Support our troops Support our troops (February 21, 2003)

by Jeb Bing

A t a time when hundreds of thousands around the world are taking to the streets to protest U.S. plans to invade Iraq, Pleasanton Realtor Chris Miller is waging his own campaign to drum up support for the tens of thousands of young Americans who are mobilized to fight. A retired Lieutenant Colonel and Vietnam vet who served in the 1960s, Miller became a commercial pilot after leaving the service. Then a resident of San Francisco, he remembers the anti-war protests of that era, and then, while waiting to fly out of San Francisco International Airport, the stacks of coffins he saw every day of soldiers killed in Vietnam, waiting for their last trip to hometowns across the continent.

Miller argues that whether we support the U.S. war effort against Iraq this time around or not, we can at least be more demonstrative in showing our appreciation for what a new generation of 18-23-year-olds is doing for our country. After all, these are volunteers who are leaving the comfort and safety of their homes in Pleasanton and the families they love to lie in wait and anticipation in desert camps half a world away. As one soldier told a TV reporter in response to a question about the anti-war protests back home, "That's their right and that's why we're here, to make sure Americans always have it."

Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, most of the flags have disappeared from our neighborhood streets. Few were posted even for President's Day, which is sad, considering the international turmoil that involves Americans, whether we like it or not. Miller hopes that the flags will come back as we read about the growing numbers of service men and women from Pleasanton who are heading to Kuwait and other staging areas.

Already, thanks to City Manager Deborah Acosta McKeehan, the flags and banners are back on Main Street. Now, because of Miller's efforts, special medallions - seven so far - are being posted under the flags listing the name, rank and military unit of each of those from Pleasanton. These include Miller's two sons, Jason and Mike, both Amador graduates who were recalled to active duty last week, just a year after they completed earlier assignments as Landmasters on the giant C-5 Galaxy aircraft used to supply our troops in Afghanistan. Another medallion will be for Jeff Duarte, the son of Elizabeth and Mike Duarte. Mike heads up Pleasanton's American Little League while Jeff, now serving with the 15th Marine Corps Expeditionary Unit, is a graduate of the class of 2000 at Foothill High. Two others who could be called to active duty: Jill Buck, president of the Walnut Grove Elementary School PTA, a Naval Reserve officer, and her husband Mark, a Marine reservist. They've already made arrangements for the care of their three young children if they're ordered to report for duty.

In the first Gulf War, many of us remember the outpouring of support for those called to duty. Main Street had streamers, flags and medallions, as we're seeing again. As the war got under way in mid-January 1991, there were several hundred flags around town. A week later, there were thousands on homes and businesses throughout the city. It's good to see Miller asking for that same show of support again. He also wants to make sure he has the names of all those serving in the Afghanistan and Iraq efforts. If you know of someone from a Pleasanton family who's involved, let us know by e-mailing: editor@pleasantonweekly.com or calling us at 600-0840. We'll pass the information onto Miller and make sure those in the military are recognized by the Pleasanton Weekly as well.