A Voice that is Seldom Heard…

This post was written by the wife of a Canadian Soldier and I wanted to share it with you all 

Dave @Thankasoldier

As a military wife I find myself standing back and listening without speaking. In my mind I say to myself that in my heart I know the sacrifice given, and many in the Canadian public don’t share with me the gift of a soldier that I have been given to share life with.

I find myself at odds end, as a social worker and a wife, to listen to other’s opinions of Afghanistan. It’s a continuous fight between the general public’s perception and those of the families, wives and friends of members in the Canadian Forces. During every repatriation, I hear, “This loss was so senseless”, or “Why can’t they just bring them home?” I solemnly nod and keep my thoughts to myself. Or the Face book and Internet groups that have title such as “Hillier is a War Monger”, or “Its Not Our War, Bring Them Home”. To hear the above comments one can’t help but to be hurt, when one of our own falls.

This article is not intended to provoke any heated debates on politics, proroguing of government, democracy, etc… I have always believed that a well-educated, empathetic comment is much more accepted than one based on pure reaction such as those on the mission in Afghanistan.

Why are we in Afghanistan? A question very abstractedly answered by the media and interpretations from the general public. However, for us, as military, it is very simple… We are there to create peace and stability, infrastructure, water, primarily, and to help organize and build the ANA and police forces period. It is our job to be there, we were not forced to be there we want to be there. Thanks to us and all that encompass the UN, communities are re-establishing themselves, terror is less of a factor on their doorstep, ever present but lessened. Women are attempting to be recognized as human and are going within their rights to be educated. That is what we are doing in Afghanistan. Every time we fall, become injured etc, we are making a difference and it never in vain. Our husbands, wives, sons and daughters have seen more than most of us ever will, do not have your typical job and they deserve nothing but the best in response, mission and soldier included.

As a military family we bond together, we all know without speaking what sacrifice we all make and we choose to do so. When one of our own falls or gets injured, all hurt. We understand the sacrifice. When the Canadian public criticizes it hurts us even more. Many never stop to think when they say words what the repercussions will be, such as, “I support the troops but not the war.” What about that soldier that has been out there for 4 months, who just held his best friend while he passed away? Brutal analogy? Yes it is. But by saying the above what do you think it says to a soldier who needs support while still there to continue? He has to carry on and in order to do that he needs us as a country to be behind him, put away our political views and concentrate on why we are there and what he is doing and be there for the remainder. For the fallen, the families need to know there is only one thank you and no “buts” or “what ifs”.

As a country, it seems hypocritical or ironic. We protest impoverished countries, human rights, fighting against genocides, and terrorism, and now that we are there and assisting, that isn’t accepted either?

In summary, and back to support and support. We have 138 fallen, countless have been injured; there are families without sons, daughters, husbands and wives. Was it pointless? Absolutely not, I am so proud of my military family and am very much behind all that they have done for the people of Afghanistan and the ultimate sacrifice, fallen, injured, psychologically etc. I could say for all that they have done for Canada as well, if only to prove that everyone could bring themselves down a level and have some compassion for others less fortunate in other countries. Remember you would not have this if it were not for a soldier.

You can contact Angela at [email protected]

Comments

[Judy]

well written Ange and as a mom of a soldier that has served and mother of two soldiers I have travelled a gammot of emotions regarding our role in Afghanistan.quite often though I find myself wondering about the injured, both physically and definitely emotionally and pray that our DND is as dedicated to helping them and providing their much needed resources as We, Canada, are dedicated to the Mission itself, if not then it makes more difficult the task of continuing our mission there and those of the future,
Judy