Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

[EZLoader]

I recently started corresponding via email with a National Guard soldier stationed in Iraq. His unit is from the Boston area and he said our soldiers enjoy getting emails from US civilans. <br /><br />Last Xmas a gal in my office asked the Army for a list of lonely soldiers who don't get much regular mail (or e-mail) so we could correspond with them to let them know someone cares.<br /><br />I asked my soldier whether the Iraqi people would step up to role of democracy now that the elections are over. Here is his reply:<br /><br />"The people of Iraq are making great progress....I did have explain some concepts of free elections. They will be running the country in a few years. I don't see an American Role in a few years. We can leave and let them run their own country. I am very happy about their future. DO NOT LISTEN TO THE AMERICAN MEDIA......Cell phones are very popular in Iraq & there are lots of new cars & Sat. Dishes & electronics......Just wait for a few years to pass. Iraq is just under attack by outside interests. The problems are caused by people from other nations coming to Iraq to prevent freedom &a modern society. Have faith in the Future.*****take care, SAM"<br /><br />It's interesting to hear the perspective of someone who is actually facing this situation on the frontlines in Iraq vs. the general media.<br /><br />This is the second soldier I have talked to that is quite optimistic about the Iraqi people taking control of their future.

 

[QC]

Re: Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

Awesome!!! This is what I believe, so of course I like hearing it, but you bring legitimacy to that belief. Thanks!!<br /><br />Can you PLEASE post the link to the lonely soldiers list you mention? Any connection would be helpful. I want to adopt one!!!

 

[cpj]

Re: Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

Originally posted by QC:<br /> Awesome!!! This is what I believe, so of course I like hearing it, but you bring legitimacy to that belief. Thanks!!<br /><br />Can you PLEASE post the link to the lonely soldiers list you mention? Any connection would be helpful. I want to adopt one!!!

Ditto for me as well!

 

[EZLoader]

Re: Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

I'll ask the gal in my office who she contacted to get the names, addresses and email addresses of the soldiers who would enjoy getting some mail and get back to you with that information.<br /><br />Some of our guys and gals are completely alone over there (meaning no family back home to lift their spirits). They really need to know that we support them.

 

[EZLoader]

Re: Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

I just called the gal who gave me the address of my soldier who I write to. She told me to visit the following site for more information:<br /><br /> http://www.marineparents.com/ <br /><br />I went there and found that they are advising that the Dept. of Defense no longer encourages unsolicited email or mail to soldiers due to security concerns. <br /><br />This site now suggests other ways to support the troops and provides many examples with links to other webpages. I'm sure the other service branches have pages like this as well.

 

[DJ]

Re: Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

Interesting how this thread has so few responses. I think I know why.<br /><br />1. It doesn't throw flames at the current administration.<br /><br />2. We would rather believe an inflamatory media than someone that is ACTUALLY THERE.<br /><br />3. We Americans are in love with "sensationalism"-truth be damned.<br /><br />I have heard exactly the same sentiments from returning soldiers I have talked to.

 

[mikeandronda]

Re: Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

Im also supprised there are less posts on here.....I guess it is not very fun to talk about our successes in Iraq......Let me say Im so freakin proud to be American every time I read a post or see something like this. (Sarcasim on) Ya sure its all about the oil(sarcasim off)

 

[dogsdad]

Re: Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

I have a nephew over there who tells us not to even listen to what the news networks report. I am infinitely proud of him, proud of all our boys over there, and proud of my country.

 

[heycods]

Re: Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

Originally posted by DJ:<br /> Interesting how this thread has so few responses. I think I know why.<br /><br />1. It doesn't throw flames at the current administration.<br /><br />2. We would rather believe an inflamatory media than someone that is ACTUALLY THERE.<br /><br />3. We Americans are in love with "sensationalism"-truth be damned.<br /><br />I have heard exactly the same sentiments from returning soldiers I have talked to.

I think it didnt draw as many responses as you expected is because, the addresses to send e-mail never came through, Or were canceled by our military, for reasons I fully understand.This dosent mean we dont support our own troups. If I did not tell A Chappy who is going over and hes right here amoung us on Iboats. I stand behind them and our administration 100% and am damn proud of them. not mad just no smiley face.

 

[Link]

Re: Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

EZLoader <br />Good post<br />Sorry I didn't look at it earlier.<br />I just skipped over it because I didn't think it was going to be personal. Glad your involved!<br />Picture a Big Thumbs Up here! <br /><br />I see and hear this all the time. <br />But then I have family members and friends over there. They are proud of the work they are doing.<br />Plus I live in a Military town and we go on either McChord AFB or FT Lewis at least once a week.<br /><br />EZLoader <br />I can (not that you need it) give you a little back up on your soldiers story.<br /><br />A friend of mine in March last year was over there and had reporters (full crew) going along with him to the opening of a new school where they were taking supplies to. <br />(We built the school btw) even girls are allowed! <br /><br />A Bomb went off two blocks away! Guess what made the news here in America! Not the school! <br /><br />He was so ticked about it that he emailed me asking me to watch main stream TV news for 24 hours! All we got was one more soldier killed and two wounded! <br /><br />Just had coffee with him last week and he is headed back there next month! <br /><br />You don't volunteer to do something if you think it is wrong! <br /><br />Even if "I" don't think that part of the world is worth even "ONE" American life I can't hold a arguement with a nephew who is going over for the second time.<br /><br />He has BTDT and I haven't! He knows the people!<br />Friggen JAR HEAD! He would be proud of me saying this about him! but I won't let him know!

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

All passed on news not made from the media means more to me than network news. Good news coming from our soldiers is overwhelming. That is why the media does their best to distract from the real stories. The media wants doom and gloom because it keeps people glued to the radio or TV. Good news makes people happy and comfortable to go on with their lives without having an ear glued to the media. The media doesn't want that. All they want is ratings. We know that without freedom, they wouldn't have to worry about ratings, but maybe worry about having a job.<br /><br />I'm more likely to listen to the guy with his finger on a trigger than the idiot that is pushing a button on a camera.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

Over new years we had the company of a Marine on leave from the first expeditionary group. His reports echo those above. Nice to hear that type of news from those directly involved in the action.

 

[Pogo123]

Re: Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

Thanks, EZ .. good stuff to read ...<br /><br />I live right at Camp LeJeune and see, fish with and share a brew with active duty Marines on a daily basis. The email you shared is precisely inline with what I consistently hear returning Marines voice.<br /><br />And, the one universal laugh among them is over the "news" media. <br /><br />Thanks again ...

 

[EZLoader]

Re: Comments from American Soldier in Iraq

I initially wrote this post for 2 reasons...<br /><br />The first was to let others know that there are many lonely soldiers overseas, who don't get much,(if any )correspondence and they really appreciate hearing from someone...anyone. I was hoping others here could also find a way to participate in becoming a penpal (or email pal) to a lonely soldier.<br /><br />The second reason I posted this was the positive message my soldier friend Sam sent me which contradicted the media. I only included it after hearing the same message from a completely different soldier who is stationed in a completely different part of Iraq (down south on the gulf).<br /><br />I have mixed feelings about this war which is easy to do in my safe "Monday morning quarterback's chair." But I have not heard anything negative from any soldiers who are actually there. This in itself is the big story in my opinion that is not being covered enough in our media.