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Love from the heartland

Reports of our progress in Iraq and Afghanistan are a constant drumbeat of negative news. America is becoming disillusioned about our ability to win, and support for our effort is eroding. Unfortunately, a national sense of failure can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Those of us in uniform need to know that America is proud of us, is confident in our ultimate success and is standing behind us every step of the way.

That belief in America’s greatness is alive and well in the heartland. There, confidence is high and support for us in uniform is unwavering. I have seen it in the hearts and minds of the people of Wyoming.

This summer, seven members of the gold team of the ballistic-missile submarine Wyoming began a weeklong, life-changing expedition to the Equality State. Cmdr. Roger Isom, Chief Fire Control Technician (SS) Justin Sidwell, Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (SS) Ivan Ashworth, MM1 (SS) Ian Painter, FT1 (SS) Josh Williams, MM1 (SS) Ben Hoekstra and myself visited our ship’s namesake as guests of the cities of Cheyenne, Casper and Cody.

Cheyenne was our first stop. On July 26, we were greeted by representatives of the Military Affairs Committee for the 2007 Cheyenne Frontier Days extravaganza. Sponsor families opened up their homes to us; space precludes me from naming all the wonderful and gracious people who acted as our hosts throughout our trip.

The first order of business was a stop at Wrangler to outfit ourselves in appropriate western attire. They showered us with discounts and donations, and every man, woman and child in that store, ages 8 to 80, shook our hands and thanked us for our service. We were literally overwhelmed.

The next day started bright and early with a free pancake breakfast. In a few hours, almost 10,000 people were fed pancakes made by Wyoming crew members and local volunteers. My job was to sling the pancakes off the grill and arc them backward, over my head, where they were caught by Boy Scouts running behind us with large serving trays. After the breakfast, we met Cheyenne Mayor Jack Spiker and toured the rodeo grounds and the Rodeo Museum.

Just before the roping and riding events, local citizenry in the VIP tent went out of their way to assure us of their profound support for what we do. One woman in particular said, “Guys, don’t believe what you see on TV. They don’t speak for all Americans, and they sure as heck don’t speak for the people of Wyoming. We love the men and women in uniform, and everything you are doing for our country. Don’t forget that!”

Gov. Dave Freudenthal gave us a personal tour of the capitol building July 28. Afterward, we marched in the CFD parade and were enthusiastically cheered all along the parade route. Men and women saluted us, and children waved small American flags. It was a very warm and emotional display of support.

The next day, we traveled to Casper for a dinner hosted by Stan Lowe and other members of the Navy and Marine Corps Leagues.

Lowe, a World War II veteran, has more energy at 84 than men half his age. In addition to heading the Navy League’s efforts to support the Wyoming, he is a tireless advocate for Wyoming veterans.

On July 30, we visited many of Casper’s historic military sites, including a model of the battleship Wyoming, and the Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery, where we paid our respects to the 81 crew members of the submarine Barbel, lost Feb. 4, 1945.

At dinner July 31, Susan Thomas, widow of the late Sen. Craig Thomas, assured us that, despite what we hear on television, the country supports us; real Americans are honored by our service.

The belief that America is second to none and the freedom to prove that to the world have combined to create the greatest superpower on earth. The people of Wyoming embrace this mind-set. In this heart of the heartland, patriotism runs deep and all warriors are welcome.

Thank you, Wyoming.