Whether you like the fact that George W. Bush will increase the number of troops in Iraq or you don&8217;t like it, please remember that the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are the ones caught in the middle. Democrats, Republicans, Bush, Pelosi, the American government, the Iraqi government, foreign interests, you name it, all have something to say about the war in Iraq &8212; and the people stuck in the middle are the men and women of the U.S. military.

As the debate rages on, let&8217;s be sure to support our troops. We have no doubt that people on all sides of the war debate support the troops, so as we move forward through this political debate let&8217;s everyone be careful not to imply people don&8217;t support troops because of their political stances. It&8217;s an easy attack to make, but it&8217;s usually an incorrect one. People can distinguish between support for the troops and support for the war.

The great thing is this: Warriors have a strong sense of duty. They fight when called to fight and come home when called home. That calling is an honorable one, whether they are storming the shores of Normandy, marching north from Da Nang or patrolling the road to the Baghdad airport.

Their bravery is measured the moment they step into a combat zone, because American leaders are responsible for how the wars turn out.

So support the troops now more than ever. Support them again when they return home. Support them if they get called for another tour. And support them when they are old and gray.

For being a warrior requires the purest sort of bravery and discipline.