Honoring the bravest families in America

Oprah aired a show on Jan. 27 entitled, "The Bravest Families in America," to salute military families, with guests Tom Brokaw, Bob Woodward, and Michelle Obama.

Oprah does not personally know any military personnel but thought the 1 percent of Americans in the military protecting the rest of us deserve recognition. She thinks whether you support the war or not, you should support the troops, and especially their brave families.

Mrs. Obama says, "It's a challenge to get the message out about military families because they never ask for help. They are buckling down and making it through, so it's easy for us to forget. That's why we have to lift these families up. There are things as a nation we can do, big and small. It's not a difficult thing to do."

Please visit www.serve.gov for information on opportunities to serve.

In America's longest running war, there have been over 5,900 U.S. deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each death brings grief to a family. Tom Brokaw and Bob Woodward want the voices of soldiers and their families to be heard. Bob introduced a Gold Star mother named Teresa who visits her son's grave at Arlington National Cemetery six times a year. Her son, PFC Michael Arciola, was killed in Iraq in 2005.

"It doesn't get any easier, even though it's been six years," she said. "I'm afraid that people forget about him, about his sacrifice, about our other young people's sacrifice. They did it for us. People don't remember that. It's like they don't exist."

We here in North Idaho know that our soldiers exist, both in the 116th CAV and as individuals serving around the world. Family members serving our country are missed dearly, and those of us here at home think of them daily, whether personally connected or not. Families keeping the home fires burning for their troopers provide a support system, a connection "back in the world" that gives hope and a sense of belonging to those doing battle in distant lands, where sometimes overwhelming loneliness is overcome knowing that they have someone at home who cares about them.

Last December I met John and Sara Johnson of Coeur d'Alene who do just that. We met on the Mish-an-Nock while on an eagle viewing cruise sponsored by the Forestry Department for veterans. Strangers at first, we quickly became acquainted because we are members of a very large family of those who have served. John is an Army veteran who served in the Gulf War and Bosnia. Sara's brother, National Guardsman SGT Dan Thompson, is on deployment with our 116th CAV. And yes, Sara said they had an empty chair at the Thanksgiving table to honor their soldier. John supports vets and their families by helping them with information about the Veterans Administration, and advises them about changes in the system.

Bill Wallace, veteran and clinical director of U.S. VETS (www.usvetsinc.org), says: "There isn't one answer to all veterans' problems, so the best way to help is to be educated. Also showing love and respect for veterans is more powerful than you might think-even if the solider is a stranger. Something as simple as walking up to a service member in an airport or on the streets who is in uniform and thanking them for their service or welcoming them home is so appreciated and helpful. It garners trust and lets the service members know that they are not forgotten."

To those that serve and their families, in the best military tradition we salute you:

"Honor Guard, Attention!" "Present, ARMS!"

Jack Evensizer is a resident of Dalton Gardens.