ROTC shows dedication in face of war

Shahbazian is a fifth-year geography student.

By Ernest Shahbazian

In response to Cody Cass’ column, “Students
not actively engaged in war“ (Daily Bruin, Viewpoint,
Nov. 2), I would like to encourage the student body to recognize
those on campus who truly are engaged in war.

On Friday mornings, when most students wonder how they can
maximize their entertainment for the weekend, a group of students
congregate on the second level of Hershey Hall preparing for a day
of briefings, class and leadership. These are the cadets of
Air Force ROTC.

It’s strange how an event changes the way people see the
military. Weeks after the attack, I walked to Hershey Hall in
my uniform only to be stopped by an elderly gentlemen on Bruin
Walk. He shook my hand and told me he was proud of my
service. He then told me that his father was placed in a
concentration camp during World War II that was liberated by
Americans. As his eyes watered with tears, he said, “The
American military not only saved my father, but also my
children.”

As an ROTC cadet, I am constantly bombarded with questions of
whether I have been called to war and whether I am scared for the
future.

I am preparing myself to be an officer in the United States
Armed Forces. That requires that I attain a college
degree. Instead of being sent to war, the government is most
concerned about producing qualified officers who will eventually be
placed on active duty. Like other cadets, I will be serving
four years after graduation protecting my country and its
people.

With the latest reports of widespread anthrax, it is impossible
to be certain of the future. I wonder what is next in the
terrorists’ arsenal. Will we be carrying antibiotic kits
in our backpacks in the near future?

Without a doubt, I am worried of what the future
holds. I’m scared that people do not understand the
threat of our new enemy. The ability of the terrorists to kill
6,000 Americans in honor of their religious commitments is very
foreign to us. I don’t know if students understand that
there are many more people who view these acts as sacred and
holy. These same people would have given everything to be in
the shoes of the terrorists when they crashed the planes against
the World Trade Center towers.

Reflecting on the past, we realize that history is and will
always remain uncertain. Who would have predicted the growth
of a war-torn Nazi Germany and the power of a leader such as Adolf
Hitler? We cannot make assumptions or be complacent of the
threat at hand.

How is it possible that students feel so disconnected with their
country? I know that my parents (like many immigrant families)
sacrificed so much to see their children born in this
country. Why then do so many of the students of our generation
feel embarrassment and resentment toward this country’s
dedication to liberty, freedom and democracy? Is it that they
search for an identity, or is it a misunderstanding of their
country and a lack of education of the world?

I am most proud of the cadets of my detachment who are
committing themselves to service before self. I assure Cass and the
UCLA community that the cadets of ROTC are “engaged” in
the war. They have chosen a path of life that truly places
service before self.

The profession of arms is one of uncertainty and risk. Many
of the cadets commute from homes and universities as far as Santa
Barbara and Irvine in order to serve their country. They spend
their Fridays preparing for a lifestyle and career dealing with the
fears of the public, which allow others to spend their weekends at
ease.

I don’t expect everyone to understand this
commitment. However, I hope that everyone will respect the
decision and commitment these students exhibit.

Know that in the silence of our campus involvement, there are
students who have chosen to dedicate themselves to protecting you
and your loved ones. They may not walk about campus with signs
and slogans.  Instead, they choose to wear a uniform and
embody a set of core values to which they dedicate their lives.