Our son Jeff is a Captain in the Air Force. He is about to start his fourth rotation in Iraq. Even in the heat of the campaign, my first thought every morning when I wake up is about Jeff. I check my email to see if there is a message from him - to know he is OK. As the day he goes back "in country" gets closer, it's on my mind all the time. Ironic, because as Election Day gets closer too, Congressman John Doolittle attacks our patriotism more and more...
One morning in late August, when Jeff was home on leave, we set aside most of the day for Jeff. We did not walk Maidu Park as is our usual custom but decided to go out to breakfast. Over breakfast, the discussion turned to Jeff's impending departure for his home base in Germany and his upcoming deployment again in Iraq.
Charlie and I asked Jeff about body armor. We had researched body armor pretty thoroughly when he was first deployed in 2004. Jeff said he was thinking about getting the new "Dragonskin" protective stuff because it was lighter and more effective. The military has threatened the soldiers that if they do wear this and are harmed, their military insurance may be voided but everyone agrees that the "Dragonskin" is the best.
He also said the inside of the cockpit had some protective "plates" but they were not fully covered or attached and in fact one had to be moved to see an area of the flight control area. He also mentioned that when he leaves Germany to go to the desert he's issued Vietnam era protective equipment, which he then tries to trade in for the new stuff in the desert. He told us that in addition to his military benefits, he has an investment account that we should know about in case anything happens to him.
After saying good bye to Jeff, I went into the office and am told that John Doolittle has written an op-ed attacking Charlie - accusing him of being unpatriotic and not supporting the troops.
To say that this infuriated me does not begin to describe my feelings.
It is easy to talk about the military but it is an entirely different thing to raise your right hand and take the oath to protect and defend this nation. I know because I did it. Your politics or beliefs don't matter when you take the oath because you are agreeing to lay down your life for this country.
Then to have a draft dodger like Doolittle dare to accuse Charlie of not being patriotic!
How dare he? How do we as a nation allow people who refused to serve get away with this?
What has happened to our national consciousness when those who did not serve question the patriotism of those among us who have said, "send me."
Congressman Doolittle says we will not keep America safe. He attacks us for our values.
Well, Congressman Doolittle, three generations of Brown men have gone to war - served on the front lines - to defend America. And I say to you, those are our values.
Jeff left at 6AM the next day.
We ask for your help. Dump Doolittle. Elect Charlie. Donate. Volunteer.
Jan Brown
Former U.S. Air Force Captain