Is America Ready for the Troops When They Come Home?

Sergeant Kevin and Monica Benderman, Benderman's Bridge.

There are many in the United States who say they “support the troops.” There are many more who yell that phrase in others’ faces to make a point.

What does supporting the troops really look like and does troop support imply constant sloganeering? There are those who live their beliefs through thought and action with little talk. Then there are those who are quick to remind others how much they care and how staunchly they support the soldiers. Most troop support I have personally encountered has been sporadic, thoughtless, and with little long-term solutions whether on the local or on the political levels.

Surely, sending lollypops and video games to homesick, young and not so young individuals can give some relief. But really, how do we, as citizens, as friends, as parents, as politicians, and as a Commander in Chief, ensure that these people and their affected families get the support they need during deployment and after their return home? Are we ready to deal with the impact of 200,000 returning soldiers, many of whom will have needs that will require extensive community and national support?

At least one town has had a tradition of supporting its troops and their families in many wars. The town of Hinesville, Georgia, is an example of what good and moral citizenship is about. They have been the glue that bound all the generations at Fort Stewart together and eased the burdens of many families and soldiers. They have stepped in, willingly and with compassion, in all needed areas, and they have been doing it with humility and restraint. It does not matter if a soldier is for or against the war.

Their efforts, however, have been thwarted by power hungry and unwise garrison commanders, profiteers and developers. Veterans, families, peace activists, and community members protested to advocate for returning soldiers. Two of those protesters were Sergeant Kevin Benderman and his wife, Monica. Kevin, who spent ten years in the military and one tour in Iraq, was imprisoned for over a year for protesting the war and for asking for better treatment of soldiers and veterans. Kevin and Monica have launched a new organization called "Benderman's Bridge," which will develop projects designed to restore peace at home by reaching out to connect the small towns and communities of America with the veterans who fought to defend them. They also have their own website with information for citizens and ways people can help.

We can learn a thing or two from the people of Hinesville and the Bendermans.