Winning the away game

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Arthur Rooney Jr.
  • 82nd Training Wing commander
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  In October, like many of you, I was riveted by the World Series. The Florida Marlins and New York Yankees both played magnificently, with Florida gaining the crucial win in New York to become the World Champions.

During the series, the Marlins had to win an “away game” to secure the overall victory. This is no easy task in New York. The Yankees have raving fans and are tough to beat at home. In many sports the home-field advantage is considered to be the incalculable factor between victory and defeat.

The Marlin’s win in New York made me think of the thousands of troops who are currently fighting America’s “away game.”

On Sept. 11, 2001, the United States was hit on its home field. Since then, we’ve launched the global war on terrorism, routing Taliban fighters, terrorist cells and, most recently, the Iraqi regime. This war is deadly serious, not sports competition, but there are some parallels.

Our forces have been waging a relentless campaign on our opponents’ fields, cities and deserts in order to ensure the American people never again have to worry about terrorists who would try to harm our way of life. Unlike baseball, we fight over there so we’ll never again have these opponents at our home.

Our men and women in uniform depend on the support of their family, friends and fellow citizens for the most important two words anyone in uniform can hear, “Thank you.”

Like the fans cheering their team, I know the support of our community can rally spirits and lift our military team to achieve many victories. Although there will be setbacks, we must remain committed to our ultimate goal: the successful defense of our ideals.

Every time I hear a media outlet question the job our troops are doing, I get a report of yet another act of great courage, kindness and generosity. Just this past week, airmen from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing donated more than $5,000 in supplies to a school in Kirkuk. No other military in the world tries as hard as we do to not only win wars, but to win the peace. Our fighters are doing an incredible job. To put it in sports terms, they are world champions.

Everyday, however, we’re reminded this is not a sport. We have and will lose brave freedom fighters. Their sacrifice has made our country and the world a safer place for all of us to live.

During the upcoming holiday season, take a moment as you enjoy a football game or a gathering with family and friends to remember those who are serving at home and abroad, those who have served in the past and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Take the time to say “thank you” to our troops when you get the chance. They’re serving at the “away game” so we’ll all be safe at home. (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)