Enough hostility here in war zone

An open letter to the Elgin community:

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your support since I was recalled to active duty military service. I have been overseas/in theater for some time now and all of your letters, packages and e-mails have made this hard duty so much better.

I was recently made aware of an anonymous posting on a newspaper Web site that was critical of me and expressed joy that I was in Iraq and hoped that I would stay there. I understand that this statement is probably the only "politically correct" way to wish for a U.S. service person to die. However, in a time of war in a place like Iraq, it is still quite a statement.

As a veteran police office in Elgin, I was unfazed by this venomous rant. My close friends and family expressed anger and outrage. It is sad, but unfortunately nothing new or surprising for anyone who serves their community or puts their own safety before someone else's.

Now that I have served my country and protected my fellow Americans in a hostile foreign place, I am compelled to speak for all the men and women who have and continue to serve in the "war on terror."

We gladly protect your lives and put our own safety second to yours. We are alert and watchful while you sleep. We endure these hard conditions to preserve your liberty. When you pursue your happiness, our mission is a success. We don't even mind if your happiness is being critical of our character or questioning our actions.

Of course, we would still prefer a simple "thank you."

In the proud and honorable service of freedom,

Greg Schneider

Elgin