Military service was not in vain

Oklahoma has a proud military heritage. For such a small state, we have and had have one of the highest military populations per capita in the country of military service members. We are so blessed to live in a state of patriots and heroes. Sadly, recent events in Afghanistan have made many of our veterans, who have served in that country at some point in the last 20 years, feel that their service and sacrifice was for nothing. 

But I want these brave men and women to know that your service wasn’t in vain. While complete freedom from tyranny was the ultimate goal for the Afghan people, many other things were achieved through your service. Most importantly, you showed the people of Afghanistan that their lives mattered, that they were worth fighting for and that they had the ability to fight for their freedom. You gave them a glimpse of independence, democracy, and peace, which is America’s dream for so many people around the world and one that many die for every day trying to obtain. Your service and sacrifice empowered them and taught them how to defend themselves. You did your job, and what is happening is on the current administration, not you or your brothers and sisters in arms. 

It reminds me of when a kid is getting bullied at school. That child will continue to suffer because, for whatever reason, they don’t feel confident enough, worthy enough or strong enough to fight the bully. We teach our children, though, to look out for those being bullied and to do the right thing and stand up for them.

The U.S. military’s mission is much bigger than a school cafeteria or playground. They defend those around the world who can’t protect themselves. Think about the enormity of their service—it’s one thing to defend your own country from terrorists, but it is a whole other deal to sign up to defend complete strangers in other countries at the risk of losing one’s life, being badly hurt physically or emotionally, being away from your family and missing precious moments in your children’s and family’s lives.

Yet more than 1.4 million Americans are currently serving in the U.S. military, along with another nearly 860,000 Reserve and Guard members. This is what the U.S. military does for the world. They are the guardians of freedom. 

Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the more than 2,300 American service members who paid the ultimate price during this 20-year conflict. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. 

Please pray for our military members, their families, and the people of Afghanistan that they may all have strength during this very difficult time, and that the Afghan people will find their voice and courage to rise up and defend their homeland against terrorism.
If you have any questions or concerns on legislative matters, please contact me at the Capitol. Please write to Senator Jessica Garvin, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 237, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, email me at Jessica.Garvin@oksenate.gov or call (405) 521-5522.