Protest, but Don’t Say It Supports Our Soldiers

I’m writing in response to the antiwar protests by celebrities such as Martin Sheen, Rob Reiner and others (Feb. 16). It is their right to hold such protests, and I support that right. You see, I am a soldier; it is my job to support and protect the Constitution. The issue that rubs me wrong is celebrities stating that they are supporting the men and women of the U.S. military by participating in antiwar protests.

Do not use us to justify or support your opinions. The vast majority in the military do not agree with you, and when you state that you are “supporting the troops” by protesting the war, it makes us cringe. I am currently deployed to Kosovo in support of the NATO peacekeeping mission, and when we see you on CNN using us as justification for your opinions, we wish you would stop. This is our job; this is what we train to do 365 days a year, often in poor conditions and separated from our families. We do this with great pride, for we love our country, and we are prepared to defend it. In what way have you ever served your country? What is your level of knowledge or expertise that has determined your opinion?

There is nothing wrong with protesting a possible war; that is your right and you should exercise it, that is what millions of men and women have given their lives for. I ask only that you do not insult us by including us in your protests. We do not want war, but we will follow the president’s orders and do our jobs as we have trained to do. I hope that the country will support us, regardless of whether you support the administration’s policy.

Staff Sgt. William Hight

U.S. Army

Camp Magrath, Kosovo