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St. Cloud State University
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Commentary
Insensitive, arbitrary twist added to latest deployment
Published:
Thursday, January 30, 2003
As if being sent to another country to go to war wasn't hard enough, there has been a new dimension added recently: quicker deployment.
Spouses and children must say their goodbyes for what might be months or forever; parents and friends wish the best of luck and send their prayers and regards along with their loved ones; tears fall and worries persevere in nearly any separation.
All this because of an arbitrary decision to send students of the Army National Guard in a quicker-than-normal manner.
This process does not need to be sped up. It is painful enough to leave loved ones without having the short amount of time these Minnesota students have been given to properly say the goodbyes that may last for weeks, months or incalculable amounts of time.
However, the risk that students take by being part of the Army National Guard is a bold one. Risking one's life for one's country has always been an act of heroism and those people will always have places in almost any heart because of that bravery.
But the loved ones of these brave individuals also need to be spoken for; those who need to have their own bravery recognized.
It takes a lot of strength to withstand the blow given when a person is announced to leave within 40 hours. Imagine, having only 40 hours left to have a conversation or to otherwise spend quality time with loved one while you both prepare mentally and otherwise for their departure.
To deal with such repercussions is quite staggering. No amount of empathy or concern will do away with the pain caused by quick deployment. The government needs to absolve all involvements with behaviors that cause such experiences and trauma.
A week's advance notice would be preferred, but at least more than a day-and-a-half's notice would be considerate.
Our regards go out to those brave individuals and our best wishes are directed toward their future experiences.
