Words are inadequate to express my admiration and awe for those forward deployed in defense of freedom. Each news photo we see or news item we read is a deeply poignant reminder of our active duty and mobilized reserve personnel — and coalition partners serving with honor and valor far from home.
Former Under Secretary of the Navy Susan Morrisey Livingstone cautions us in her article, that "there is a fundamental reality all must face and what those in uniform face every day...and this is however wonderous and clever we may be in terms of technological innovation, a large number of our men and women in uniform will never experience it ... Finally, we must never forget that war is nasty, brutish, and remains in many areas of warfare still very basic."
Chilling words from Ms. Livingstone, and words that have become burned into our consciousness as we have witnessed the strength, courage and sacrifice of those who protect and defend our freedom.
CHIPS sponsors and publisher join me in expressing our sadness and deepest sympathy to the family and friends of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. While we grieve for those who have been lost and pray for the safe return for those who have been captured, we are intensely proud of our U.S. Forces for their determination, patriotism and bravery.
As I write to you, troop morale remains high and we know that our U.S. Forces will be victorious, but we in the information technology fields must remember what we are working to achieve, as Ms. Livingstone says, "future technologies ... are for one and sole purpose and that is to protect, help and defend our men and women in uniform ... as they protect, help and defend us."
God Bless our U.S. Forces and Coalition Partners and God Bless America.