National Guard’s hard work, sacrifice inspiring
I had the privilege of photographing the North Carolina National Guard drill on July 19. These young men and women had physical training all morning and took classes in the afternoon. I only stayed from 0800 to 1300, and I’m still tired from trying to keep up with them! Yet, they drilled all weekend and went to work or school on Monday.
Volunteers who give generously to serve their country, they respond when natural disaster or civil disorder strikes. Many Guard units are deployed overseas. When called, they leave their jobs and families to serve their country.
It’s easy to be cynical when most of our news is bad, but seeing these young people working so hard for the rest of us mostly thankless citizens, it’s hard to be anything but optimistic and proud to be American. I’m also impressed by the diversity and the camaraderie I witnessed. There are no race, gender or class issues in the American military. Everyone has the opportunity to serve and to excel. It instills a deeply felt sense of patriotism in me. They all deserve our gratitude and respect.
Greg Gunn
Greensboro
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