Appalachian State University has already begun experiencing the pangs of military action in Iraq.
    With troops being shipped off, the community must watch friends, family and fellow students leave to fight in a war they may or may not support.
    A common misconception about war efforts is if one opposes the military actions, he must also show no support of the troops.
    However, this notion is false.
    Supporting the troops simply means providing comfort and support to those soldiers who have chosen to be in the military to protect our country and follow actions laid out by the commander-in-chief.
    We can all have our own opinions about whether what is being done is right or not, but one thing is certain: supporting those men and women who are serving our country on foreign soil and right here at home is key.
    Who wants to leave their home to face something unknown and not know when he or she may return?
    Military leadership and the president are making these decisions.
    You can still support the soldiers while protesting leadership decisions, which is a luxury soldiers do not have. They are not allowed to say, “I don’t want this vaccine that’s not FDA approved, or I want a gas mask that isn’t defective,” but we are.
    With protestors lined up on Blowing Rock Road and King Street and being shown on the streets of Chicago or New York on television, what kind of message of support is being sent?
    If you want to publicly criticize the efforts abroad, think about trading spots with any of our American troops. Trade being in control of your life, eating what you want, when you want, spending time with your family and sleeping in a warm bed in a warm house or not knowing when your next meal will be, sleeping on the dirt (in some cases) outside and not know the next time you’ll see your family.
    Lives have been put on hold because of their duty as personnel in our military. And not just the life of the people serving, but their adoring families who patiently wait for them back home. Weddings have been put off or bumped up, babies will be born without their father’s presence and birthdays and holidays will pass.
    Soldiers are not the ones making the decision to fight. Most would rather be at home with their families, but this is their job and they shouldn’t be maligned for doing it.
    Show support of Appalachian family members currently overseas. Send a message of hope and safe return.