Support ALL of our troops

I'm not sure how to write this post without sounding callous. Know up front that this is coming from a place of major compassion in my heart.

Of course I am deeply saddened by the recent loss of 30 lives in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Many of those lives were United States special forces...Navy SEALs.

The tragedy resulted in major and continued media coverage. As a result, I've also seen and heard of a lot of fundraisers and support being raised for the families of the lost SEALs.

I love how Americans can pull together in a tragedy like this. I think it's an amazing show of compassion, love and patriotism.

BUT.

I hate how this has come to be. Yes, our Navy SEALs and other special forces are highly trained and should be highly commended. Yes, our special forces take on some of the most dangerous missions in war. Yes, our special forces and Navy SEALs are heroes.

But these recent events have seemingly elevated the lives of these soldiers and the hurt of their families over all of the other troops we have...and have lost. I'm sure it's due in large part to the knowledge that it was a SEAL team which took out Osama bin Laden and the warm fuzzies everyone has for the SEALs because of that.

What about the other thousands of lives lost in the last decade in Iraq and Afghanistan? What about the thousands upon thousands of family members they left behind? Don't they deserve the same support and compassion as these 20 families?

I'm not a media basher, but it's a shame that the families who receive the most support are the families whose soldiers died in the most publicized attacks.

We should support our troops. We should support ALL of our troops. And we should support their families. All the time. Not just when the US brings home a flag-draped box.

Tell anyone you encounter who's wearing a uniform that you appreciate them. I don't care whether you agree with the wars. These people take their orders and march courageously forward -- whether you agree or not -- all to sustain your freedom. Tell them thank you. Tell them thank you all the time, not just on holidays. Prove me wrong, and show me how compassionate, supportive and patriotic Americans are when the camera's not rolling.