Be responsible stewards of the land

I am a United States veteran. I pledged to give my life for this country's policies and for its land. I feel as a veteran I have an obligation to do what I can to safeguard our public lands.

Having served in the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm, I saw firsthand destruction of the environment at the hands of men.

Having served as a scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America, I firmly believe in the Boy Scouts adherence to the philosophies of being good stewards of the Earth and leaving a place better than we found it.

Presently, thousands of Utah's sons and daughters are serving our country overseas, soon to be joined by our own 222nd Artillery. As I did during my time of service, they are thinking of home. They are thinking of the families, friends and landscapes they will return home to one day, from the beauty of the San Rafael Swell, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Cedar Mountain, to Arches and the red rocks of Moab, and every acre in between. These are lands that are worth fighting for. We have a duty to do make sure the land that fills their memories is here when they come home.

My lovely wife is an Andrus of pioneer stock. The people of Utah have a unique and proud heritage tied to the land, hiking, fishing, hunting, camping; this is who we are. Once on a hike with my Scouts, I read in the ledger at the trail head the truest description ever, "God is a magnificent artist." I testify that His artistry is at its best in Utah.

To a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine, the thought of coming home to the land you know and love can keep your spirit alive.

Unfortunately, some of our troops will return from war zones with physical and emotional battle scars. Our public lands can help heal those wounds. Utah's beloved outdoors can be a place for healing, a place to reconnect with family and friends, a place to enjoy the activities of their youth.

Public land use means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. That's the great thing about our country — there is room for everyone. My family loves to hike in Zion and have our family reunion camping in Capital Reef every year. My friends like to ride ATVs, fish and hunt. We may not agree on how to spend our time on the land, but we agree on the most important matter — our land must be respected and safeguarded for future generations.