You're Worth The Print

Tuesday I was spending my lunch break in a chic yuppie watering hole called First Watch. The ambiance is nice and the organic ingredients allow me to eat waffles without feeling guilty. It’s a step up from my usual haunt where the bus boy uses so much bleach your eyes water and the waitress hardly has any teeth.

As I was waiting to be seated a gentleman next to me began to read the paper. I don’t enjoy reading the news but I have a bad habit of reading over other people’s shoulders when they do. I noticed that the articles were on the local story of Matt Maupin, a Glen Este native that was the only MIA soldier in the Iraq until his remains were found March 30, 2008. I started thinking about the last four years and what the community has gone through as we hoped and prayed for his safe return. Soon after Matt’s capture, Keith and Carolyn Maupin opened a Yellow Ribbon Support Center in Eastgate, Ohio. July 10, 2006, a memorial garden was dedicated in honor of Matt by well known local gardening author, Becke Davis. She designed and constructed the garden at Glen Este High School, Matt’s alma mater. I attended that ceremony and it was evident by the signs and ribbons that this small school had been profoundly affected. Just two days ago Matt’s parents were in the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Parade having only learned of their son’s fate the night before. What an emotional roller coaster.

I was snapped back into reality by the gentlemen’s remarks after viewing a political cartoon depicting Matt walking into heaven with a Welcome Home banner overhead. He wanted to know what the big deal was because it’s been four years since his disappearance and basically who cares. The lady with him stated that they just found his body. The guy had the nerve to shrug and shake his head as if this was all a waste of good print. I felt like back handing him, but since I was there to discuss Buddhism with a fellow traveler I decided against it.

Twenty two years ago I swore this oath just as Matt did.

"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."

It was one of the proudest moments of my life. I fully trusted that the country I served wouldn’t command me in harms way recklessly and without merit. In return I would fight to the death to preserve her. I am now more cynical and a bit jaded as years gone by. It still saddens me to know that there are individuals who take their anger towards an unjust war out on our men and women who are serving with our best interest in mind. Our opinions may vary concerning the war but I believe you can support the troops and still be against the war. My wife and I have done just that since the invasion.

To date over 4000 U.S troops have given their ultimate as well as over 100,000 civilian Iraq’s since last count in 2004. I don’t think we can simply shrug and shake our heads when any life is lost. I would like to see that man explain to Matt’s mother and father that it’s been four years and it’s time to get over it and stop peppering his precious paper with redundant print.

We think you’re important Matt. You were dearly loved by your family and well liked by your community. Thank you for your service. You will be missed.