Where else but America could we devote our lives to whatever career we want, eat whatever we want (and as much as we want), while subjecting ourselves to whatever guilty pleasures we want — and spoof the government that makes it all possible at the same time?

Compared with the rest of the world, Americans tend to live privileged lives. You know the spiel: it’s all possible thanks to the incredibly brave people who serve in the armed forces. But how often do we really stop and give them that thanks?

Well, it’s time. So today, Veterans Day, here are a few ways we ladies can show our appreciation for those who’ve helped preserve our uniquely American way of life.

Say Thank-You, Literally
College girls are gutsy. Put some of your verve to good use. Approach a family member, or – even better – a complete stranger on the street (veterans often sport their pride with commemorative T-shirts and ball caps, especially around the holiday). All you have to say is something like, “Thank you for your service,” or “I’m glad you’re alive.” This tiny exchange may seem awkward to you, but you will touch a veteran’s heart beyond belief with your consideration. Veterans often go years without hearing these simple words of gratitude.

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It’s news time with your Kandy Korrespondent!

The US Military carried out an Air-strike on the central Somali town of Dusamareb on Wednesday Night killing al-Qaeda’s ‘top-commander in Somalia’. According to US officials Al-Shabab leader, Aden Hashi Ayro was inside the house leveled by the strike along with at least one of his top commanders.

A doctor at Dusamareb Hospital told the BBC that he was treating eight civilians, both women and children, for burns and shrapnel wounds. One of these women has since died.

According to the BBC, Al-Shabab, is a military wing of the Somali Sharia courts movement aka the Union of Islamic Courts. They were in power within Somalia until 2006 when they were overthrown by Ethiopian troops. Since then, the group has led the guerilla fight against the new Ethiopian-backed Somali government.

Over this past weekend, the two sides of the conflict engaged in heavy fighting, killing at least 81, and wounding 119 within the Somali capital of Mogadisu. According to Sudan Ali Ahmed, chairman of Elman Human Rights,

“The casualties … were caused by Ethiopians using heavy artillery and tank shells in residential areas of the war-torn capital.”

This attack is fifth known US strike against so-called operatives inside of Somalia. Past attacks have drawn heat from the international community, warning that the US is involving itself in a bloody internal civil war. These strikes have killed “terrorists” and civilians.

For more information on Somalia, check out my article on the Somalian civil war (ongoing since 1991) and my other article on pirates in Somalia.

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It’s easy to get caught up in the college bubble and forget about everything except the excitement on your campus, but it’s always important to know what’s going on out in the real world, especially with significant events such as the current war.

I’m sure most of you know someone who is either in the military or somehow connected to the military, and a recent report should shock and worry you just as it did me when I read it. According to CNN, “Every day, five U.S. soldiers try to kill themselves. Before the Iraq war began, that figure was less than one suicide attempt a day. The dramatic increase is revealed in new U.S. Army figures, which show 2,100 soldiers tried to commit suicide in 2007.”

I don’t care what side of the political argument you are on, whether you technically consider yourself for or against the war, whether you are a democrat or republican, these are our friends, brothers, sisters, or relatives. The fact that they are attempting or even thinking about suicide after serving in this war is a scary reality that everyone needs to be more aware of.

So, why are the rates increasing so much? People offer up a couple of suggestions…

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