By: Dawn Welch
On March 20, 2003 President Bush made a public announcement that we had officially entered War! Our objectives were to disarm the Iraqis from their supposed WMDs, eliminate terrorism and terrorist sympathizers like Saddam Hussein, and establish a democratic government to help protect the Iraqi citizens from splinter groups that were forming. We had quite a job ahead of us, and we were not going to pull out until terrorism had been defeated and the stranglehold that was on Iraqi citizens was finally released. Men and women were deployed overseas to serve tours of duty in a land full of chaos and confusion.
Four years later, men and women continue to be sent overseas in order to battle the Terrorists that have risen up out of the ashes of others. Families all over the U.S. wait in anticipation to hear news from the front just to ease their minds that their loved ones are as safe as possible. And then on April 11th 2007 Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced that tours of duty in Iraq will be extended from 12 months to no less than 15 months.
So, I bet you’re wondering – What does this have to do with the Culinary Department at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh? Well one of our own is being deployed to Iraq. Private First Class Officer Dave Shaffer is currently studying to get a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Management. At this time, he is in his 3rd quarter and looking forward the future. The tentative date of departure is in January of 2008; but he was forewarned that his unit may be activated sooner, if needed. PFC Shaffer is a member of the Alpha Company. 1st of the 112th Infantry Division, Second platoon, Second Squad. Being that his unit was just notified of their impending deployment, they will be serving no less than 15 months for their tour of duty.
It really hits home when someone you see on a regular basis gets news of this kind. I consider PFC Dave Shaffer a brave and decent person and I want to thank him for his dedication and service for this country. Everyone has a comment on the “War on Terror”- either they are “for” or “against” our intervention. No matter what your stance may be- Support Our Troops. These men and women brave these chaotic circumstances defending freedom and democracy and their efforts are valued. Thank You!
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