How many has a Kid in Iraq?

[HVSTRINE]

When my Son-in-Law joined the Navy 2 years ago I thought he'd be safe on a carrier somewhere. Then he goes and picks Air Ordinance as his job. Loading bombs on planes on the ground. Now he's leaving for Iraq in the next couple weeks. I'm proud of his service to our country but I sure wish this war would end.

 

[mphy98]

Re: How many has a Kid in Iraq?

Having served myself a long time ago, I am proud of your son's service. I have a next door neighbor's son-in-law there, and I also have a cousin's husband there. I can try to be non political here and will try to not upset anyone with my comments. Please talk to anyone who has been there. It is nowhere near as dangerous as our media has made it out to be. Yes sometimes bad things do happen, BUT there were more people murderd in Chicago last year than our brave people in Iraq. Take comfort in the fact that he has been well trained and is in a job that is well out of harms way. I am sure he will be safe, and you can look forward towards his homecoming, just as our mothers and fathers did. Plus remember that this was his choice to do, and I applaud him for that. It fills my heart with pride to know that there are still brave and patriotic young people out there willing to serve. That said, here comes the political part.... I would not encourage my son or daughter at this junction to enter the service because of the current political climate. I am not talking about this, but all the administrations since Kennedy. We need the politicians to stay out of the militarys way once they make a decision to put our people in harms way. Once that happens they need to get out of the way untill complete victory is at hand. I was at the wall this week with my son's 8th grade trip and I can tell you it was a very moving trip to remember what happend back then. 57000 of our people, some friends of mine died for nothing because we turned tail and ran because of the political people. We Had The War Won!! But we were bluffed out of it and negotiated out of the country. The military has two jobs, and they are not pretty. Kill people and break things. I will say it again, once we start, we need to finish, at all costs, otherwise you will always have tyrants barking at the door. Untill Russia backed out of Afganistan no one would mess with them. Now look at them, same problems that we have. We have the best trained and best equipped people in the world. No one can take us down unless we let them. God bless your son, and all the troops everywhere. I also wish him godspeed to a safe journey home. Sorry if I have offended anyone with this, but this is how I feel.

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: How many has a Kid in Iraq?

i don't know who has what child in iraq or afghanistan, or any other war torn area, but either american or canadian i thank GOD everyday for the sacrifice they make so we can enjoy what we do best. my father served in ww2 on the hitler line in italy and was wounded, twice in one day,
both physically and mentally. he was not the same since. he died some 12 years ago but i thank him every day for the sacrifice that i can ***** about the simple things in life. he saw things in the few months that he served before he was wounded that most would never see in a lifetime. although he never spoke too often of the things he saw, he did slip now and then, after a few drinks, the odd story that he witnessed. it wasn't pretty. although he wasn't the easiest to get along with, the torment that he dealt with everyday, makes me realize how easy that we north americans have it. i thank him every day that i sit on my deck and enjoy a cold beer and a hot steak on the bbq. he and others suffered greatly so we don't have too. we are so blessed that we don't even know. thank you veterans. GOD BLESS.

 

[HVSTRINE]

Re: How many has a Kid in Iraq?

Thank you for the kind words. I agree that the men who are trained and in position should be the ones to decide when to pull the trigger in a situation like we are in. When I served 27 years ago I was lucky enough to do my hitch during a period of relative peace. I was commited to the fact that I very well could be called to fight at any time and was ready if needed. My son-in-law also knew it when he raised his hand. We have faith that the Lord will bring him home safely. Harley

 

[gonfishn]

Re: How many has a Kid in Iraq?

I along with other vets here salute your son for the service he is doing. He is doing what many of us here did long time past.

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: How many has a Kid in Iraq?

Semper Fidelis

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: How many has a Kid in Iraq?

I don't know anyone but I feel for all that are there, going there or have a loved one that is out there.
My families thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I also wish it would end.

 

[eaglejim]

Re: How many has a Kid in Iraq?

God Bless all of our men and women serving

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: How many has a Kid in Iraq?

I posted my son's picture but he finished his enlistment 2 years ago.Then he joined the National Guard (Tank Unit).Several of his buddies from his last tour were "recalled" and are in Iraq.

In February he told me bad/good news.His guard unit is being deployed to Afghanistan-BUT-he won't be going as he will be going to OCS Training.

Hoping for some kind of peace SOON.

 

[HVSTRINE]

Re: How many has a Kid in Iraq?

Just found out today. He leaves on Mothers Day May 10th. I just needed someone to whine to. thanks for being there guys.

 

[aspeck]

Re: How many has a Kid in Iraq?

Best friend's kid is a Marine ... will be deployed soon to Afghanistan. I am so proud of Zach, and all that serve and protect our country and others.

And HVSTINE, that you, and your son, and family, for your sacrifice as well. May God bless you and watch over your son while he is doing his duty.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: How many has a Kid in Iraq?

That said, here comes the political part.... I would not encourage my son or daughter at this junction to enter the service because of the current political climate. I am not talking about this, but all the administrations since Kennedy. We need the politicians to stay out of the military's way once they make a decision to put our people in harms way. Once that happens they need to get out of the way untill complete victory is at hand. I was at the wall this week with my son's 8th grade trip and I can tell you it was a very moving trip to remember what happened back then. 57000 of our people, some friends of mine died for nothing because we turned tail and ran because of the political people. We Had The War Won!! But we were bluffed out of it and negotiated out of the country. The military has two jobs, and they are not pretty. Kill people and break things. I will say it again, once we start, we need to finish, at all costs, otherwise you will always have tyrants barking at the door. Until Russia backed out of Afghanistan no one would mess with them. Now look at them, same problems that we have. We have the best trained and best equipped people in the world. No one can take us down unless we let them.

I gotta say, I'm about as left wing as they come but I 100% agree with this statement. You are dead on correct. Once the politics get involved is when everything goes bad. Our troops would be home by now if they'd been given clear direction/objectives and been allowed to finish the job.

 

[avenger79]

Re: How many has a Kid in Iraq?

my son finished his deployment to Iraq with the Army a little while ago. He will soon be discharged with 100% disability. vehicle accident, hurt his back and after many surgeries they have determined it can't be fixed. It could have been much worse.
my younger son is thinking of going in this year.

I will say this at first you are always wondering where are they, what are they doing, how bad is it, why haven't we heard from him? After a couple months you reserve yourself to they're going to be fine. They made it this far it's all going to be ok. They do get to make calls from time to time, email now and then. Communication is not nearly as "instant" as we would like or are used to but it does come.

Funny I was recalled for Saudi in the 90's and I was less scared for myself then I was for my son.

Just remember, they are trained to do their job and they're very good at it.