In a town like Coronado – with North Island units involved in the war and many military-connected community members – we are not all that insulated from the conflict raging in the Middle East.
In fact, for so many of our neighbors, the news headlines hit very close to home.
We’re entering the fourth week of conflict after the U.S. and Israel led a joint attack on Iran on Feb. 28, killing the nation’s prime minister. Coronado-based aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was on the front lines of the first attacks.
As the war is evolving, and criticism of the president’s decision to enter the war has been vocalized by politicians and Americans alike, it is not lost on us that our U.S. service men and women are risking their lives to serve our country. And we thank them.
The military serves to protect the United States and answer to the president, regardless of where that lies on the political spectrum. In fact, the most recent Gallup poll notes the military among the most-trusted institutions in the country. (Along with small businesses – another Coronado mainstay.)
It is a significant sacrifice for those deployed and for their loved ones at home – parents, spouses, kids, friends.
Regardless of how you feel about the war, it is so important to be cognizant of how your neighbor may be affected – the weight they may be carrying. So be kind.
While we don’t know what comes next, we all can be proud of the men and women who helped remove destabilizing regimes in Venezuela and Iran, and pray our politicians don’t squander this window to bring peace in the regions.
And to all the families and supporting personnel on the island, thank you for representing the best of our country.
