I would like to thank two dear friends of mine for motivating me to write this column: Jeremiah A. Afuh II, 1st Lt. of the Nebraska Army National Guard; and Jonathan Creadle, a police officer of the Lakewood Police Department in New Jersey.

Every single morning when I wake up and every single night when I go to bed, you are there for me. You do not even know me, but when I need help most, you are the first ones to come and help. I do not even want to imagine what life would be without you – probably dangerous, unsafe and unfair. I feel bad because I never can express my appreciation for what you do for me, my family, my friends and fellow citizens. I would like to thank you, military people and law enforcement officers, for protecting us civilians.

Sadly, many individuals disrespect our officers’ efforts. Some think that policemen exist only to give out tickets and make arrests for underage drinking. The other half supposes that military personnel are killers. But when a person makes this statement, he or she should ask, “Why did this officer give me a ticket?” I would imagine it is because one caused a dangerous situation on the road. And before an individual calls military guys negative names, he or she should ask, “Why do I have this right to freely criticize military actions?” and actually give it a deep thought.

I am not going to lie. I used to get upset with police officers for arresting my friends for having weed in their car. But my friends broke the law. They had no right to, and that is why they were punished. No one is above the law. Can you imagine what the country would be like if people started pretending they were above the law? Actually, one of the main reasons why Post-Soviet countries are struggling to develop is because their politicians and law enforcement officers created a corrupted undercover business out of the law. It’s so true people do not know what they have until they lose it.

A certain group of people like to go protest Kent’s ROTC building with the U.S. flag turned upside-down with “there is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people” written on it. The truth is that it won’t help. Do you know why?

Because we civilians tell military people what to do by democratically electing the U.S. president. All of us are the reason for the U.S. military actions in the Middle East. We can’t blame our ROTC for that. I can only imagine how much blood, struggle and tears of American military families were put into our flag, and it’s a shame some do not appreciate it. But take advantage of it. People are good at talking, but when it comes to making real things happen, they become weak, and our soldiers are the ones who have to stand for their mouthing. I refuse to wonder what life would be without military protectors because it scares me.

The thought of our military personnel and law enforcement officers voluntarily risking their lives for us makes me want to endlessly thank them. The thought that some civilians take it for granted makes me want to ask them, “What have you done for them?” Yes, they may say, “My tax dollars pay their salaries.” But money is not everything – the best things in life cannot be bought. There is so much beyond their salaries and benefits. There is honor, duty, respect, the power of made promises, dedication and faith. No money can cover the value of these brave traits most of our protectors have.

From the bottom of my heart: Thank you, dear service men and women.

Anastasiya Spytsya is a senior Russian translation major and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected] .