Serving isn't about notoriety, praise, or recognition Published Jan. 11, 2008 By Col. Gary M. Batinich 419th Fighter Wing Commander HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT -- When turning on the TV, radio, or surfing the Web, it's often challenging to find stories that highlight our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead, stories about pop culture icons and entertainment news fill the airwaves. In a society seemingly caught up in sensational, tabloid news, one almost wouldn't know we are a nation at war. Talk around the office water cooler centers on the hottest reality show or the latest scandal involving a big name in sports or entertainment. While news reports portraying our successes may not be publicized as often as I believe they should, there are some stories and images that give me a great sense of purpose. Reports of New York firefighters who never returned after rushing into the World Trade Towers on Sept. 11, 2001 ... photos of Iraqi women proudly holding up their ink-stained fingers after casting votes for the first time ... accounts from young Afghani girls who may now legally pursue an education ... pictures of Iraqi children with big smiles on their faces as they kick a soccer ball across a dusty field with U.S. soldiers. These stories and images are etched in my memory and serve as a constant reminder that we are engaged in an important mission. As Americans we often take for granted the ability to elect our leaders, attend the religious worship service of our choice, and openly share our views and opinions. While enjoying this country's freedoms, it's easy to forget there are tyrannical dictators half a world away who control the lives of their citizens, and fundamental extremists who tie explosives to their bodies and board buses full of innocent civilians. Yet, on Sept. 11, 2001, our sense of safety and security was shattered as the World Trade Towers fell to the ground. In fighting the Global War on Terrorism, we have taken on aggressive militants who are bound together by fanatical ideology but represent no nation and wear no uniform. We are engaged in a war like no other in our history. But, as in wars past, we are fighting for the cause of freedom. The GWOT is a war we cannot afford to lose. And, frankly, it doesn't matter if our efforts make front-page headlines or are lauded on the evening news. Serving one's country isn't about notoriety, praise, or recognition. It is about something greater. In the words of Winston Churchill, "All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope." More than anything our efforts represent the only hope to millions around the world that we will likely never get to meet face to face. But we must remember that these hopeful millions are real and they are pulling for us even if their fear enforced silence is never heard. It is for all of these reasons and many more that we serve.