Where's the respect?

I've started to wrap my head around Matt's eventual homecoming. There's so much that I need to do before he comes home, it's unbelievable. Okay, maybe I'm just over exaggerating, but it's quite a bit of work I'd say! But, what I've noticed more over the past week is how anxious and excited I am for his return. When I log on to CNN.com, my eyes are immediately drawn to soldier related articles, especially about those who are being deployed or returning home.

Today, I read an article about a soldier who's wife may not be here in the US when he returns from Iraq. Her immigration situation has turned against her, causing voluntary or forced deportation. This causes grief and worry for the poor soldier who's being deployed, because he doesn't know who's going to care for his son. Argh, why can't immigration sort out their deal already?

I also read about some Marines who received a cold welcome back from Iraq at the Oakland Airport. They were forced to stay 400 yards away from the terminal (couldn't even get INTO the airport) near the baggage trailers. And this is how you greet soldiers who fight for your safety? What kind of BS is this?!?!?!

These types of situations infuriate me. While I'm happy that many soldiers are fighting for ... whatever it is... I think that they all deserve a high level of respect for putting themselves, their families, friends and loved ones at risk.

Risk? What risk? Well, let's see. You risk having your heart broken when someone comes home dead. You risk being threatened by terrorists who find your home address on a letter your wife sent you. You risk losing a brother, sister, husband, wife or child overseas.

Where's the respect?