A look at the uncounted collateral damage here at home in America, from war. by D.R. Starr II
(centrist)
Sunday, December 6, 2009
The common use for this term is for the unintended damage resulting from a military assault. But there is another form of collateral damage, one for which no tally could be made. This collateral damage isn't always immediately apparent. It can come in many forms, and a myriad of victims.
The inspiration for this article comes from an incident my nephew has experienced recently. It's the classic scenario, boy meets girl, boy goes off to war, girl writes letter addressed, "Dear Jon". (By coincidence his name Jon.) This may not be the worst of the collateral damage (Unless you were to ask Jon who is in Iraq.), Yet collateral damage just the same. My daughter is 82nd Airborne, (Yes, she has her jump wings.) Her husband is also 82nd. and he is deployed in Afghanistan. He was wounded in an IED hummer attack and will never be the same. They had their first child in September and sadly he can't be there to experience his son's first year of life. This too is collateral damage.
The mourning of families who will never see or hold their loved ones again. and what of the dreams? Dreams of parents wanting to be grandparents, sisters wanting to be aunts, brothers to uncles, etc. These also are collateral damage. Let"s not forget the wounded. Imagine what it must be like for a wounded warrior who has lost his arms, who would like so desperately to hold his child or his bride, and what of the child who will never know the embrace of it's parent? Collateral damage.
National Guard and Reserve troops who have had to leave their jobs when activated and deployed. Most taking a substantial reduction in income, leaving their spouses to handle it all alone, already struggling with bills (refer to N.Y Times article), and then the mortgage crisis hits and while he serves, their home is foreclosed on. (For statistics on foreclosure see USA today article.) The troops who have sustained such disabling injuries that they can never work again, or worse never be able to care for themselves. Families have been torn apart, all collateral damage, A recent Shooting on Ft. Hood military base in Texas is an example of how even ones mind can be counted as collateral damage. And the most tragic of all, is the record number of troop suicides. (National Guard article)
Yes, collateral damage comes in many forms, and a myriad of victims. I don't see the concept and practice of war ending anytime soon. So when you hear the term "collateral damage" in the future think of these examples, and whenever possible do something to help reduce or repair the damage. And give our warriors great big Thank you.
I'm just say'n
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The views expressed
in this article are those of D.R. Starr II only and
do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates.
D.R. Starr II is solely responsible for the contents
of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated
with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
