Americans wage war at home by living

Despite heightened national security, as troops move across the Iraqi/Kuwaiti border, we in America continue with the day-to-day.

Each morning many of us jump in our cars and head off to work. After work, the laundry needs washed and folded, the kids picked up from school, dinner cooked, the trash taken out, the bills paid and the homework done.

A large part of America's war on terrorism is waged in the battle to continue living.

Our leaders again and again have asked us to continue our lives. In wartime, however, we need to add to our daily routines.

At home we've been asked to keep eyes and ears open for suspicious activity and to report it when it is seen.

From the safety of our homeland we've been asked to pray for the men and the women at sea, in the desert sands of Iraq and in its skies.

Our support need not be all or nothing. There is much we can do -- visit the blood bank, spend a few hours of time volunteering for the Red Cross, or a minute e-mailing a note of encouragement to our troops. You can reach them at: www.SupportOurTroops@mail.house.gov. To volunteer for the Red Cross call 856-1000 ext. 119.

Another way to lend a hand is to help out those who have family members in our armed forces. Odds are they won't ask for help, but they may need an extra hand nonetheless. It may be as simple as baking some cookies or fixing a leaky pipe or flat tire, but you won't know unless you ask.

It is also our job to be prepared for an attack at home. Check emergency supplies of water, food and medicines. Keep a battery-operated radio and a flashlight handy. Make sure family members know how to contact each other. The Red Cross' national preparedness hot line provides callers with disaster safety and preparedness information. Call (866) GETINFO.

Americans though they may be divided by race, religion or by their opinions on the the war can bind together as one and ride out this second round of a desert storm.