Once again, we find ourselves with our nation at war.

I haven’t written anything about it yet because I wanted to see how expensive and long it will be. I think it may be both. Don’t let anybody tell you that this is like the other 9 places we have engaged in military combat in the past year.

Iran is a nation of 93 million people that are educated, sophisticated and smart. Their leadership may want to behave as if it were the 12th century, but their weapons and technology are in 2026. Because their weapons and technology are why the Trump administration has engaged.

As I write this, I know of six service members that have been killed. Some could be my own children and grandchildren at this point. I feel for the families who have lost someone that probably should not have been sacrificed without the president expressing a real reason why to the American people.

I haven’t heard the president and his team use the same rationale twice for the war. It isn’t even a war between the U.S. and Iran, but the entire gulf is embroiled. There may be no turning back and the man who so desperately wanted the Nobel Peace Prize has gone out of his way to make war the hallmark of his administration.

It has been one of those times in the year where it has been three weeks between issues. That means we have more than a regular edition. We have more stories than usual so settle down and see how many you can get through.

Stacey Hetherington has a yearly calendar she puts together featuring mothers. It has nothing to do with her duties as a commissioner. It highlights the lives and families of Martin County. Take a minute to read about some of these extraordinary women.

We have all our usual columnists. Andy Noble, Bill West, Stacy Ranieri and Pastor Chad. There is also Brent’s food column, Clay Scherer, David Hafner, and host of others.  Our columnists are not paid but do this as a public service to contribute to our community.

Sit back relax and have another cup of coffee as you read this week’s Friends & Neighbors.

Have a great Sunday Morning!