Mom: Headline Grabbers Hurt Event

Today was the day that our north idaho national guard soldiers were deployed. The first go to Mississippi, then Kuwait, then onto Iraq for a year. I sent my husband off today. What was totally assine to me was that various city mayors, city council persons, and one police chief showed up for the send off. None of those elected officials worked the crowd. Instead, they stood in front of everyone and the soldiers had to shake hands with each one before they boarded the buses. It amazed me that instead of meeting and greating the soldiers and their familys, a line was formed for them, like off royalty or something. The press was there taking photos and videos. I would have had more respect for them if they would have actually talked to the soldiers the hour before when we were waiting. The only person who actually took time to slap hands and great family members was the police chief, I believe it was Post Falls. The rest were all headline grabbers.

• Cutline: First Sgt. Rik Williamson of Boise embraces his children, Lexi (right), 9, and Ayden, 7, after they presented him with a photo memory book before Sgt. Williamson and other members of the Idaho Army National Guard’s 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team departed Gowen Field on Monday. (AP Photo/Idaho Statesman, Joe Jaszewski)

Question: Are you still mindful re: how some families have to sacrifice to keep us free — and Middle East countries from unraveling?