A question for the soldiers fighting in Iraq & their relatives...?
815715
If het dared to make a commotion at my son's funeral. My mates and I would put them in hospital before the police could get them.\nThen they could re-think their views in bed for a few weeks.
442435
Why they don't want to leave, a lot of people are making a lot of money off this war!! I is like everything Bush tries to do it might sound good at first but it fails!! And Bush refuses to go there and say it is time to get it together!! They never spend enough time their, They try to make it look good with visits for a few hours and are out of there!! As all the press says they are headed for civil war and that will just keep us there longer. The so called Iraq government can't agree on anything over there and it is time for someone to step in and show them and demand it be done,HAven't enough of our troops died for this??
742556
We give little credit to the families of veterans, such as yourself.  The sacrifices made by wives and children of veterans are sometimes greater that those of veterans, themselves.  Many times the sacrifices and long periods of waiting and not knowing, don't always turn out the way we hope, and that makes it particularly sad.\n\nI'd like to extend a special thanks to all of you out there, who make up the family unit of those veterans who are out there fighting the good fight.  God bless you, your children, and we pray for the safe return of your loved ones.    Semper Fidelis!
511527
so, before i say my bit, i am a Soldier... i enlisted in december 2001 a week after i turned 17.. that was 2 years before the iraq invasion started... i hate the war... i think the freedom of the country of iraq is not worth my blood or the blood of any other American.... those SOB's don't deserve my blood... they don't deserve the money we spend over there "liberating" them and they don't deserve freedom... i enlisted in the army, i learned how to speak arabic and i work in military intelligence and i've fought in iraq, afghanistan, and africa... and i'll do it again.... its not my place to think about whether the war is good or any of that crap... i'm a Soldier, a machine... i take orders and execute them with precision and without hesitation.. it makes me sad to see how many people i graduated with just have done nothing with their lives... they work at the mall or maybe at walmart and i'm pouring my blood out because my Commander in Chief has ordered me to do it... fine... i wish i was defending MY country... but anyway, our society is a bunch of Pu$$ies now... i don't know how it will change and i can only see it getting worse in the future... even the army these days is full of pu$$ies... people always complaining about "Equal Opportunity" cuz they didn't get the position they want... or the PT test is too tough for females so they lower the standard for themm.... all BS... Toughen Up!!
367780
25, was active Army, 25F (Network/Switching systems Op/Maint)\nI just exited the service after 6 years and 7 months (was stop loss-ed for my second Iraq tour), and the things I ask someone else that was in Iraq is where they were, what they were doing, and whether or not the local nationals nearby would "misbehave."  The answers to the first and second are always different, the third one is usually yes.\n  One thing I've learned about the news is that the news only exists where the reporters are, and it is only as good as their understanding of the situation.  There were so many things that I've witnessed that the news would mention as side notes, using the phrase "reports of..." because they didn't have anyone there.\n  One thing I've always wanted people back home to be aware of is that the situation is both worse and better than what they hear.  The news only seems to focus on US casualties, but never talks about police forces built, infrastructure repaired, people helped, anything with a positive outcome, etc.  The news also misses the significance of some of the Iraqis targeted by insurgents if no US forces were involved.  During my second deployment, I spent the majority of the time in Mosul, and it never ceased to amaze me how the insurgency would actively target local officials with the same techniques and weapons they'd use for CF (Coalition Forces).  It seemed like incidents were occurring constantly, Iraqi Army being hit with IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), police were being gunned down, sheiks (who are more or less the equivalent of an alderman here) being assassinated, sometimes with their families.   If you want a good question, consider the amount of times you are quoted the number of US soldiers killed by hostile fire, and wonder how many Iraqis are killed by the insurgency.  Not like those estimations of bystanders killed, but how many have been actively sought out and killed by the insurgency since the start, before you heard the words "sectarian violence" on the news.  That's a question I wish I knew the answer to.\n  I hope that gives you a start of sorts.  Please continue to ask more questions, and you will receive replies.
820319
Here is a website that contains addresses of soldiers in Iraq and Afganistan. Not all soldiers have internet access. Many of them are out in the middle of no-where. But they deeply appreciate receiving packages. And with Christmas approaching what better way to support our troops than by sending them a box filled with homemade cookies, candy, and small gifts? Here is the website where you can contact our troops.\n\nhttp://anysoldier.com/WhereToSend/
103060
I am not a soldier...anymore.  I was active duty army for 2 1/2 years and also did a tour in Iraq.  I am now a soldier's wife.  My husband just left a week ago.  I know what you are going through.  You need to understand though that when he says he doesn't want you to worry...that's the truth.  I told my husband before he left that I don't want to know if he gets fired upon, has to shoot anyone, etc.  I would rather just stay in a lovely state called denial. LOL  When I was in Iraq I made that mistake of telling my mom when I was shot upon...I never told her about another incident.  I didn't want her to worry. (Keep in mind...is was there in the beginning)  Give him some time...hopefully he will start having some stories that he cares to share soon.  I am am yahoo messenger quite a bit...my email address is in my profile.  Keep your head up...good luck!
441324
I served four tours in Iraq...as a United States Special Forces Commander...and it has affected my life...my family...I came back with a moderate - severe Traumatic Brain Injury...and ever since...I have not spoken a word in about four months...I can't tell my daughter that I love her...Or that I'm proud of her. I lost my best friend over there...and not able to do anything. I know families...and wives and children who have lost their father and husband and brother to this war. But we all fought together as one...into something that we believed in. And something...that is our duty to protect and serve this nation. I know that I am proud of my guys...and every single guy over there and every single woman and man who is training up to go over there. It's not as easy as it looks...and at times... Its' not as bad as you see it from the news...but sometimes its not that great either. I know I've learned personally...to never take anything for granted ... because you never know when it will end. I know that I am forever grateful that God gave me a second chance...and its not easy...to get second chances in life. God bless.
985808
I have not lost a loved one but my son is serving in Iraq. If he died in this war I would protest the White House. Camp out on his lawn until he sees me and explains why?\n\nI do not believe this war to be just or right. We invaded another country without the UN behind us and without good justification. Losing my son would never be worth it. If I lost him in protecting our borders and our country from invasion that is different. \n\nI do not sleep well. But my sons destiny was always to go into the military and so I have supported him since he was 12 and decided to get in an Air Force Aux to start his life as a soldier. He has always connected to it. It was in his blood as God intended.\nHe serves all Americans with a happy heart. He does not agree with the war but he does what if expected. If he helps one soldier saves one life in Iraq it is worth it.\n\nHe is there for a reason.  The reason was to save many many lives, his whole squaron. He spent his first 6 months there transporting military equipment in caravans across Iraq. Did he tell me the constant Dangers, no, he knew I could not handle it and would never sleep a wink. Instead he did his duty. He lead his troops across enemy territory many times, not sleeping for 36 hours at time, just to make sure they were all safe. His bravery was relentless.\nHe comes home soon and is getting a Bronze Star for his bravery. I am proud not that he went to Iraq to invade their country but that my sons role was to save many soldiers lives. As an officer he did his job. And will he go back. I am sure he will do more that one tour. But God has a plan for him a destiny that he needs to fulfill. I will not stand in his way but I will worry no matter what. I love him.
1006059
It is a shame that people are dying.  But the soldiers are in Iraq to try to better the lives of the Iraqi people as a whole.  I don't agree with war, but I also don't agree with oppression or dictatorships.  So it has me upset in more ways than one.  I do not want anymore people to get hurt, but what about all those that died under Hussein's regime?  One of those soldiers were from close to where I live...he was from Springfield, MA.  It does feel like it is never going to end.  I support the soldiers, for I know that they are doing their job, and it must be hell for them.  So I am a torn soul when it comes to this war.  I hope that the people involved are safe and no more harm comes to them...I can HOPE.
741017
David,\nWanting the troops to come home is good thing.  Wanting them to come home before they have chance to finish a job that they have been given is not so good.  I hate to say it, but there is a mess over there now and to fix it is going to take a lot more troops.\n\nI don't like being away from my family.  But the job needs to be done and it needs to be done right.  I believe in doing something right the first time because you may not get a second chance.\n\nIf we were to bring all the troops home now there would be a lot more trouble and a lot more innocent people killed.  I don't believe that I will be going over there for the third time because of patriotism and freedom of Americans.  I do it to protect my fellow service members and those innocent Iraqi's that as of yet can't defend themselves.\n\nI hope this helps.
1123745
I would tell our troops thank you for doing a job that so many people are a fraid to do!\nI would tell them that they are brave for fighting a war that so many people believe is an unjust war!\n I would thank their families for being unselfish and  allowing there family member to fight for the rights of their country!\n I would tell their children to be brave and do not be mad at the parent for having to leave! \nI would thell the spouse to love and support them even though they are not home to help with the problems and continue to love and support them when they come home and they are not the same person who left!\nI would tell them that it is ok to be scared!\nAND;;;\nFinally I would tell them to BE SAFE and come home to their families!\n\nThe soldiers are doing more than any person can ever be asked to do----Defending there country! I am so proud to be an American!
194479
NO. I have friends and family who are in Iraq in the military and my father in law just got back from Iraq as a civilian bomb dog handler. Each of them has told me how saddened and sickened they are by the media portrayal of only negative things from the war. Each of them has told me about how they can see positive changes in Iraq and how much better the living conditions are over there now and how they have started schools and brought order back in many places. I don't think that is a waste of time. It is hard for us who have people we love over there and I am sure we would like to see them all come home safely and not have to be at war -- but the efforts made my our troops in Iraq are not a waste of time.
25928
Your question is one that is a little close to home for me, I am currently sitting in Iraq and I have lost one of my Marines over here.  That feeling of lost is as bad as losing a family member.  \n\nThat being said lets take a look at the people that make up the population of the U.S. a good portion has been in the military or at least has a friend or family member that is or has served.  The brave Men and Women that were sent to Vietnam are now the Parents or in some cases Grandparents of the Men and Women here with me today.  The connection is made between the one that are safe and the one that walk the wall.  No one can look the other way when it hits that close to home.\n\nThe people that greave for the loss of life I say Thank you for your concern.  The one that use the loss of life as a way to advance their political agenda I say F*** Off.  \n\nThe Men and Women that died over here died defending freedom, we all gave some, but some gave all.
233220
As of 3/16/06 one can only guess,but I think it will never happen , number one. those people over there have been fighting with each other for years and have no idea how to get along with each other. Number 2. Things over there is not getting any better and civil war is knocking at the back door.Our young men and women are fighting a lost battle ,if by the Grace of God we do get out of there within the next 10 years they we be right back where they were when we invaded. And as far as the Administration, I think we should send a few of them over there or perhaps their family members.And to the young writers who thing the war is over...perhaps you would like to talk to some of the honest hard working young men and women over there...I know because I have a nephew ,brother and friends over there fighting everyday. Along with that, I have a son who got back last year from being blowed up, so why didn't anyone tell him the war was over!!!! Wake up people, if you think it's over I heard that the military is in need of men and women to pick daisy in Iraq.
430334
I feel that in a given situation what started as good intent has turned bad.  Our soldiers went to Iraq on a mission for our leaders, a mission disguised as Democracy.  You cannot blame the soldiers.  When this mission did not turn in favor of our leaders bad things began to happen, soldiers in confusion, some of them young and very ignorant or unknowledgable of the Iraqi culture, or any respect of other cultures, some just the a-holes that we interact with on any given day back here in the USA, those who are high strung or have a superior than you attitude. Some, terrified young men and woman just out of high school who have yet to experience  anything of the world. Some very honorable and moral human beings-our soldiers are as diverse in humanity as any civilian on our streets-good and bad people. They are thrown into a seemingly hopeless and confusing situation.  Yes, it has turned bad, horrifically bad.  My cousin returned from his tour just 6 months ago and the heinous crimes he witnessed by his fellow soldiers against Iraqis was mentally trying and heartwrenching for him (I wish I could say more of his proof that he has, it is visual and graphically distburing)..but he feared for his own safety and feared to report some the callous acts of these soldiers as threats were made against him when he confronted them. One went as far as to make a comment of "Friendly Fire" and how dishonorable that it is to go home in a coffin from an "accident" instead of courageous battle.  There are bad people and yes some are our own, the best thing for us to do is leave Iraq.  I have said it before its not losing a war but admitting an error.  I have heard of the atrocities our soldiers are doing to civilians, and the lack of hesitation towards anyone as if they are all enemies from a soldier, an honorable person, my cousin. A man who beloves strongly in God and Faith and is terrified to speak out on what he has seen ...I hope he finds the courage to speak out and our government to admit the mistakes that they have made.\nHope this gives you insight to how some of us feel about what you mentioned.  I love and respect all cultures and all religions even if I do not understand them or agree with them, that is why the world is the world we live in the joy of diversity , the abiltiy to learn something new from someone, from ones culture.
1066693
Yeah....I guess 2 out of 3 isn't so bad...everyone gets lucky sometimes. Yada-Yada-Yada\n\n"Those people are now dead....killed by our troops in Iraq."\n\n....and how many of our troops have been killed to date, huh?\nHow many family members and friends have YOU lost for this, Oh-So Justworthy cause?\n\nGo back to sucking on Bush's big toe, you moron!\nAND WATCH SOME REAL NEWS FOR A CHANGE!