Ah, the weekend.
Time to relax.
Time to enjoy the family.
Time to lay off the political snarls — I’ll try.
Time to watch your favorite college football game — Gig’em Aggies
Also, time to think of and honor the truly important things and people, such as our troops in far away, God-forsaken places, sacrificing — getting maimed and sometimes getting killed — while we enjoy all of the above.
An A-10 Thunderbolt II takes off at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 25, 2012. The A-10’s capabilities allow it to conduct operations in locations in and out of front line combat.
U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Blanchett provides security during a mission in Farah City, Farah province, Afghanistan, Sept. 29, 2012. Blanchett is a member of the National Guard.
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft taxis to its parking spot on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 25, 2012. The Globemaster III is a regular visitor to Bagram Airfield, transporting troops, equipment and supplies in and out of the country.
Sailors watch on the foc’sle of the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) as the ship transits the Suez Canal. Jason Dunham is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deven B. King
But there are also the rewards of seeing the tentative, sweet, shy smile of a young child…
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Theresa Richards smiles after giving a piece of candy to an Afghan girl during a mission in Farah City in Afghanistan’s Farah province, Sept. 29, 2012. Richards, a hospital corpsman, is assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah.
…of helping the local people achieve self-sufficiency…
U.S. Navy Lt. Jerry Mojzis, right, and Lt. David Berlin go over design plans with a local doctor during a mission to Pur Chaman district, Farah province, Afghanistan, Sept. 26, 2012. The mission marks the first time coalition forces have been to the Pur Chaman district in more than a year.
…and, of course, the ultimate reward of returning home safe, in one piece — physically and mentally.
Army Pfc. Jordan Wagner greets loved ones during a homecoming ceremony at Pope Army Airfield on Fort Bragg, N.C., Sept. 9, 2012.
All photos: DoD
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.