HOW TO ACTUALLY SUPPORT THE TROOPS

Ever since the 1991 Gulf War the national sentiment has thankfully been to support the troops, regardless of whether you support their mission. This grew out of the backlash against the mistreatment of servicemembers returning from Vietnam, when those serving in the military became physical targets for anti-war protests. While this is of course a positive evolution in how we view those who serve our country, its primary manifestation is to say, “Thank you for your service!” As a veteran myself I admit that acknowledging a veteran’s service and greeting them with a kind word is certainly appreciated, and much preferred to being spat on being called a “baby killer,” but is it really showing support for the troops?