I don’t usually repost comments from my threads but this one sums up my mindset and what it means behind the slogan ‘Support our Troops’.

To David, thank you!

I really like it when people try to straddle the fence on, “I support the solders but hate the war.” Usually such fuzzy thinking then turns to a hatred of George W. Bush (Commander in Chief) and then somehow also gets back to agreeing with many of the articles that newspapers like the New York Times publishes. For many, there is a disconnect between being able to support the soldier, but then actively campaigning against either the job or the command structure that puts that soldier in harms way. There is that failure to realize that that split decision harms the soldier as that warrior realizes the hypocrisy of such a decision.

If you really support the soldier, you would do anything to get the job done; to give that soldier (he/she) all they need to do the job; to support them in their decision to go (and to fight), and to come home when (and only when) the job is finished. If you agree to the redeployment (cut and run) then you end up under cutting the warriors that are on the front lines of this war. So, how can you support the troops, when you vote and decide issues that are counter to the well-being and care of our warriors?

As I stated, if you support the warriors (soldiers) then you want to make sure they get what they need ( in tactical, logistical and moral) to complete the job; but also that they finish the job they set out to do. Any other decision undercuts the warrior; and reveals to that individual where the true loyalty lies (which is not to the solder.)

If there are discussions (and thing were/are done wrong in this war) lets win it first, then go back and see what we need to improve and/or change. That is the appropriate time to do so; not when our men and women are on the front lines, defending our right and freedoms as Americans.

Maybe, the question needs to be asked, “What are you willing to die for?” Is there any cause that you would be willing to lay down your life? Your God? Your freedom? Your children’s Freedom? The Freedom of this great country of ours?

AS found that there are decisions in life that have to be made. He volunteered for service, and thank God he came back. He did what needed to be done so that many of us can give him a heart felt thanks, while others can put silly remarks on this blog about his sacrifice and the decisions he and his lovely wife (and the new arrival) have made.

THX AS

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General

So no shit there I was driving to work and in the distance I could see some signs on an overpass. I figured I’d pass some ‘Welcome home Soldier or Marine’ signs like normal. Not on this day. There were about 7 anti-war/anti-bush signs. At first I just shook my head and I drove on. I got about a mile down the road and I found myself pulling off the highway to turn around. I could feel the adrenaline course throw my veins.

At first I began to get angry because here are some signs that clearly go against everything within my character and what I believe in. The image of me getting out of my car and ripping the signs down kept repeating itself. Yeah I said to myself, go rip those signs down and you will feel better.

I was approaching the overpass and I saw two guys standing in the middle of the bridge on the sidewalk. One was an older man and another a little older than I. I slowed down and rolled down my window. The first thing I said was “Do you see the medal on my plate?” I have a Purple Heart plate. They looked over and began to tell me how they support the troops but not the war. I responded by saying that the medal is more than me being injured. It’s about honor and sacrifice.

I asked how they could support the troops but not the war?

So the dialogue went on for about 40 minutes. I never got out of my car; I just sat comfortably in my vehicle. We exchanged points about the war and what is really going on over there. I explained to them what I did over there. They said it was a fool’s war. I told them that it wasn’t and they were being misled with whatever political slant or stance they have with it. I told them that we needed to have stability in the Middle East and Iraq was the prime place for it. I told them that like most people, we did the right thing by going in Afghanistan. However the Middle East needed to have stability. I explained the strategic reason why Iraq was the prime place. I told them what countries borders Iraq and how it was the center piece for that area. Saddam needed to be taken out regardless; he was a ruthless leader, etc, etc. I explained to them that the knee-jerk reaction to 9/11 included Iraq. It was just a matter of time.

I said to them that if they thought this was a fool’s war, then what about the next conflict? Is that going to be another fool’s war? Should we let the people depict what is a fair war? Should we hold votes to decide what kind of war is right for the US? It doesn’t work like that I told them. We are given the rights we have for the sacrifices of men and woman who serve our nation. I told the younger guy that it is a privilege he has to be standing on this bridge protesting the war and our government. I said you know if he were in Iran he would be shot and drag through the streets. I told him how dare he say he supports the troops but not the war that I nearly died in?

The conversation went full circle and I said many times that I disagree with what they were doing. They even invited me to one of their ‘candle light vigils!’ I had to restrain myself from laughing. I simply declined.

Then the older gentleman asked me if I had a problem with them executing their freedom of speech. I looked him in the eyes and I said. There is an organization that preaches the same message outside of Walter Reed Hospital. They go there and defile a sacred ground that today’s warriors go to die or recover from their wounds. I said that he is no different than those people; he is only separated by 1500 miles between his picket sign and theirs.

He didn’t know what to say at that point. He started to say something and I cut him off. I responded by saying: “If I had to do it again that I would willingly volunteer to go fight in any war my nation puts in front of me. The reason is I want to be there for my fellow soldier. If I could save another soldiers life through my experience then I can rest good at night. What makes him sleep peacefully at night?”

I rolled up my window and drove away and went to work.

49 Comments
General

I don’t see why Kerry is so bitter about the Iraq war. Yes it’s in his political standing to disagree with Bush but he is taking quite the stance with his comments as of late. I like to consider myself an educated man. I gave up time in my life and made an educated decision to volunteer to go to Iraq. I methodically planned it out, discussed it and did it.

Some men I fought along side had their MBA and were still enlisted men. They chose that option fully knowing they could easily attain a commission. I fought with men who put their families and studies on hold because they wanted to be there for their fellow man.

John Kerry doesn’t know about that camaraderie.

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General