I Wanna Join Up! (But I Can't)
By Jon Alvarez (03/02/04)
I have decided to join the Army National Guard. Considering myself a patriotic citizen, I feel the need to do more to serve and protect my country. For months, we've heard reports concerning the military with regards to a possible manpower shortage. This situation seems to center around reservists and guardsmen who are choosing to not re-enlist once their time is up. Apparently, some like the benefits and rewards of being a reservist or guardsman, but do not wish to go overseas when called upon. If that is the case, so be it. I'm ready and willing to serve and wish to do so. I want to fight for Uncle Sam, if needed.
Being a family man and recently settled in beautiful upstate New York, I do not entertain notions of serving in the regular Army on a full-time basis. I have a career and am planting some nice roots here. Thus, I've chosen the Army National Guard as the vehicle for my service. After all, the Guard boasts on its website that it is comprised of "citizen-soldiers". Well, I'm a citizen who wants to be a soldier. I'm drawn to the fact that the Guard would afford me the opportunity to serve my community and my country, if and when the need arises. For me, this conjures up images of our heroes from the Revolutionary War, kicking in to do their part when danger reared its ugly head.
I've encountered one problem in my quest to serve my country. At 37 years of age, I've been told that I'm too old. Now, I can attest to the fact that I'm no spring chicken, but I'm certainly not over the hill. I'm certain that I can hold my own with any of these young whippersnappers out there. Not to be sexist, but if women are allowed to serve, then certainly the middle-aged should be afforded the same opportunity as well. I would welcome any advice from those in the military or legal community who might be able to help me in my campaign to serve. I have contacted Congressman James Walsh (R-NY 25th District), to request his help in getting a waiver to bypass the age requirement. Perhaps readers could also contact his office to express support for my cause?
Email: rep.james.walsh@mail.house.gov
Phone: (315) 423-5657
Surely those liberals out there who have grown to despise me and what I stand for will also support my campaign to enlist. After all, I've been called a "chicken hawk" (a derogatory term applied to "war hawks" who have no prior military service) for my unwavering support of the Bush Administration and the war on terror. Liberals can help me to fulfill their oft-repeated request that "I share in the risks of serving". I strongly believe that taking the fight to the terrorists is much more preferable than allowing them to come to the United States.
If there is a manpower shortage facing our military, there is simply no need to reinstate the draft, as some have suggested. American citizens will respond to a call to duty for the same reasons I am; patriotism and sense of duty. I've met a lot of people who feel as I do and while they may have a family and a career, they would also want to do their part for love of country. Rather than scaring the public with calls for a military draft, as some liberal politicians have attempted to do, all that is needed is a call to duty. The military should also loosen the requirement for serving relative to age. There are plenty of wise and crafty patriots out there with real world experience waiting to do their part. My generation wants to be remembered with the same fondness as the patriots of the Revolutionary War and World War Two generations, we want to be great. When the going got tough, we answered the call to duty and did our part.
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