There's more to patriotism than meets the eye

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Rich Cordell
  • 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron commander
I've always considered myself a patriot, but recently I've come to realize there's more to patriotism than wearing red, white and blue.

Let me set the scene for my awakening.

The cell phone rang; it was the boss. He began, "Rich, it's Todd. I've got good news and bad news."

Taking the bait, I replied, "Go ahead, give me the bad news."

His tone changed and became serious, "I'm pretty sure you've got a command, but it's not a flying command and it's a remote."

My world came crashing down. I was devastated and angry. What did I do to deserve this?

Then I arrived at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, where the men and women of the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron, known as the Mighty 8th, and the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing taught me the true meaning of patriotism.

It was during the Mighty 8th's early morning bus ride to work. Airmen talked of birthdays and weddings missed and of anniversaries that would be delayed; but not with the bitterness or anger I felt when I got the news from my boss that I was headed here.

Instead, I saw a true patriotism flowing from their hearts, and I continue to see it every day.

Most of these men and women volunteered to be activated, knowing full well they'd find themselves thousands of miles from loved ones; missing all those once-in-a-lifetime events that will happen during their rotation.

They talk of things they'll miss and of the love of their life. Bob's daughter is sick. The infrequent news he receives nprovides little reassurance.

Miguel and George speak of their daughters' sweet 16 parties. The girls say they understand and they grudgingly accept the cost of their fathers' patriotism.

They all describe their children and families with love and admiration.

Morris is celebrating his 50th birthday here in the desert. What a milestone to miss sharing with your family.

Rich and Dave married their loves less than a week before they were activated. Some honeymoon.

John is rather quiet. He's trying to manage a difficult situation. He's served at PSAB for four months. When he returns to his loved ones, he'll have 30 days to prepare for a year remote in Korea. You have to wonder how his wife calculates the cost of their family's patriotism. Over 24 months they'll be separated for sixteen.

Death is a foe that follows us no matter where we go. Crystal has lost her aunt and can't be there for the funeral.

John has just returned from his two short weeks of emergency leave. He heard the bad news of his father's death on his dad's birthday.

Mike talks of his grandmother and of her passing. Instead of returning on emergency leave, he decided to remain here and serve with the PSAB team. He speaks warmly of her. She sounds like most of our grandmothers and reminds us all of how much we miss them.

Lew's wife has managed the sale of their home and the purchase of their new home all by herself. She has maneuvered around the lawyers and administrative nightmares and yet she assures Lew, "All's fine; the pregnancy is going well and the baby's fine."

As these incredible people have accepted the burden to serve, so have their families.

They seek no reward or favor, they do this for honor and God's higher purpose.

Just like you, they are true patriots and have taught me how selfish I have been.

Thank you and God bless you for your service to country and your patriotism.

One Team - One Fight.