Military service may come at a cost

We join the Reserves and National Guard for one or more reasons. One, to set up college funds. Two, for extra income. Three, to serve our country in time of need. Or maybe all three.

In any case, when we join any service of our country, we better be ready to put our life in harm's way. In the case of our National Guard, we agree to be ready to be called on by our governor or our president. If we want the funds, we had better be ready and willing to put ourselves in harm's way or to fill sand bags.

Yes, there was a time when our Guard members were at home to serve the governor. But we trimmed our military to save money and to use our National Guard and Reservists more for backup to our military, and that is what we do.

I agree that too many women are serving front lines, but that is their choice.

Nathan Hale said and I quote: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Billy R. Alday

Cedar Rapids