While Americans debate President Bush's statements that the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are a continuing effort against armed terrorists rather than two separate wars, soldiers remain engaged on both fronts, carrying out the decisions of their commander in chief.

One of those soldiers, a former BYU student from Florida who is stationed in Afghanistan on his third deployment since the Sept. 11 attacks, has sacrificed many things, including being away from his wife and two small children, for the responsibility he feels to protect his country.

"I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America when I joined the military," wrote Don, a navigator on the AC-130H spectre gunship, and a major in the 16th Special Operations Squadron. He answered questions by email and asked that his full name be withheld for the security of his family.

"Not only do I consider it an honor, it is a privilege to serve. To get a good idea of how others and myself feel about serving in the military you should read Alma 47-59. It talks about the importance of fighting for freedom and liberty -- the very thing America stands for," he said.

Last week more than 1,000 protestors in Kabul, Afghanistan, voiced their opinions against the war in Iraq and their frustrations with the lack of progress they see after their own invasion from the United States.

The United States supported the protests because they were the first in 30 years, according to the Major. Under the Taliban, the demonstrations would have brought immediate beatings and death.

The Major did not comment on what connection his operations had to the conflict in Iraq, nor did he comment on the political debates going on back home concerning the ethics of America's conflicts abroad.

"Hearing about the protestors does nothing to my resolve, I fight for that very freedom," he said. "That is what makes America great."

As a result of the Sept. 11 attacks, he volunteered to go to Afghanistan and asked his commander daily to be on the first crews deployed with his squadron. His wife, Jami, supported his decision even though their last baby was only 14 days old.

"I was mad, like most Americans, when they flew those planes into the Pentagon and WTC," he said. "I wanted to do my part to make sure something like that never happens again on American soil."

His wife has had a lot of media and first-hand exposure to the debates happening around the country concerning the conflicts that soldiers like her husband are involved in. She also gets as detailed reports from her husband about what is happening in Afghanistan as he is allowed to give.

"Be careful how you draw your conclusions about the war," she said. "Most of the time you are getting a chunk of the iceberg, not even the tip. There is so much more, a lot I would not understand if I had not lived through some of these experiences and if my husband had not taken the time to teach me about what he does and why he does it. There will always be more than can be broadcast on any news or written in any paper. He is called a quiet professional. There is a good reason for that."

She said she fully supports President Bush and appreciates his candor in saying he prays and believes in a higher power. She believes he is the president at this time for a reason. Still, it is difficult having her husband away so much.

"It gets hard not having a break," she said. "Someone to stop and get milk or take out the garbage. Luckily, I have great friends who step in to help. It is humbling to ask for service, but there are times when I really need a break or help doing something."

The Major said his family has had incredible support from their LDS ward. At one point, there were nine men deployed from the ward, including the bishop.

Both Don and Jami admit this war has been hard on their family and has caused heartache and sacrifice, especially for their two small children, Cooper and Kassidy.

"Right now it's hardest on our 4-year-old," Jami said, "Cooper really misses his daddy. Kids need two parents. It is hard to fill the void when Don is deployed. I can wrestle with him, but not like dad. Dad takes him to the golf store and brings him M&Ms. He has a hard time adjusting to him leaving, and then he has a hard time adjusting to him coming home. Probably a pattern that won't change for years."

Both feel the sacrifices they make are worth the principles they feel he is fighting for. Jami feels assured her husband will return to her safely. She said her faith gives her hope.

"I definitely couldn't have made it this far, as well as I have, without the gospel in my life," she said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 1 Apr 2003