Question by Ira S: how to serve the country – is there something better than combat?
I have a family member who is about to graduate from college with excellent grades, proven athletic ability, and an aptitude for music. His neighborhood is very close to Dulles Airport, where on 9/11 highjackers commandeered a plane and tried to hit the Pentagon. He was deeply affected.
I’ve been asked if joining the military and serving in combat would the best thing he could do for the country. His great uncle served as an Engineer deactivating Rommel’s mines on Omaha Beach shortly before the full invasion began. We’re all proud of our uncle.
However, I heard Vice President Cheney say that the reason he did not serve in combat in Vietnam was the he had ‘more important things to do.’ However Mr. Cheney hasn’t said what those things are.
I’m hoping somebody can tell me what Cheney did that was more important than combat service. I would like to be able to give my family member a solid answer. And if what Cheney did was better than servicing, I could suggest the same course.    Read more...