a son or daughter considering an enlistment, I hope that what I've told you today will give you a clearer understanding and that you will willingly support your child's decision, whatever it is.
At ease.

NEXT WEEK:  College-bound...before college