By John Montesano
May, marked officially as Military Appreciation Month, is a special month for both those in and out of the military. Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day, May 8, and Armed Forces Day, May 17.
In May that we honor the service and sacrifice of members of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force, as well as the contribution of their spouses.
Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, much of the activity usually associated with these May events is affected. The veteran groups’ usual cemetery and memorials visitations and parades will be limited, if not eliminated. The VetsRoll trip to Washington, D.C. has been canceled for 2020, the first time in 10 years.
We need to remember the death toll in this century: World War I, 116,516; World War II, 405,399; Korean War, 54,246; Vietnam War, 58,220; Persian Gulf War, 1,565; Global War on Terror, 6,852. The totals include battle deaths and other deaths in and out of theater.
We need to honor our: 18.2 Million veterans, 1.3 Million Americans in active duty military, and another 800,000 serving in the reserves.
We need to show appreciation for the sacrifices of military spouses.
Of course, our military forces have been touched by COVID-19. A little more than a few weeks ago, in Afghanistan, the U.S. signed a peace deal with the Taliban. Part of the deal involves the U.S. withdrawing forces down to 8,600. The withdrawal continues, but U.S. Headquarters there announced the global health crisis surrounding the corona virus outbreak complicates withdrawal of U.S. Forces. “In Afghanistan it remains to be seen what the effects of COVID-19 will have on the level of violence and a sputtering peace process.” (M. Weinbaum)
In Iraq, Lieutenant General P. White, commander of “Operation Inherent Resolve” (the U.S. led mission to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria) stated that ISIS “failed miserably to achieve recently-stated goals, and that the jihadi group was unable to capitalize on recent operational pauses due to COVID-19. ISIS and al Qaeda have called COVID-19 a, “divine retribution” and have used the opportunity to mount attacks and recruit new followers.
In the U.S., the military has provided assistance with medical and logistical services. As always, in a crisis, we can count on our military to provide assistance.
As of May 5, there were 4,967 troops who tested positive for COVID-19, 100 hospitalized and two dead.
As we observe the stay home and social distancing guidelines, let us remember our veterans, friends, and especially the elderly. Give them a call to see how they are doing. Ask them if they need anything. Just saying hello and letting them know you are thinking of them is enough.