I’m tired.

I’m tired of a world fueled by fear. Does everyone really want to kill everyone else? Are we filled with hate and nothing but an instinct for self-preservation?

I don’t believe it. Not for a minute. We’re too rare, we’re too unique a species, and yes, we’re all only one species, human. Even with all Earth’s conflicts through the ages we’re still progressing, we’re still here. We still help each other more than hurt each other. It may not seem that way when violent images and ratings rule the media, but I refuse to believe in a future that indicates nothing but our degeneration as a race. Earth without us makes no sense to me and I’m willing to bet you agree.

War seems to be the answer more than it should and I doubt anyone would disagree with that. I do not dispute people must protect what they believe in and occasionally come to the aid of those too weak to survive without help. I do not support war as an aggression, but there are times where it is unavoidable, especially when it is of a reactionary nature.

Consider the solitary soldier. Why does he or she join to begin with? Is it to fight? For some, perhaps, but I believe the majority genuinely want to do their part to help make the world a better place, and here is where I feel we can do something to truly make a difference.

I’m well aware, at least here in the United States, of our military engaging in humanitarian missions. We provide food where there is hunger, medicine where there is disease, shelter where there is disaster, and rescue where there is oppression. This, in my opinion, should be the main goal of our message through the “uniform.”

So many of our veterans come home after serving and find themselves at a loss. I’m sure they seek new ways to follow through on whatever set of skills they’ve worked so hard to develop. I’m equally sure they want to keep living the principles and values now a part of their persona. All too often these needs are simply unattainable. As a result some turn to drugs and alcohol, some turn inward, and some simply give up on living. What a waste. What I propose just might solve this crisis and in turn vastly improve our role on this planet.

I feel we need a new a new branch of the military, one that accepts only veterans from other branches, and one that has a goal of zero conflict. I propose we call this new branch of our forces……..

THE OLIVE BRANCH        

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If peace is what everyone wants, why not create a massive peace force? Think of it as a gigantic version of the Peace Corps, one that’s highly funded, pre-trained, and deeply organized. Here our veterans might find a new purpose and our reputation just might start to change globally. Perhaps we may come to re-define our place in history. I’m sure those who are willing to re-enlist will have the training (as well as the proper mindset) necessary to cope with adjusting to lifestyles and cultures wherever a crisis may take them.  I have already talked to a few veterans about this idea and the response is remarkable.

There’s no doubt this would be a massive undertaking. I am no organizer of such events, but here lies the seed of a new world. Do I think this is a republican or democratic idea? Do I think this is a liberal or conservative concept? I don’t care. It’s just an idea, and that’s it.

Our heroes deserve a future beyond possibly facing an enemy. They deserve a future beyond constantly preparing for an attack. What they really deserve is a life filled with an opportunity to fulfill a destiny that includes hope and purpose for as long as they wish. Why not give these people the gift of continuing their service as long as they shall be willing to do so? Why not give ourselves this gift? What a wonderful world it would be if we could hand those willing to make it better the means to do so.

My suggestion to this branch would be to structure the “tours” differently so our men and women can enjoy a family life approaching something a bit more normal, perhaps sixty days on duty and thirty off. In any case I think it would only be fair to allow those willing to serve in this capacity the ability to enjoy a more peaceful personal existence as well.

If this idea resonates with you, pass it on and ask others to as well. I seek nothing in return. All of history has been written by small groups, and even single individuals who’ve had an enthusiasm for not giving up on what they believed in. Don’t think you can’t help make a difference; you can.  There is a very famous saying attributed to Victor Hugo that sums up nicely how I feel.

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With Love and Compassion, Daniel Andrew Lockwood