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Last week, friends and family said goodbye to Capt. Andrew R. Houghton, a Houston-area soldier who gave his life for freedom -- not just our freedom, but for everyone's freedom. Andy was one of Houston's best and brightest, having graduated from Strake Jesuit College Prep and then from West Point. He was an athlete, honor student, Eagle Scout, debater and more. He organized the Special Olympics at West Point. He worked tirelessly as a volunteer for Taping For The Blind. Like Gen. Moore, Andy unreservedly embraced the ideals of West Point that are its motto, "Duty, Honor, Country." As an Army officer, he was a soldier's leader, anxious to be with his men. Uppermost in his mind, along with his platoon's mission, was his men's safety. Andy knew, and willingly took, the risks. Though only 25, he told his father that should he become a casualty, he had lived a good life. To say Andy was unselfish would be an understatement. He knew he did not have to go to war. Like all other soldiers in our current military forces, he volunteered, convinced that such principles as freedom and human dignity are more important than money, personal comfort, pleasurable living, even life itself. Buried last Monday at West Point, Andy left behind two justifiably proud parents, George and Cindy, and a brother, Army Lt. Matt Houghton.
In this election season, aspects of the war on terror have become controversial. The war, and the political debate, rage on. For most of us, however, busy life in the apparent security of our city continues with the same routines. Success at work or school, paying the bills and shopping for the groceries seem far more important than a war halfway around the globe. We are numb to the daily reports of another ambush or mortar attack that kills or injures an unidentified soldier. Unless we have a loved one there, it just doesn't feel like we are at war. Besides, there is nothing we can do, as a practical matter, to make a difference.
Wrong.
We can make a difference.
We can love our soldiers in ways that befit their courage, sacrifice and selfless service to our nation. Each day, we should remember our troops with a moment of silence or prayer. We should ensure our children do so, as well.
That's not enough, though.
When we receive an e-mail at work about contributing to the troop support boxes being sent overseas, we should participate. If our employer isn't sending us such an e-mail, we should encourage our employer to get involved. If we're the boss, we should lead the way. We should get our class, church or employer to adopt a soldier's unit and support them with boxes of goods and letters. When we see a soldier, we should thank him/her for their service and extend any possible courtesy. Retailers should give discounts to military personnel and, if appropriate, their dependents. Landlords should accommodate the difficult and unpredictable circumstances of soldiers and their families. Employers whose employees are activated reservists should continue to pay them the difference between their salary and military pay so that fixed obligations such as rent or mortgage payments can still be met.
Some among us are unselfishly doing some of these. Some is not enough, however.
We are a remarkable society, one in which innovation is a daily occurrence. We should use that ingenuity to find tangible ways to help soldiers and veterans. If there were a financial reward for such innovation, we'd do it in a heartbeat. Let's not wait. Do it now. If you know of a soldier who is recovering from wounds, befriend him and his family and help them in whatever way you can. If you don't know of one, find one. There are plenty. If you learn of a soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice, help his survivors, not just with their grief, but also with their real-life problems.
Finally, we should recommit ourselves not to take for granted the principles for which our soldiers sacrifice so much: freedom, human dignity, peace and justice. Those principles have become, and with a few exceptions have so far have remained, our way of life -- but at very dear cost. As recent events have reminded us, they are not forever secure.
None of these measures requires agreement with any political point of view. They are more than lip service. They require thoughtful action and, yes, even a small degree of sacrifice on our part.
That is the love Gen. Moore had in mind. It is what each of us owes Andy Houghton and all others like him who have sacrificed so much. Love for the American soldier must be an integral part of our culture and remain so always. That will happen only if we all do our part.
