Moving forward into the 21st Century, one does not have to look far to realize the importance
of the times in which we are living. Rapidly advancing technology continues to facilitate global economic integration,
and as trade regulations continue to fall, each day brings us closer to a more unified global culture. Areas once destitute
are now thriving centers for innovation and creativity. In addition to bringing prosperity to formerly impoverished
nations, advanced medicines and safer vaccination procedures have led to lower mortality rates and healthier, more productive
citizens in all regions of the globe. Yet with all these illustrious advancements, the individual freedoms, to which
no person should be deprived, are in greater peril now than at any other time in history. Although the internet has
brought about invaluable resources that enhance our daily lives – YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, and eBay – adversely,
it provides terrorists cells wishing to eradicate our way of life limitless financial resources and greater ease in communicating,
planning, and orchestrating deadly terrorists acts.
Many people choose to forget the horrors of September 11, 2001.
Living day-to-day believing the time for similar threats has since passed, large numbers argue that maintaining
our current presence in the greater Middle East has only provoked more attacks instead of strengthened the region’s
resolve to combat terrorism and tyranny in support of liberty. The populous view toward the war seems rooted in Washington
whose politicians claim our window for success in Iraq has closed; they say that it is in our best interest to pull out, to
“redeploy” our troops. But do they ever think about the costs of not succeeding? Terrorists would
only be more emboldened to strike against innocent people in the Middle East, in other countries abroad, and at home here
in the USA. Whether you supported the war then, now, or throughout, the message is clear: the path to preserving our
freedoms is to remain steadfast supporting the men and women in uniform and the cause they risk their lives to protect.
Even
as support for the war they wage wanes, the brave men and women in uniform push forward unyielding to the wickedness
of radical Islamic terrorists. With the resolve and the fortitude to establish a free and secure Iraq, a partner in
the global fight against Islamic fascism, these soldiers confront death on a daily basis. Often times unable to distinguish
friend from foe, fighting an unconventional enemy who sacrifices his own life to take the lives of the innocent, this war
has been challenging and will prove to be the great test of character for this generation of Americans. Now is not the
time for inaction, cowardice, or ignorance. Like the honorable patriots before us, it is our duty to lift the tattered
Flag up from the battle field and charge forward to meet our enemies to let them know that no matter what tactics they employ,
the idea of freedom will never be beaten. Difficult times remain, but to achieve victory, we must stand strong in our support
for our troops in harm’s way.
Rallying to bolster support for the American military, the AmeriTroop Support
Organization, Inc. will proudly play host to the third annual Brad Arms Noah Harris Memorial Golf Tournament at the Hampton
Golf Village on July 22, 2008. We encourage all golfers, beginners to scratch, to enter a foursome as all proceeds will
go to supporting American servicemen and women.
- James David Burrell II, Founder and Chairman
