My dad was in the service during Viet Nam. In fact, he spent quite a bit of time in Southeast Asia, training the pilots of all the allied countries in Southeast Asia (Laos, Camodia, etc.) Many of my school friends' dads were killed or disappeared. One of my parents' best friend's plane was shot down over Cambodia and 31 years later has still never been found.

But I was too young to understand enough to be afraid.

My brother was in the Army and was in Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and Bosnia.

But he was a journalist and never saw direct combat.

My son will turn 17 in about six weeks. Even though he is not even 18, and as of yet we still have no draft, I am still ill-at-ease, because I know if war should erupt, it will either have occurred or be emminent by the time he is 18. And I know the draft can be reinstated at a moment's notice - which is the reason why 18 year olds are still required to register for the Selective Service.

He is my only child, my only son, and my only family.

I keep telling myself that war is different now, that fewer men are used as our weapons become more sophisticated.

My prayers are with all of you who have active duty or reserve personnel in your family.