December 11, 2006

How many more of our troops have to die in a useless war? Everyday on the news you hear about US solders dying in car bombs and explosions. If the President wants a war so bad then why doesn't he put on his fatigues, grab a gun and go over there?

I feel so sorry for the kids whose parents have died in this useless war. Bring our troops home. They deserve to be with their families and loved ones. Enough blood has been shed.

Crystal
Land O Lakes, FL

posted 19 december 2006

December 11, 2006

I just returned from a weekend with my family. At one point my brother (a printer in Connecticut) mentioned that one of his helpers just returned from Iraq. He talked about the change in him as a result of the what he experienced. He went from a fun-loving, bit of a spacy guy into a very serious, quiet, focused person. He no longer interacts with any of his coworkers.

My nephew, who works for a publisher in NYC, related that he had two friends who recently returned. They are both withdrawn and do what they do to survive, but again have no interaction with anyone. He described them as walking shells. My niece from Pittsburgh said a friend just returned from Iraq. His girlfriend was so excited he was coming home. Now she is confused and doesn't know what to do. He sits curled up in a corner all day.

These three instances struck me. We went around the dinner table and if someone did not know someone who recently returned from Iraq, we knew a Vietnam vet who went through the same experience upon their return. I know this is out there, but it struck me that we are now at the point that when a group of people get together, everyone knows someone who has been touched by the living casualties of war.

Loretta Reinersmann
Rockville, MD

posted 14 december 2006

December 13, 2006

Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at 9 AM my daughter, Suzanne Swift, will be facing a summary court martial at Ft. Lewis Washington. She could face up to 30 days in jail. Please think good thoughts for her from 9-11 AM tomorrow. Let's see the person who is presiding over this being compassionate and just. I will be speaking on her behalf and pleading for her to receive no punishment.

Let's see her home for Christmas where she belongs. Please send this out to your lists.

I will let you all know tomorrow....miracles happen, right?

Peace~

Sara Rich, M.S.W
http://suzanneswift.org/

posted 13 december 2006

December 1, 2006

Hello friends,

Thanks to you, the world is finally hearing of Malachi Ritscher, the American who gave his life in protest of the war. As we told others, who in turn told more others, our numbers grew until the mainstream press could no longer ignore the events of November 3rd. This week the story was picked up by dozens of papers across the country, including the Chicago Sun-Times, the New York Times, and finally, on Wednesday, the Tribune. Radio programs from all over the world have also been broadcasting the story of his actions, as well as the story of how a growing community of Americans refused to let his message go unheard. You *are* that community, and since the man who would thank you can't, I will:

*Thank you for caring.*

This Sunday, we will gather to remember Malachi on the one-month anniversary of death:
Sunday, December 3
at 2 p.m.
Grand Ave. and Peoria St. in Chicago
Bring a sign or just yourself

Hope you can make it,
Jenn

posted 03 december 2006

November 19, 2006
 
Soldier From Iraq: Deployed Nonsense In Iraq

I would greatly appreciate it if you would allow me to take a moment of your time. As a Staff Sergeant deployed to Iraq (area and unit withheld to protect soldier) out of Fort Lewis, I feel that the war in Iraq and Afghanistan is illegal and in every way wrong. I have been heated since my arrival to my second tour of OIF and recently things have stacked up in a way that is so morally unjustified that I can no longer bear to live with what we are doing.

I was reminded of my bitterness late last week when I was participating in a ceremony in which Soldiers received Purple Hearts, the CIB (Combat Infantrymen's badge) and the CAB (Combat Action Badge). After the ceremony, my squadron commander made a comment that struck hard. With his ignorance he blatantly stated that when the time comes we will find, chase, engage, pick up our M-4's and kill the enemy. I couldn't help but think of who the "enemy" really was. Upon returning to my barracks I sat for hours contemplating what was said and could only come up with the following.

The enemy is not who the Government or the media says it is. Too many times American minds have been molded with false reports much like an artist forms clay in his hands. I too have been one of them but have recently found the truth.

The truth is that the enemy has been created by US and Coalition Forces. The enemy is not someone who was waiting when we invaded. He was not wearing a uniform, carrying military issued weapons or equipment....he was at home with his family when our bombs first dropped on Iraqi soil. We've killed his family friends, trashed his house, kicked his door in, and taken the last bit of freedom that they had. And most people thought that Saddam ruled with an iron fist!

Bush says it's pay back for 9/11. But what about all the people that we have killed or hurt, what about all the families that have been effected by this. How can we justify our so called cause by taking more life? As much as I stand by the side of LT Watada, I came here knowing what could happen and realized the only way I could make something of it was to watch over the lives of my men and the lives of the people that live within my area of operation. Over time I have taught my men to think before shooting and that violence has and never will solve anything. To this day we have taken care of all problems without resorting to violence. Although I am very proud of that, I am deeply concerned for the lives of the men under me. Which brings me to my next point.

As an Engineer we usually clear the roads during operations to make sure that there are no IED's along the routes. Of course this is very dangerous, but it is somewhat rewarding knowing that what we do can save American and Iraqi lives at the same time. Recently my commander (the same man as noted before) decided that this was unnecessary and has seriously jeopardized everyone that we look out for. Furthermore we are now shoveling, sweeping, and raking trash and sewage in our sector. My entire platoon dismounts on some of the most dangerous routes (most vehicles won't even take them at night) to sweep and shovel trash.

Knowing that the possibility of losing a man is something that I cannot swallow, I have spoke up to my chain of command and told them that I will be contacting my Congressman, Senator, and local newspaper to tell of all the "good" we are doing here. I have already been warned that if I take this route I will receive punishment from the highest source available. The possibility of loss of rank, money, responsibility, and pride are prices I am willing to pay to let everyone know the truth. I will not rest until I can accomplish this, which brings me to my final question. Do you know of anyone who is willing to help with the relaying of information to local news reps or our local government? If not, I am sure more research on my part will guide the way.

Thank you for taking the time to listen and for doing what you are doing. I envy your courage and hope to one day be able to stand with you.

Regards,
Alex

posted 21 november 2006

November 7, 2006
 
When all the soldiers return, I think we should put George Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfield, & Paul Wolfowitz on trial — in Iraq.

Gary L. Hendershot

posted 18 november 2006

November 9, 2006
 
Tonight my school kicked me out. They are shameful people.

Tonight I stood in the cold evening displaying a sign on a public sidewalk which stated "Real Christians Don't Choose War" in front of my school, Colorado Christian University. On the other side of the parking lot in front of the North entrance stood my wife and another friend Eliott Nesch with similar signs. Elliot preached on the corner about the injustice of war.

Six o'clock was nearing so I handed off my signs and headed inside to class. A still tension filled the air. I sat in my seat and watched as two administrators pulled my instructor from the classroom. Moments later they walked back in, stood in front of my seat and told me to gather my supplies and leave the classroom. Silence. The introductions continued and the instructor skipped over me and pretended an injustice was not occurring before her eyes.

I slowly packed up my laptop and other books. As I stood to leave I looked around to see if anyone had the courage to speak out to what they were witnessing. We walked into the hallway. I was informed because I had posted my strong views on the war in my biography section of the online portion of the course I was being kicked out of school. I looked at the two administrators with tears in my eyes asking them to consider what they were doing. They stood firm, proud, and stood by their story. I asked them to at least give me the respect to be honest about why they were kicking me out. I had been speaking to them for months to develop a campus forum to discuss the Christian response to 9/11 and the wars which followed. They knew I was about to walk across the country to protest the war and the shameful role played by too many evangelical churches in supporting it (see <www.beitshalomministries.org>) and yet still insisted it was about the post.

Raymond,

This is an official warning that if you come onto campus
and try in any way to recruit, protest, advertise, demonstrate,
or otherwise disrupt the campus community you will be
immediately escorted off and university discipline will come
into play. Enter the campus again after that and you will be arrested.

Jim McCormick
Vice President of Student Life
Colorado Christian University
Denver, Colorado
303-963-3363 Work
303-596-2406 Cell

Slowly we walked to the door. I pleaded with them from the word to no avail. Realizing I was miles from my home, I asked to use the phone to call a ride. I was informed in no way could I use anything from the University. I walked out the front door and turned to speak to them. They shut the door, locked it in my face and turned away to leave me in the cold. Thank you, Colorado Christian University.

Raymond Schwab,
Veteran, United States Navy

posted 11 november 2006

October 25, 2006
 
Facing homelessness, loss of job, sleepless nights, crying, isolation and inability to concentrate. Sounds like the symptoms of a combat soldier. These are my symptoms as the Mother of an Iraq combat vet, a peace activist.

I was fired today from my job. I have never been fired. They say I have been distracted from my job. I even wonder if I care. Our children are dying. The are coming home maimed and injured. Or as in my son's case severe PTSD. He can not live with what he did in Iraq. His suicide attempt, his feeling that life isn't worth living. We as a family are suffering. Myself as an individual am suffering.

Two trips to Washington this year. Speaking with various Senators and even the speaker of the house Dennis Hastert. I have been traveling speaking to anyone who will listen. Not caring of my own personal life. I am filled with great sadness today, everyday since this war started.

A few days ago I was in South Dakota speaking with a Vietnam vet. We sat in a 24 hour McDonalds till the wee hours of the morning. Tears in both our eyes. He is still affected by the war. He talked of the toll he took on his Mother and I wept. He apologizes for how he treated all that cared for him. All I could do was hug him and tell him it's not his fault. That I loved him. This complete stranger. He could not give me comfort for what lies ahead for my son.

Last week I welcomed a soldier home. He didn't know me; I didn't know him. But when I hugged him and reached in my pocket and gave him some of what little money I had, I said "My son served in Iraq." And our eyes met. That same look of sadness was there that I have seen all over the country. That I have seen in my own son's eyes.

I spoke with a Gold Star mother last night. Her marriage of 20 years disintegrated. She now lives alone. She stated to me what do you think I can live with, the loss of my son or the loss of my marriage?

I talk with other Mothers. One her son currently hospitalized for a suicide attempt. She cries. I can not hug her through the phone.

The war is taking a toll. It is claiming victims that have never even been in combat.

Some say to me just take a break, get your life back on track. I reply I can't. Another Mother is getting that dreaded knock on the door.

I have to stay in the frontlines. I have to continue to speak out. I guess I feel a sense of freedom now. No job to tie me down. I will lose the roof over my head. Maybe I will go live outside the white house and I will pray.

The war was not my distraction, my job was. The end of this war is my mission. I have gone past the state of anger. I am motivated by pure love. Love of my fellow man and woman. I want the pain to cease. I want the sadness to end. I want the killing to end. My son will never be the same. I will never be the same. I beg of you my good people...do what you can and then do even more. We are paying a high cost. Just ask Cindy or Summer or Beth or Stacey or Celeste, etc. the list goes on and on. And another Mother cries out somewhere in the darkness for her child that is never coming home.

When you are right you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative.
— Martin Luther King Jr.

Until the War ends, I will be out here in the frontlines of peace......

Georgia Stillwell,
WI
MFSO Member
Mother of Specialist Robert A. Stillwell

posted 29 october 2006

October 24, 2006
 
My twin sons have a good friend. They have been friends since they were 12, all the young boys used to hang out at Joe's house. I used to worry at first, his dad has kind of militia-like views, and I worried about how this might influence my kids. But he has always been real nice to all the boys, and I think he just likes having them to talk to--it actually helped develop their understanding trying to figure out the viewpoints of this guy, an older vet fighting for his disability and living on practically nothing, why someone who hates rich people would support someone like George Bush and his agenda. The father was in the Army, discharged in 1963---of course he told me the truth one time without thinking about it, how relieved he was that he got out right before they started sending everyone to Vietnam. He has supported the war and supported George Bush, and had one child in Iraq already.

Joe and his siblings have always had to deal with a lot, like many kids. His father loves him and is basically a nice guy, but hasn't seemed to be able to give him what kids need to survive the world today--I'm not really sure what that is. Joe was one of the twins' first friends to drop out of high school, many of them ended up this way. But he did get his GED--but has worked a series of jobs only briefly. He hates them and I don't blame him, although I think he needs someone telling him that sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Then he started just sitting around the house with his dad, worrying about where money would come from.

Well, Joe went in to sign up for the National Guard. His sister is in the Guard--she was in the group that was supposed to deploy at the start of the war but couldn't go through Turkey, but ended up putting her year in Iraq later. This was heartbreaking, to think of Joe ending up in Iraq, which he surely would. A kid without much future, then going to Iraq for lack of better alternatives. The kids began to try to talk him out of it, but there wasn't much they could say. I know it sounds stupid, but I told them to tell him to at least join the Army if he is going to join something, but why the Guard?

A miracle occured. The recruiters told Joe that he had to lose some weight and then he should come back. This was a relief. Well, I said, Joe doesn't have much willpower, probably unlikely that he will lose much weight and problem solved. He doesn't seem that overweight, and I am a little surprised at this since they are having such a recruiting problem.

I stopped thinking about it, until I found out that the recruiters are dropping by there regularly, weighing him in and encouraging him in his diet attempts. Will they stop at nothing? The twins have almost been holding a vigil, they had stopped seeing Joe as much and now one of them is over there every night, after all, they feel they have to spend as much time with him as possible...before he goes to Iraq.

Our plan is to make sure Joe always has some high calorie snacks handy. Triple cheeseburgers. French fries. Chocolate shakes. Brownies. He won't be able to resist. A food battle with the recruiters right in our own little neighborhood? It sounds stupid, but what else could we do? Even as many kids that I have known, which is too many, that have gone over there, I can't stand the idea of him being sent to Iraq. I don't know why this particular kid is bothering so much, perhaps the often bleakness of his life to begin with, or the way that my own kids are worrying about him and keeping a watch, as if spending last moments with someone they may never see again.

JR
Norman, OK

posted 26 october 2006

October 11, 2006
 
I was at a concert this weekend in California to raise money for the National Veterans Foundation. I'm an Air Force veteran, and I have great respect for the military. I like to support the soldiers whenever I can. But I don't support this war in Iraq.

I was against the war before it started. I always thought it was a terrible decision, badly thought out, badly planned, and then horribly executed.

I want to see our troops come home right away, and so do most Americans. Unfortunately, too many politicians in both parties refuse to listen.

So when will the troops come home? When we won't put up with it anymore-when we change our government. And how will we do that? By voting the bastards out! On November 7, you should vote for anyone who's against the war and vote against anyone who's for the war. It's that simple.

When I wrote the song "Whatever Happened to Peace on Earth" at Christmastime in 2003, a lot of people were for the war, a lot of people didn't know the facts or the truth. But people are waking up now. They're learning that they were lied to about the war. They're feeling lied to about this Mark Foley scandal in terms of who knew what and when. They're questioning the leadership in this country.

And that gives us new possibilities for November 7th. If we all go out and vote for peace candidates and get our friends to vote, and if our votes are really counted, it's no contest. There'll be a change in the Congress, and then we'll just have to keep building so we can get a president who won't send our soldiers to fight a war based on lies.

We should have thrown the bastards out years ago. Let's do it now! Give Peace A Vote!

Willie Nelson

posted 12 october 2006

September 24 , 2006
 
To All Members of the United States Congress
cc: All members of the U.S. Armed Forces; the American people

In the past five years, since the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, the people of our nation have been told time and time again that the world has changed, we have a new enemy and we must change to fight that enemy. This argument has been presented over and over to justify deviations from and at times dismissal of our nation's basic ideals. Veterans For Peace and millions of other U.S. citizens believe the time has come to return to our nation's core beliefs as called for by our Declaration of Independence and Constitution, the rule of law, justice and the recognition of all people's unalienable human and civil rights.

Recent news reports indicate that the Bush administration is seeking legislation to eliminate key elements of the War Crimes Act. Veterans For Peace believes such an effort is an attempt by administration officials to protect themselves from prosecution, even as they prosecute enlisted men and women for actions committed under their command in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

It is the highest form of hypocrisy to claim to support our troops while allowing the policy makers and planners of a war of choice, that we believe is illegal, immoral and unjust, to change existing law to protect themselves from prosecution for committing war crimes after ordering the troops to war. It is obvious that these officials are trying to change the law because they believe they have broken the law. How convenient for them that they have the power to persuade you to protect them. How inconvenient for the soldier on the ground who must follow their orders. Veterans For Peace vehemently insists that Congress

(1) Reject any effort to weaken the 1996 War Crimes Act (USC §2441), and
(2) Based on USC §2441 and Article II of the Constitution, which makes treaties ratified by the U.S. Senate the supreme law of the land, initiate impeachment proceedings against President Bush and Vice-President Cheney for the war crimes they have committed and for the treaties they have violated by the invasion and occupation of Iraq; including, but by no means limited to, waging a war of aggression, crimes against peace, and war crimes.

Veterans For Peace reminds Congress that the Uniform Code of Military Justice already applies the Geneva Conventions to everyone in the U.S. military. The purpose of the War Crimes Act is to provide the same accountability to the military's civilian leaders. Gutting the War Crimes Act will exempt high government officials from the very war crimes charges they are now leveling against enlisted men and women and in some cases asking for the death penalty.

It is easy to claim adherence to high ideals in times of prosperity and relative comfort. The test is in time of challenge and adversity. We face such times today. Will we live up to what we claim to be; land of the free and home of the brave? The American people as a whole must answer these questions but you are in elected positions to take a lead.

Hold the Bush administration accountable for its actions. Support our troops. Do not create a double standard, one for the troops another for the administration. We have no Kings in the United States. No one is above the law. We have a President and he is a servant of the people. Even in times of war.

Urgently,

David Cline, President
Veterans For Peace

posted 30 september 2006

September 19, 2006
 
[Update on Suzanne Swift, 101 days since her arrest.]

I do not even know where to start. So much has happened so fast that our heads are spinning.

First about Suzanne. Her mental health is declining. She has had two write-ups (counselings/official reprimands) in the past few weeks for being late in the mornings for formation. She is having a hard time waking up because her anxiety and depression are getting so bad. She is having trouble sleeping and bad dreams when she does sleep, so waking up early is just brutal for her. She is still doing office work, filing police reports. She is being allowed to come to Eugene every other week to meet with Dr. Schwartz, her psychologist. She has seen him only 6 times in the past 101 days. It is really hard for her to go back to Ft. Lewis and it breaks my heart every time she leaves, because I know she is beyond miserable up there and being re-traumatized by them daily. With the increasing media attention, Suzanne has been getting more and more silent, yet solid, support from other active women in the military. This gives us great hope that we are helping effect change for them, as well as validating women veteran' experiences and working to create new hope for the future safety of young women who hope to serve their country without fear of harassment and abuse someday.

Suzanne has given seven interviews now, and they have really taken their toll on her. She has spoken to the San Francisco Chronicle, New York Times Magazine, the Washington Post, Democracy Now, the Register Guard, ABC Nightline, and Fox news. These were very hard on her and her attorney, Keith Scherer, and I decided along with Suzanne that there would be no more interviews until she is either charged or freed. If she is charged, her mental state will most likely deteriorate, so that is very much up in the air. We appreciate the thoughtful way that the press has been working with us and we appreciate your professionalism.

The Iraq Veterans Against the War and Vets for Peace took matters into their own hands and staged a sit-in on the 97th day in Congressman Peter DeFazio's office in Washington, DC. They would not leave until Congressman DeFazio agreed to take some serious action on behalf of Suzanne. The congressman's office called me, and we agreed that a Congressional Investigation into Suzanne's case would be beneficial. Within 24 hours, on Wednesday the 13th of September, Suzanne was signing a release of information for the Congressional investigation to proceed. On Friday, September 15th, Suzanne was on the cover of the San Francisco Chronicle, and it has been major media ever since. I am flying to Washington, DC, this week to meet with Congressman DeFazio and talk to him about military sexual violence and the treatment Suzanne has received from the military to date and the future unknown plans for her.

Our attorney came out to Eugene to meet with us. Keith Scherer is a wonderful man and a very aggressive, intelligent attorney. We are so impressed with him and feel complete trust in his legal wisdom and ability. We are financially and emotionally preparing for a court-martial, so please, if you have not done so already, either make a financial contribution to Suzanne's legal defense fund or get some type of fundraising activity planned in your community. I am going to be doing some traveling around the country to talk about Suzanne's case, raise awareness and fundraise. Also, please set Suzanne's web site as your home page until she is free. It is a very interactive and alive site, full of new things almost daily. HUGE thanks to Stacy Hafely, MFSO Missouri, for being the web goddess supreme. Suzanne's petition has reached 6,000 signatures which is AMAZING!

Please continue to make calls and write letters on Suzanne's behalf. There are easy forms and all the numbers and addresses on the web site. It is very easy to use. Also, please feel free to post or forward this email to other sites/lists. I want to spread the word so we can increase the numbers of supporters for Suzanne. Thank you!!!

Most of all please visualize Suzanne's case being resolved with integrity, and justice being served. Suzanne deserves a timely resolution to this nightmare that they have created for her and many other women in the military.

Once again, do something every day, no matter how big or small.

Peace~

Sara Rich, M.S.
Suzanne's Mom

posted 22 september 2006

September 6, 2006
 
My name is Ricky Clousing. I am a Sergeant in the United States Army and one of the many soldiers who are beginning to speak out about the appalling conditions of occupation in Iraq.

I joined the Army soon after the September 11th attacks and in November of 2004 I deployed to Iraq. In Iraq I operated as an interrogator and was attached to tactical infantry units during daily patrol operations. As an interrogator I spoke to Iraqis each day. This gave me an idea of what local civilians thought of coalition forces. Throughout my training very appropriate guidelines for the treatment of prisoners were set. However, I witnessed our baseless incarceration of civilians. I saw civilians physically harassed. I saw an innocent Iraqi killed before me by US troops. I saw the abuse of power that goes without accountability.

After I returned from Iraq, I struggled with my objections concerning what I had seen and experienced in Iraq. Wearing the uniform demands subordination to your superiors and the orders passed down. But what if orders given violate morality, ethics and even legality? If those orders go unquestioned down my Chain of Command, am I exempt from reevaluating them? My convictions, spiritually and politically, began to second guess my ability to perform day to day functions as a soldier. I could not train or be trained under a false pretense of fighting for freedom.

Ultimately, I decided that staying in the military was a contradiction to my personal, moral and spiritual beliefs. I left the military without official authorization in June of 2005. In the following months I deeply considered my moral obligation to speak publicly about what I saw while in Iraq. After holding a public press conference backed by 40 other members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, I returned to military custody on Friday, August 11th, 2006. On August 31 st I was charged with desertion and am facing a maximum sentence of two years in jail.

Although my story is personal, I am part of a larger movement of soldiers who are speaking out and resisting this war by refusing to participate in the military under the false pretense of fighting for freedom. Collectively, we are beginning to have an effect. For instance, because of the coverage during my surrender, the United States Army has opened two parallel investigations into my allegation of abuse of power.

Today, I do not know what to expect, nor the course of my future. Since I left the Army I have known that being Court Martialed was a serious possibility I could face. I still feel at peace with my decision. I followed my conscience and if need be I will feel honored to join the ranks of others who have been prosecuted for doing the same. Today, we have found ourselves in a pivotal era where we have traded humanity for patriotism; where we have traded our civil liberties for a sense of security. I write to you sharing the same idea as Henry David Thoreau: as a Soldier, as an American, and as a human being, we mustn't lend ourselves to that same evil which we condemn.

Thank you for supporting me and my stand against this war. For more information about the case and what you can do to back me up, please go to my website: www.sdmcc.org/rickyclousing.

SGT Ricky Clousing

posted 15 september 2006

August 31, 2006
 
I have followed your standpoint on issues through your website as well through newspaper articles and thought you might be have a interest in my current situation with the Army. I have been involuntarily mobilized off IRR after leaving Active Duty 3 years ago. I have attempted to file a personal hardship exemption based on my wife's inability to care for our two young children by herself due to a medical condition. The Army has denied my request and has provided no acceptable justification on why they made their decision.

I am now being forced to involuntarily return to Active Duty despite having no ability to care for my family, and being forced to serve 1 year past my military service obligation, My MSO ends May 2007, my orders right now have me serving until April 2008.

This involuntary return to Active Duty from civilian life has started to destroy my life. I am currently seeking counseling and taking medication for depression and anxiety disorder. I also have a pending DWI case and am attending Alcohol Anonymous (AA) meetings as well as professional treatment for substance abuse. I am a Captain, why would they want a leader in their ranks with these problems?

How can the Army act surprised when acts of atrocity occur when they are forcing individuals, like me, to serve involuntarily and beyond any military commitment? I have met with my Congressman and contacted my Senators but nothing seems to have been done. I served my country honorably, was awarded a Bronze Star during OIF, I just want to live a normal life and now I have been drafted.

Organizations like yours are the only voice we have left--please don't ever give in and let me know how I can help.

Best regards,

CPT. Chris Reading

posted 12 september 2006

Setember 5, 2006
 
I think, as a wife of a husband in IRR, that the plan for the Bush administration is to go to Iran. Before we went to Iraq he was holding speeches like crazy. He's at it again: "Nuclear Bomb", "Tyrant", "Islamic Fascist".

He's already trying to gain support from the American people by calling them a threat to our freedom. NATO replaced a lot of our troops in Afghanistan, thousands of IRR Marines are being called up, there's talk about government handover in Iraq, which would open up a large amount of our troops to head into Iran. (Considering they are right next door.)

We the people should not allow this to happen. Especially with Iran. If you have any time on your hands, look for the 18 page letter that the President of Iran wrote to Bush in May. Our media and government is trying to turn this man's opinions and statements into threats and convince us that he is planning to wipe us out. He's not! I truly believe that he is looking for a peaceful resolution to this matter, but Bush won't hear of it.

Every U.S. president wants a war and Bush is setting another one up for himself or for the next president. WE have become dictators of the world. Telling people how they are supposed to live and so on. This isn't fair to our troops and especially not fair to the people of these countries that we invade. Don't listen to our media.

Monica Schuld
Ohio

posted 09 september 2006

August 30, 2006
 
my husband was in the marines for 6 years and did 3 tours to iraq and now he's with the army on one more tour and he is with the strykers from alaska, and yet he was supposed to come home... he was heartbroken when he told me he could not have a moment with me just to be in his arms.. this is so wrong...

the government tells them what to do and where to go, but they also told them and my husband they would be home after a year-long tour of duty in iraq and now my husband just wants to come home to hold me ... why if he did his job, why must they push them?... they are not mules, they are men...

they are family members .. my husband needs to come home... i've done my time as a wfie loving him from afar and yet the government says we need to be strong..

i'm strong for my husband but i do believe that the military needs to bring our troops home... they have done their job now they need to come home...

a wife of a soldier wishing for her husband on a star for his safe return home...

posted 06 september 2006

August 25, 2006
 
My name is JB. I have served my 8 year contract in the Army Reserve and my contract ended 2 days ago. I am currently in Iraq and I want to go home. I no longer owe my country and more time. My obligation to the Army ended on the 23rd of August. Is there anyway to get me home?

JB

posted 31 august 2006

August 24, 2006
 
I served, my husband served, and today my son is a proud Marine. This is an immoral and unjustified invasion of a country that did not directly threaten our freedom. My son says if there is so much opposition, then why are the politicians not bringing the troops home? Why?

Maryjane Murphy Nichols
US Army '72-'74

posted 28 august 2006

August 20, 2006
 
I do not have family members serving in Iraq but my four uncles previously served in the military. I SUPPORT OUR TROOPS to the fullest extent, but not this war. I truly sympathize to all the family members affected by this war.

My neighbor's husband is being deployed in a month and she is four months pregnant. I'm sure he will be there for a long time so my mother and I are doing whatever is necessary to help this young family out. I am only 20 years old myself and am brought to tears by reading most of these messages.

I hope the next administration can do something to bring these troops home or atleast give them a break to where they can go home and visit their families to remember exactly who they are fighting for. I think the thing that causes such loss in war is the soldiers being worn out and not being able to see families. I would just like to finish by saying I SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES!

Amanda Johnson
Waldorf, MD

posted 24 august 2006

August 19, 2006
 
Dear citizen,

I need you to do something for me. Something to help you understand.

Come out to Iraq and sit with me in the 110+ weather. Stand guard duty in the tower protecting your fellow soldiers on the Forward Operating Base that doesn't protect you from rockets and mortar attacks because you can't fire back.

Better yet, why don't you come and turn a wrench on a Humvee that's been running all day? Try 200+ degree heat coming off the engine and you have to replace an alternator, because the truck must be fixed RIGHT NOW. Do all this while wearing 35+ pounds of gear. Sweat dripping in your eyes, stinging, turning everything hazy so you can't see. Burning your hands even though you're wearing gloves.

Stand with me at a checkpoint, checking vehicles for illegal contraband. Knowing that every day there is someone that you've searched secretly wanting to kill you.

Ride with me in my support convoy and download food by hand. Because the forklift that was supposed to do it is broke, because my unit can't get the part in time.

Get in my tank and man the machine gun. Watch your fellow soldier get shot in the head from a sniper. Knowing you can't do anything about it because you must have positive identification of a target BEFORE you can even fire in the direction it came from.

Stand with me as I receive a Purple Heart for shrapnel embedded in my chest because of my 'Valor'. Which the military will never take out because it's not causing undue pain and could make me non-deployable or worse send me back home.

Go out on a combat patrol and watch as the truck in front of you is blasted with an IED. Soccer ball-size holes in the door that's supposed to protect you. Killing men or women that have become your extended family.

Then attend 'Roll Call' with me. Listen as Taps is played and the 1st Sergeant calls the dead soldier's name three times.

Hear the silence in the room.

Sit with my family around the Christmas Tree and watch my children open their presents. Some marked from Dad, so that they remember that they still have one. Watch them walk for the first time, or graduate high school. Celebrate their birthday with them and then answer their questions when they ask you if I'm ever coming home. Hoping that they won't ask you if I'm dead.

Sleep in my room and watch me wake up. Not remembering any dreams, for the last three years. The only ones being nightmares that leave me shaken, that quickly fade with the morning.

Stand with me while I try to reintegrate into a marriage that's lasted six years, for which I've only physically been with my spouse for three of them.

Get to know her all over again. Hoping that this time she's not going to say that it's over. That you haven't been there for her or the kids. She can't take it anymore. She needs someone more stable.

Fly with me home when my deployment is over only to find out that I'll be deployed within three to eighteen months back to the same country for my third time. Then explain to me why I can't get out because the new unit I'm going to is deploying and my enlistment is up one month into their deployment. Explain to me about stop loss and how it's going to extend my military obligation involuntarily for another 14 months. Tell me why my recruiter never told me about that.

I need you to understand. I'm not complaining.

I just want you to know what I've given up. So YOU don't have too.

I do this so YOU won't have too. So YOU can do all those things, freely, that I can't do day after day.

But this war is going nowhere and it's decimating me and mine.

So I'm asking you.

Please, citizen, talk to our government! Fight my battle there while I fight this one here.

YOU can bring me home! YOU can tell our government that this war is not justified. That you want your fellow citizens back.

We do after all have a government founded BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE. Isn't it time the people started telling the government what to do?

Sincerely,

A Soldier

posted 21 august 2006

July 26, 2006
 
After declaring "Mission Accomplished" 3 years ago, Bush has committed troops to a longer tour of duty. If the US military is an All-volunteer force then US troops have the right to refuse deployment to Iraq and to refuse Rumsfeld's extension of duty in Iraq. The illegal war in Iraq is comprised of volunteer forces. They were not drafted and therefore are not compelled to deploy.

What was Bush blabbing about when he proudly declared that the mission in Iraq was Accomplished? Why are thousands of US troops dying for if Bush had already declared victory 3 years ago? If their president has already declared victory then they have the right to return home to the US. Mission Accomplished means that the troops mission has been accomplished and the war is over. The war is over - Mission Accomplished. The US troops can refuse extensions of their tour of duty because they have already done their duty to the nation. The US troops can refuse redeployment because the US military is an "All-Volunteer Force".

It's time for the US troops to go home. Their president has already declared the end of the war. "The battle of Iraq is one victory in a war on terror that began on Sept. 11, 2001, and still goes on," he said.

Paul W. Kincaid

posted 13 august 2006

August 2, 2006
 
I am a student at Colorado Christian University, an honorably discharged veteran of the Navy, and a father of four boys.

In February, 2007, I am going to walk from Denver to Washington DC in order to protest the silence of the evangelical church after being the stoutest supporter of Bush and the war in Iraq. We have yet to get our website up but the day is fixed.

We are seeking support from those who share the desire to address the lies we have been fed, media blackout of the truth, and accountability to those who have caused this mess. If anyone is interested in helping us please contact me.

In His Name,

Raymond R Schwab
Lovelandr CO
rschwab@ccu.edu

posted 09 august 2006

July 17, 2006
 
The page looks wonderful. I support all the troops that are fighting for us this minute. And have been for years. They do a great job, And they NEED TO COME HOME NOW!

Thank you,

Brandon
Walton County, Georgia

posted 07 august 2006

August 1, 2006
 
Dear Bring Them Home Now!:

I was not aware of your web site when I designed, less than 3 days ago, the web site <http://www.BringHome172nd.ORG>.

I encourage you to have a look at the site. The response has been tremendous. Your readers are probably aware of the remarkable sense of adaptation of our armed forces and their families. Even through their expressions of frustration at the BringHome172nd.org site, this 'chin-up' resiliency is made clear.

Nonetheless, I think every American -- especially those like me, a previously inactive 'Armchair' newswatcher -- had better pay attention to what these soldiers and their families are saying here. We are asking these soldiers to take up arms and defend our freedoms. It is our citizen duty to make sure they are treated with respect and fairness. The decisions that were made during the previous week regarding the 172nd Brigade have sent chills down my spine.

You are likely aware that 6 days ago Secretary Rumsfeld announced an extension of deployment for the 172nd Brigade ('Stryker') in Iraq. These soldiers were just a few days away from coming home after a year of front line service when they learned that they will remain in Iraq for at least 4 more months.

Some of the brigade had even already flown back to their home base in Alaska. Others were in planes flying out of Kuwait; those planes turned around and disembarking men and women discovered that they had instead landed in Iraq again! Some of the members who made it to Alaska just a few days ago are today returning to Baghdad to fight with their brothers.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Travis Pittman
Ballwin, MO
admin@BringHome172nd.org

posted 03 august 2006

July 26, 2006
 
To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to you to inform you of a situation here on a military base in Germany involving me and my PFC husband.

My husband is a resident of Florida State and enlisted in the U.S. Army in June of 2005. He spent basic training in Columbus, Georgia, and is now stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany as of November of 2005 in the 1st ID, 2nd BCT, 1-26 Infantry.

The unit he is currently in has been scheduled to deploy to Iraq this year. However, my husband and I, and my husband's entire brigade have been told on 5 separate occasions that they would be deploying in the near future, and on 4 separate occasions have been told it's been "cancelled" or "delayed". As you can imagine, the stress of being told you're going to war, then not going, then going, then not going, over and over again, is horrible.

Not only have the dates been changed over and over again, but ANY information regarding my husband's deployment has been, at best, fuzzy.

He was recently sent on a 2 week training exercise during which he had little to no contact with me here in Germany or his family in Florida. Before returning from the training, he was informed AGAIN that he was deploying to Iraq in 3 weeks. Normally, soldiers are supposed to have 3 months notice before they deploy. Since returning, he has had ZERO days off, and has been at work late every single day, including weekends.

His commander has told us that we need to "stop complaining", and even though just a handful of people actually have to work long hours and weekends, the entire company (that's about 150 people) need to physically be at work.

My husband spends his days and weekends sitting on the floor in the hallway of his company doing absolutely nothing, since only a few people have work to do. Instead of sending the 145 people who don't have work to do home to their families, they are forced to sit at work until 10, 11, 12. He has been told by his commander, "if you get any time with your families before you leave, view it as R&R", and "consider yourself deployed now".

If my husband is "deployed" while still here, where is our combat pay? Where is our separation pay? Where is our tax free pay?

My husband and I have no time together, and he has no time to take care of his personal responsibilities before deploying to Iraq in about 2 weeks. The latest news is that his unit is leaving earlier than scheduled, meaning he may be leaving next week, without this weekend off either. Where is the consideration for the families? Where is the consideration for the soldiers mental health? There is constantly talk of "we care about the families", but I've seen nothing that proves it.

This irresponsible way of preparing soldiers for war is not only unfair, but unhealthy for the soldiers who are being deployed, and their families waiting every night at home for them to be released from work.

I hope this letter can bring to your attention the unfair circumstances here. I cannot speak for everyone involved, but morale is low among soldiers and their families. The emotional stress involved is addressed by commanders here as, "something you're expected to deal with", and "there's nothing I can do about it". Everyone involved here wants to deal with the situation by saying that it's their superior that is causing the problem. Who is the one actually responsible for this? Why are soldiers not allowed to be with their families for dinner? Why do soldiers have 3 weeks notice to be deployed to Iraq?

Thank you for your time,

Sara S

posted 01 august 2006

July 26, 2006
 
The War with Iraq has been a Tremendous Disaster for all Nations concerned and not least the ordinary people who have to pay for this War of Aggression in terms of loss of Human Life and Finanical Cost. The Arrogance of the US President over this, in my opinion, commands his Immediate Resignation.

Yours Sincerely,

Mr. Robert Lee Shipley

posted 30 july 2006

July 27, 2006
 
Distracted, damn right I am!

When I returned home from my trip to Washington DC. Where I met with various Senators, Representatives and the Speaker of the House as part of Military Families Speak Out Operation House Call, I received a notice of pending termination of my employment on Aug. 31st. It seems I have been distracted.

My priorities in life have changed since the war began. It has become my passion, my mission to be part of the frontline of peace.

How can I not be? On a personal level my son is still suffering from his participation in this war. He has killed men, women and children. Yes let us not pretend that our soldiers are not killing innocents. My son lives with it everyday. "We thought the little boy had a bomb." My son weeps as he sits in the bottom of the shower and I recently found out he is experiencing combat flashbacks. No wonder my son drove his car over an embankment. No wonder he feels there is nothing left of his spirit at 22. Alive but dead inside.

On a global level...I deeply feel the pain of others. I listen to Gold Star Mothers cry and beg God to bring back their child just one more time. I relate to the Mother's whose soldiers cam back and killed themselves. I still wonder when I am going to get that phone call. I hear the similarities of stories like my son's. I think about the wives whose husbands return and vent their frustrations on them. I work in human services and have started to see the Iraq vet's here. They are in so much pain, bleeding all over the place with invisible blood. And then there are the Iraqi people. Forgive us! My heart breaks again.

Most nights I don't sleep well. I keep thinking is there more I can do? We do not have another second, not another child to spare! My job has become so unimportant. And I can't stop being distracted.

I have been to DC twice this year already. Telling my story, telling other's stories. "Bring them home now, Take care of them when they get here and never put our loved ones in harms way again for a lie."

I remember looking in Dennis Hastert's blue eyes and thinking about PFC. Steven Sirko's blue eyes that will never open again. The Congressman comparing Iraq to a football game and me touching his arm and saying "Congressman our children don't die in football games. We don't have another child to give you."

Begging Senator Obama to help us. "We are looking to you for great things." Save our children.

I can not express in words the urgency I feel. So I may lose my job. I may lose my home. I may not eat on a regular basis. Since I started on this mission of peace I have been evicted (some landlords don't like when you post the number of dead) I have had an IRS audit. I have had people look at me with so much hate at times it was unnerving. So What? There are people dying as I write this and another Mother cries.

I am driven; my spirit will not let me rest. I will still stay in the frontlines. I will engage in acts of civil disobedience if necessary, I will not let a politician say they can not see me. And I will always be of peace. I have hugged the recruiter in my town and we have shed tears together. I have hugged the Speaker of the house. I must always show that I am of true peace. I shake the hand or hug every soldier I see. And the soldiers that have made it home, if I come into contact with them I tell them if they ever need help I am here. If there is a soldier who wants out , I will find you refuge.

Martin Luther King Jr. said "There comes a time when silence is betrayal." I have embraced that thought 100%. I do not pretend to have political savvy or be well versed on foreign affairs. I am just the mother of a soldier.

I beseech the people of America step out of your comfort zones; get out of those easy chairs. Pour out into the streets and demand an end to this war. Many of us are out here in the frontlines are waiting, wondering "Where is America?" Our children are dying, again.

Georgia Stillwell
Member of Military Families Speak Out

posted 28 july 2006

July 17, 2006
 
hello everyone and thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the letters and support you gave me during my time in the brig. i can not express how great it is to be home in austin again. i'm very overwhelmed right now by all i have to do to get resituated, but everyday gets a little bit easier. fyi-for the last 3 weeks i was incarcerated i didn't receive any mail at all because the postal clerk thought that i was trying to deceive her and correspond with media personnel, which was against brig rules. it's a long story, but i'm sure a lot of you had mail sent back to you because of it. i'm very excited because i've decided to leave for mexico on the 24th for a personal vacation and i'll be back in mid august. i will contact many of you then. i'm looking forward to catching up with people i have missed. thanks again friends.

hasta luego,

katherine

[Katherine Jashinski was released from the military brig in mid-July after completing her sentence. She was court-martialed and imprisoned for refusing to train with weapons after her application for discharge as a conscientious objector was turned down by the brass.]

posted 26 july 2006

July 4, 2006
 
My passing on a simple message to Cindy Sheehan may not make much difference to her, but I was immediately touched by her Fourth of July article ("Bombs Bursting in Air") about the American Flag. I have never imagined flying my American Flag. It would be a descration - far worse than burning it. I have never supported any war the United States was involved in since World War II. I have never been so angry and despondent about the loss of our democracy, although the Vietnam war was a close second. 

Virginia T. Kuykendall,
Upton, MA

posted 21 july 2006

June 28, 2006
 
OPPOSING THE NEW AMERICAN MILITARISM:
A MODEST PROPOSAL

I grew up a military kid. I lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis on a SAC base in central Florida, a 14-year old proud to be on "the front lines", if only as a military dependent. Coming out of high school, I had a 5th-alternate nomination to West Point - though the Air Force Academy was my real goal. Military service was, I thought, a guarantee that I would live a life devoted to fighting for goodness and truth.

Then something happened: Vietnam. Vietnam tore my generation apart - literally and figuratively. I remember going swimming with a friend in the 70s and seeing three round scars across his chest when he took off his shirt: "Machine gun fire," he explained; "the Tet Offensive." We both knew the scars went deeper than flesh, blood and bone, for Vietnam and the mistakes it represented scarred our faith in America. Vietnam was not about military life as I imagined it, it was about militarism: the conviction that military action is a quick and sure solution to complex problems.

After Vietnam, most of America rejected militarism, including many who opted for military life. The lesson was costly, but the price we paid seemed to have dispelled the belief that problems could be solved by throwing guns and bombs at them.

But now it`s come back.

I don`t know if the Gulf War was necessary. It seemed so at the time. Afghanistan? That one`s even harder to call. But Iraq is easy. It was a war started on the basis of cynical deceptions. And even if it had been justified, it was - and remains - catastrophically mismanaged. What was an arid and troubling political landscape has been transformed into a swamp that will breed toxins way beyond any horizon we can see.

And now there`s the challenge of Iran. Facing that hydra-headed monster with militarists at the helm scares the hell out of me - all the more so because I remember the Cuban Crisis, the nightmares of mushroom clouds, and the visions of melted flesh and charred bone that went hand in hand with it.

America has been hijacked by a New Militarism. The lessons learned in Vietnam have been set aside and the new generation that has been made cannon fodder will, like mine, be scarred for life - though in ways we won`t understand for years to come. And that`s not to mention the untold innocents who have been scarred - and worse - as the militarists act out their fantasies.

This country - and its military - deserve more than the dull-witted, self-justifiying leadership that hides behind a "war" on terror that never was and never will be a war. And it`s time to say so.

As of July 4, I`ll be wearing a black wristband each day to express my outrage at the fact that the lessons of Vietnam have been unlearned, the scarring of our national consciousness has begun again, and the young people and innocents who are always on the front lines will pay the heaviest price. Once again we`ve been manacled to a skewed and myopic vision of the world more appropriate to 1936 than to
2006. So I`ll wear my wristband as a symbol: in mourning for the dead and the scarred and the wounded, and in protest against the shackling of American values by the New Militarists.

The wristband comes off when the shackles do. Not before.

Dan Shanahan

posted 19 july 2006

June 26, 2006
 
Dear friends,
 
As sad as many of the stories shared by the contributors to this page are, I feel so energised every time I drop in.  I admire the writers, especially those who are currently serving in the armed forces, or are family members of someone serving.  I mean to sign your name to such letters denotes courage and principles. 

Like Adam Butler writes in his letter, I too would support the mission if I could believe it was just.  But I don't.  Also, I believe humanity must find an alternative to violence and war to bring about change, no matter how worthy the goal.  I would have a lot more respect for the United States government if it showed leadership in working towards that end.  But I am full of admiration for the American people who raise their voices for peace and justice.  I love your spirit, your humour, and your imagination.  

T-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers and other items featuring the peace sign wrapped in a yellow ribbon.  So beautiful!  And the peace stamp – what a clever idea!  The letters, the blogs, the marches, the vigils and all the other peace actions show the world that with Americans like you out there, there is much, much hope.

Gisele Mesnage
Sydney, Australia

posted 17 july 2006

July 11, 2006

click photo to enlarge in separate window

The story behind this image is pretty simple. Growing up in America the war I heard the most about was Vietnam, with 55,000+ US dead. So when the first American body counts started coming back they seemed, in comparison to what I had heard before, like very low numbers. I had cause to stop and really consider what these numbers meant to me. A lot of the information I have received about war has been driven by statistics: body counts, tonnage of bombs dropped, civilian casualties, dollars spent.

I think I am like most Americans when I say that statistics don't mean a tremendous amount. It is really just an abstraction of the reality of combat. Something that I have never experienced. I made this picture to help myself and hopefully others understand war in a new way. Image if a picture like this existed for every war. If we had an image of the total number dead in World War II could we possibly think of war in the same way?

Instead of 2,500 typed in black on a page or screen I choose to set up a photograph to show what the human cost, on the American side, really would look like. The incalculable emotional cost and the loss without measure that those who have lost someone feel could never be visualized.

I needed to do something and I chose to make this image.

Zach Gold

posted 14 july 2006

July 9, 2006

Thank you for your site… as I prepare myself and my four children for yet another deployment to Iraq … I find myself a tired military spouse war horse.. weary… I should never look into the eyes of such a young child and see such sad eyes.. or such an old soul. Please continue your fight to bring our loved ones home… the deployments are long… too much on even the strongest of families and soldiers. Please help us bring them home….

With a grateful heart,

Jo Anne
Ft. Hood, Texas

posted 12 july 2006

July 6, 2006

On June 28 I attended a peaceful protest, 650 people strong, in Clayton, MO [where George W Bush was at a fundraiser for incumbent Republican Senator Jim Talent] After the bulk of people had left, the Military Families Speak Out-Missouri President, Stacy Hafley, and I walked back to where we started our march to clean up.

The police had the street blocked off with more cops than I could count, but we asked if we could back over to the sidewalk and were told it was okay. We gathered all our things, picked up trash and were waiting for the others whom Stacy had carpooled with. While waiting, we saw most of the police leave towards the street we ended our march. Two officers were left. The front officer was at the corner and the second, parked right behind him with his K-9 in the back. The second car was in front of us. Both cops got out and were very casually "keeping an eye out," but neither was really paying much attention to what we were doing and they looked friendly, so we didn't think much of it.

About 7 minutes later, we saw George Bush's motorcade leave the motel. I was quite surprised when it turned down the street towards us. So, having everything packed up, Stacy and I simply stood up with our hands at our side displaying our t-shirts which simply read, "Military Families Speak Out" above a large peace sign with a yellow ribbon and below the symbol it says, "www.mfso.org" We never said a word; just stood as the motorcade rode by.

Now, of course, the president never looked our way, despite the few people 18 to 20 feet to our left that were clearly Bush supporters and were calling out to him. With the sun behind the SUVs that followed the limo, we could clearly see people holding guns aimed toward the roof of their vehicle. No big deal. What was surprising was the second SUV. The man in the back seat of that SUV had his window rolled down and was resting a very large gun with a scope on it. As the motorcade approached and as it turned another corner away from us, the guy was clearly aiming his weapon at us; scanning back and forth between Stacy and I, aiming at our chest/ neck regions. When we were no longer in his line of vision, but the other people were, he lowered the weapon down towards the ground.

Stacy: A few more details that I can add.... I know that the man with the gun was looking through his scope as he was scanning between us.

Stacy Hafley
(Military Families Speak Out-MO/Midwest President)
Tina Bushey
(Military Families Speak Out-MO/Midwest Vice President)

posted 10 july 2006

July 2, 2006

Hey Guys,
 
I just found your site www.bringthemhomenow.org and am anxiously looking forward to reading everything. Why didn't I hear about this site 2 years ago? I'm a retired US Army MSG, both SF, 82d and mech infantry experienced.

I am also a Vietnam combat vet and am in complete agreement with Stan Goff. I read his letter to the troops he wrote a couple years ago on the MFSO site 2 years ago and was 100% supportive of every thing he wrote. A Great letter !!! My son is an active duty Marine and has been to Afghanistan and my son-in-law is in the Army enroute to SW Asia. Just wanted to say hello and will probably send you comments in the near future. Want to start reading. I'm looking forward to reading the troop comments. God Bless You all and a heart felt thank you for your site.

Jack Ryan
Rising Sun, MD

posted 08 july 2006

June 20, 2006

This is our crew. We are from Fort Hood, TX. We are in Afghanistan until Feb 2007. Thanks so much for supporting us and trying to get us home. It really means a lot that you care [click image for larger version].

A Troop
151st TC DET (MC)
APO AE 09314

posted 01 july 2006

June 23, 2006

Howdy,

I just saw the pictures of the Walk to New Orleans. Man, I wish I could have been there. I returned from Iraq last summer with enough time to retire. Unfortunately it's been a bitter fight involving my Representative from Louisiana and someone in George Bush's office That's right, the President.

This pointless military adventure has become a management tool for career officers and NCO's who want that next promotion and another Bronze Star or Army Commendation Medal. The war in Iraq is not is getting more and more like the disaster we call the Second Indo-China (Viet-Nam) War.

I've been around a few years and I know this was war is pointless. We need to bring our troops home "now" before some idiots get control and screw it up like they did in Viet-Nam.
 
Thanks for listening

Major David Ford
A veteran of:
Viet-Nam 
Korea  
Desert Storm   
Afghanistan    
Iraq

posted 29 june 2006

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