American revolutionary could have been writing about war in Iraq

Published May 23, 2008
By Capt. Craig Andrle
23rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron

BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: 'tis dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated." Thomas Paine wrote this in 1776, concerning the American Revolution, but I think the words ring true today.

As we enter the fourth month of our tour in Iraq, I think it's important to remember why we are here and what we are accomplishing. The Hawks are a part of a bigger plan. In 2002 President George Bush said, "Our nation's cause has always been larger than our nation's defense. We fight, as we always fight, for a just peace -- a peace that favors liberty. We will defend the peace against the threats from terrorists and tyrants. We will preserve the peace by building good relations among the great powers. And we will extend the peace by encouraging free and open societies on every continent."

Though sometimes it may be hard to see, every sortie we fly here supports these objectives. As a father, when I think about this war, I think about my daughters and the world they'll grow up in. I, along with all of you, am fighting for our collective future. Regardless of how we got here, the fight we are in is a fight for the freedoms and values we hold dear. Freedom and fear are at war, and there will be no quick or easy end to this conflict.

The United States of America is fighting a war against terrorists of global reach. The enemy is not a single political regime, person, religion, or ideology. The enemy is terrorism -- premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against innocents.

There is true evil here, and we see it everyday in evil men who kill innocents to further their own political aims. We defend the United States and the American people by identifying and destroying the threat before it reaches our borders. I am proud to be a part of this effort.

Our nation is at a crossroads; the actions we take now will affect the course of history for the next hundred years. If you doubt this, look no further than an ideology that sends woman and children to be suicide bombers. These are men who wish us and our families harm. If left un-checked, this evil will spread, become stronger and once again find its way to the footsteps of our great nation.

Your sacrifices at home have been great and I hope that this article helps you realize why we have asked so much of you. One must believe in something greater than themselves, and know that their actions can and will make a difference. Peace is possible. Stability is possible. All things are possible through our efforts. It may not happen in 5, 10 or 20 years, but we have set this process along its course.

We did not ask for this war, though I assure you, we will end it. The Global War on Terrorism will be the defining conflict of our generation, and our triumph over evil will be the greatest victory of our lives.

This has been, and will continue to be, a long battle. The decision to take young men and women away from their families and put them in harms way is never taken lightly. The Hawks came here with a belief that we would make a difference. We come home knowing that we have. Thank you for being there for us, for believing in what we were doing, and for knowing, that in the end, it was all for you.