When it comes to the Iraqi war, you have to ask yourself did we win. Who you ask depends on the answer you get. Some say yes, while others say no. Personally I can't provide a blanket answer to that question.
My Sister Ann Pearson served in Iraq during 2004-2005. For me personally it was a proud, yet very hard time. I proudly displayed by blue star banner in the window of my home for all to see. Inside that home several times a day I would find myself praying for her safety. I remember one time an Arm recruiter pulled into my driveway. A lump rose in my throat, my breath became short, and for a split second I thought I was about to hear the worst news a brother could get. He just stopped to ask about the bule star. My sister was fine.
When the phone rang at my home it was a wild dash from where ever I was to see who was calling. Was it my sister, or was it someone calling me about my sister. No other phone calls really mattered to me.
In the pictures posted with this article is my Sister. One is dark, but she is in her "battle rattle" which is to say her uniform, helment, bullet proof vest, with her rifle. Another photo shows her swimming in one of Saddam's pools, while the other gave me a glimps of her home away from home.
My sister was more than happy to serve her country, and do her duty, but she like so many others paids, and are still paying a price for the freedom so many Americans take for granted. She can't sleep for more than 2-3 hours at a time. She can't stand to be in a crowded place, she can't stand loud noises, and now when she gets stressed out she studders.
She can not erase the memories from her head of seeing mangled US soldiers, and Iraqi citizens after a car bomb went off. She can't drive anywhere she doesn't think about an I.E.D. So yeah there is a price to be paid.
Now the troops are leaving Iraq, and are coming home or headed off to Afghanistan. So what does that mean to me? It means there are a few less people sitting by a telephone waiting on a notification. There are a few less people who are running to check outside every time they hear a car door close. It also means there are a few less terrorist in the world to bring harm to our country.
My Sister's scars will never fade. My respect for the American Soldiers will never be diminished, and the pride I carry in my heart for each soldier I see will never decrease. I love knowing the war in Irq is over for teh country, but deep down inside I know the war will never be over for some.