No Celebration for Troops Coming home
By JC1969
@JC1969 (1224)
United States
February 2, 2007 2:15am CST
As most of you on my friends list know, I'm a wife of a military man. I am often priviledged to news that many of you in the civilian population never hear about from the mainstream media, which I think definitely needs to be changed.
Every morning, I start my day with a crunchy and often hard to digest of meal of news supplied to us in the newspaper "Stars and Stripes" (http://www.estripes.com). We are treated to the numerous stories about the death of troops in Iraq, as well as the stories of the wounded, which is often downplayed to the civilian world. Many here that their are 'only' a little over 3000 troops that have died in this conflict, but they don't here about the over 22,000 severely wounded, or the percent of minimally wounded that have resulted in this war.
Well today, I felt my heart-strings tugging when I read the article about USAEUR (Army bases in Europe) not having funds to welcome our troops home properly. How sad is this?
http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=43244
The civilian world does not always hear about how this war has taken a toll on the way of life for our troops and their families. How it has been such a costly war, that the government instructs these theaters to cut programs that help the troops, that help their families. These are the first programs to go.
It just irks me that this war was based on lies, and our troops are being abused and misused by a Commander in Chief. Sure, I know, I know, they signed up for it. But what most people who aren't in the military do not understand, is that no troop signs up believing that the American population would allow a President, their Commander in Chief, and his administration to misuse their right and privilege to engage our troops in a war situation. There seems to be no accountability or responsibility on this level. They do not sign up believing that a President would ever abuse his powers.
We hear all about the President wanting 20,000 more troops, but do you know how he is going to get those numbers? He's not going to get them all by sending new troops. They are extending out tours for troops that are already there for over a year, and sending troops back, who have just returned. Sure, war is hell, but then you read an article that says basically, "We have no funds to welcome you dedicated and over-extended troops home." We can send you to an unjust war, we can allow a Commander in Chief to abuse his right to use the military, and we will cut all the benefits that use to be enacted to show our troops how much we appreciated their efforts.
Anyway, that's my vent for the day.
Anyone have anything they'd like to add to this?
11 people like this
23 responses
@mom2chriskel (1060)
• United States
2 Feb 07
Oh that is so sad. My husband came home stateside from Iraq and they still didn't have a welcome home thing. They came home in waves(took about 10 days for the group to get back to Pa--they came in groups of 4 or so a day). If the family wanted to be part of the festivities they had to travel to California while their battalion was based out of Virginia and his unit was from Pa. I didn't have the money for all the plane tickets and the hotel room.
His group is scheduled to go back to Iraq. My husband actually got out of the military this past December because he was just tired of how things were right now. His group lost a lot of people because they don't want to go back. It is sad that we are losing good men and ladies but I can't say I blame them!
2 people like this
@mom2chriskel (1060)
• United States
2 Feb 07
My husband had no trouble adjusting to being in Iraq. He said he saw things he wished he wouldn't have but he would go back if he had too. His battalion is just falling apart.
He was active duty and then went into the reserves. Some of the people in his group have said they are just weekend warriors and my husband said that isn't someone he wanted to fight beside.
There are a lot of people who aren't prepared. I don't think there is any amount of training that can really prepare you. You just have to hope it is something you can get through til you get home and get help.
1 person likes this
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
3 Feb 07
I was talking to my husband the other day about the unprepared soldiers. We are seeing this amongst the newly enlisted. They are enticed by the bonuses they get for joining, and the recruiters are recruiting in areas where many of these new troops had deviant behaviors that are considered unprofessional to the military. The problem is, we here how military service will shape them up and change their attitudes, and we are seeing just the opposite. Many of them joined for the wrong reasons and some of them flat out say, "I had nothing better to do and now I get a free-ride." Then my husband has to try to reach the unreachable--and we wives have to be fearful of who has our spouses backs because too many are there for the wrong reason. Alot of them don't even make it through their first duty assignments before getting busted for something and kicked out. It is no wonder they keep extending tours in Iraq to make the numbers, because they are not able to retain the troops in the numbers needed to be where we are.
@cplpacesgirl (754)
• United States
3 Feb 07
I completely know what you mean. It just infuriates me. My fiance is a US Marine and is stationed 1400 miles away from me, when he's NOT deployed. We've survived 2 tours to Iraq, one of which was extended. Now his EAS is coming up and they are trying to back him into a corner and "make" him re-enlist. I'm sure you know what I mean when I say that. They can't technically make you re-enlist, but they can make things hard for you. I love the Corps. It's been a part of my life for 5 years. But it just makes me so angry that no one seems to be paying attention. In my hometown, very few know what it's like to have a loved one in the armed forces. The few who do, are Army and get to see their loved ones all the time, except when they deploy. My fiance has been through so much and I am so proud of him. When he came home the second time, he had been on an extended tour. So he was told he could have leave. Well then the president called troops for something that I can't disclose, and he didn't get his leave to come home, after being on an extended tour. He was told that he could have leave in 6 months or so. So we, back home, had to try and scrounge up the money to go see him. His parents came up short. So I gave them my ticket. So that they could go see their son. And that's the kind of sacrifices we make. And don't even get me started on the sacrifices that our men make. It's insane! And I'm so proud of all of them. But, we should be showing them so much more respect. I make goodie packages for the men and women who are overseas. I also write letters to "penpals". I make blankets, send videos, magazines, food, and personal items (like soap and such). I have friends back home who look at me like I'm an alien. Wondering why I'd waste my time doing something like that for someone I'd never even met. I made these for my fiance. And he had other people out there who sent him packages too. How sad is it that there are men and women who receive NOTHING! It's just crazy. Honestly, how easy is it to sit down and write a simple letter? Or email? Or send a few little things like soap and shampoo. Tampons for the women over there!! It just aggrivates me that there are people who CHOSE to be ignorant about these things.
Now I know that there are MANY MANY people who DO help. And I am much obliged to all of you who do. But like you, it makes me mad to see some of this. Drives me crazy.
I'm so proud of my fiance. We should all be proud of the men and women who fight for us! And we should give them our respect and a proper welcome home.
2 people like this
@cplpacesgirl (754)
• United States
12 Feb 07
I don't live on base so it's harder for me to set some things up here. But I still do my best. I like to put together big care packages and send them over. I usually talk to my fiance and find out where to send them. He will choose one of his friends who is overseas at the time, and I'll send it to that person. that person will then distribute the care package items to his unit. I include things like batteries, flashlights, soap, tampons (for the women, you'd be surprised at how much they need those!), and other things like that. I just like to do what I can to help.
I know that my fiance is at home and safe for right now, but there are thousands who are still over there fighting. I just feel wrong sitting here and doing nothing.
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
3 Feb 07
They are extending them out and wearing them thin. It is definitely not a good situation.
Our base community is constantly donating items to send downrange. It is amazing that our troops do not have adequate supplies and most of that is do to lack of funds. We are constantly asked to donate things like flashlights and batteries and other essentials. To lift morale we consistently have cookie drives to send downrange for our troops.
I am not so upset about not having a welcome home that they are normally use to getting, because our overseas base communities pull together for our troops always. But, this is only a chip in the iceberg on programs that are and have been stripped of funding, and many other programs are very important to our troops and dependents.
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
2 Feb 07
that is just shameful!
OUr troops need a welcome home parade or what ever it takes to make them feel like they did something that was very appreciated by the american peoples.
My son is in the Air Force so I know a little bit but of course you know they cant reall talk about what is going on and I am very lucky to have him finally stationed here . Getting to know my grandson 5years old fianlly it is hard for he is a very hyper kid. and he screams all the time screams when he talks to you I have to calm him down so I can understand him properly
2 people like this
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
2 Feb 07
It's true, they can't really talk about everything, and neither can I. However, we are priviledged to news that you civilians can know, but seems to never make it to the mainstream media. It more often then not gets slid in so no one sees it--conveniently..LOL.
I'm glad your son is stationed near you now. We are based overseas for the last almost 4 years and have several more to go, but we enjoy it.
1 person likes this
@whattobegood000 (1179)
• China
3 Feb 07
it is shamefull but i should not talk because i am foriegn er ,
mylink:www.freewebs.com/mylotmoney
@usmcprincess (299)
• United States
2 Feb 07
I know exactly what you mean, my husband is a marine. We knew going back into this that there would be a chance that he would deploy and now I have found out that there is not a chance that he will not deploy. I think that a lot of times it is difficult for "civilians" to understand the hardship there is for the families that are left here without constant confirmation that our loved ones are not hurt. I just had my best friend go there and I worry about her everyday the same way that I would if it were my husband. I know that there is hardly anything done for our troops when they come home to tell them that we love them and that we appreciate what they have done for our country and it makes me sick!!! I have gone to banner making and card making parties for the troops by I can not stand the fact that this is all that is being done for our troops!!!
2 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
3 Feb 07
Yes, set up a fund to do this, make it a charitable fund and appeal to the people of this country who want to help our troops. Many people want to send them goods and help them but don't know what to do.
This could be a wayfor everyone to help out.
They could make gift boxes or card or send money. It could be a wonderful thing that you are doing.
1 person likes this
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
3 Feb 07
It's not just about a morale program losing funds. The point of this discussion is to enlighten to the fact that the first programs that are stripped of funding are ones that support the troops on so many different levels, like VA hospitals, rehabilitation centers that deal with the physical, psychological and occupational situations that result from war, programs that help the family and children of the troops cope with deployments and more. Education at DODea schools (that are for dependent children who are stationed at bases overseas) are being defunded left and right more then stateside schools often. This is the problem, this is what the American people need to know and hear. Why should we have to gather up essential items and send them in care packages, when those things are supposed to be readily supplied to the troops but aren't because of funds being stripped away. Sure lets send 20,000 more troops--sound nice but if only it was true, they are only extending out troops already there and sending back ones that just returned--any new ones will be a small percentage. These are the real issues. Engage our troops in an unjust war and then don't fund programs that benefit them.
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
3 Feb 07
Interestingly the majority of Americans now believe that the war in Iraq was an unjust war, that was started based on lies perpetrated by the Bush administration; and even a good many of supporters of this administration even believe that this war had no place taking place. There was no terrorism in Iraq, it had nothing to do with Sept. 11, there was an evil dictator that we had sanctioned his country for years, and that we had patrolled and monitored that area for years--which is why people who already knew there were no WMD there were outraged when it was suggested as a reason to go into that country. We do not make it a habit of going into foreign countries and taking out evil dictators that is not what our military is for, if it was then there are way more dangerous characters ruling countries that we should be going after, but we don't.
SO, I and the majority of our country do indeed have the right to say that the proof and evidence has reflect the mess in Iraq is an unjust mess created from lies.
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
3 Feb 07
I understand how you feel, my son is in the Navy. I hope your husband comes back safely.
I am not sure if I would call it and unjust war. I think Bush made mistakes saying why we went in there, but it has done some good. Unfortunately, the middle east is very unstable and we are in the middle of it now.
@elisa812 (3026)
• United States
4 Feb 07
That is so awful!! Our troops deserve the biggest and best welcome home possible!! I'm engaged to a soldier, and he is getting ready to go to Iraq sometime in the next couple of months. I'm already worried sick about him going over there in the first place, and then hearing things like this just makes it even worse! I completely agree with what you're saying, and I'm totally disgusted by everything that's happening right now. I am SO proud of my fiance and all the troops for doing what they're doing! Good luck to you and your soldier! :)
1 person likes this
@elisa812 (3026)
• United States
4 Feb 07
Yeah, the longer we're together, the more I'm learning! I had a horrible time at first getting used to never seeing him, but now I'm used to it, and I'm just thankful for our little phone "dates" hehe! It will be his first deployment since we've been together, so I guess now I'll see what it's really like! As much as it sucks not being together very often, it is so worth it in the end, and it just makes time together even better! :)
1 person likes this
@dizzybizzy1 (978)
• United States
2 Feb 07
My godson is one of these that are being kept in war. He has been in Iraq for a very long time and was supposed to come home about a month ago.
We've been told he wont be returning for at least another 6 months to a year.
I'm sorry to hear your news. I do feel for you and can understand your fustration.
1 person likes this
@dizzybizzy1 (978)
• United States
4 Feb 07
It really is. Not to mention what it does to the men over there. I cant imagine how they feel to think they are going home or have gone home, just to be told they are staying or returning.
1 person likes this
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
3 Feb 07
Remember the newly added 20,000 more troops this president claims to need to win the war in Iraq? Well, this is how he's getting his numbers. They are extending tours for those who are already so extended out, and they are sending back numerous others who just got back. It's a recipe for disaster.
1 person likes this
@vekyengineer (1079)
• India
2 Feb 07
It happens only within the home not with all the peoples those who are surrounded by them.
@ljcapps (1925)
• United States
2 Feb 07
In high school, i had a teacher who had a bumper sticker on the front of his desk. it said "I as Commander in Chief am ready, willing and able to send your sons off to war to die." and that's how i feel. We don't belong in this war. The closest thing i have to a brother is in Baghdad right now, and every day i wake up not knowing if he's going to be on blackout, or if i'm going to wake up to the news that we've lost him in a war i don't even believe in. He joined the Army to better his family, and himself. But in the meantime, we might lose him, and none of us would be better off. You have my good wishes for you and your husband.
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
3 Feb 07
The majority freely enlist with the best of intentions, but none enlist and ever think that their Commander in Chief would put them into battle unjustly. It is sad that many of them now feel that way, and they themselves are in harms way with this on their minds.
@linda345 (2661)
• Canada
3 Feb 07
That is really sad. I don't understand American politics that much as I am from Canada. I think we treat our troops that are over in Afganstan pretty well. When they come home they are welcomed for what they have done. My cousin is going to be deployed in a few days for Afganistan. I think all troops deserve a homecoming.
1 person likes this
@independent_inAK (274)
• United States
3 Feb 07
I too am a military wife although I was very fortunate to not have my husband deployed. Actually he was deployed but due to some circumstances never had to leave the U.S.
I'm not going to get into the politics of your discussion because I don't like to get into all of that but I do think it is wrong about what you say about the funds for welcoming home our weary troops.
The least they deserve is an apropriate welcome. I have friends and other family that are deployed and since I know a little from the military side of things I know what you mean by hearing of news that the civilian population doesn't hear about. Sometimes that's a good thing but sometimes I wish they new more. I wish they didn't hear all the bad. From what bad they do hear they should be supporting the troops and encouraging them more than anything. Our military men and women don't need to see or hear of protests and people that aren't supporting them. That only makes things worse and will bring the moral down. We need to encourage them to do their best and pray for they're safe and speedy return home. And yes, something needs to be done about welcoming them. Couldn't a non-profit organization be established specificaly for that reason? Maybe there already is but just isn't well known and needs more people to contribute to it. Hmmm...I'll have to look into that.
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
3 Feb 07
See, in our letters to the editor section in the Stars and Stripes, you see numerous letters from troops deployed with there thanks for those who go out on a limb to protest this war, and many of them do not see protesting the war as synonymous with not supporting our troops. The American people have to be the voice of our troops, because as we know they cannot walk away from their duty just because they don't agree with their Commander in Chief. This is why it is up to us civilians to walk the line and hold their Commander in Chief up to a microscope, and then hold him accountable for his actions. No Commander in Chief has the right to engage our soldies in a war for personal gain or based on lies they put together to sell this unjust war. So, you can support the troops and not support the lies.
The American people do not hear about the 'right bad' that is inflicted on our troops, like the lack of funds to support them in a time of war.
Overseas bases are the first to be stripped of funds for programs that support the troops, and I am not only speaking about de-funding a welcome home event that use to be huge and now will be a small potluck if even. The troops will be happy to be home. But there are many other morale and welfare type of programs that are getting cut because there are no funds.
@dirtpoorboy (156)
• United States
2 Feb 07
i really think that the soldiers should have a celebration for when they come home, even if i dont agree on the war i still support the troops 100%. my brother was in iraq for the first two years of the war and no one gave him credit for going at all. it actually limited him jobs because of people who didnt agree with it.
1 person likes this
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
3 Feb 07
It is not even so much the 'not having a celebration because the funds aren't available' that bothers me. Its that the civilian world has little knowledge that things de-funding of programs that lift the morale of our troops, and other very important support programs for our troops and our family are being cut--especially at bases overseas. A good many Americans aren't aware that we do have bases overseas, and these are the first bases that are targeted to reduce funding; and, it has a great impact on the way of life of our soldiers and dependents. Such a bad impact, that many do not want to re-up.
Businesses are not supposed to disqualify are soldier because of their views on the war, and I am sure this happens--yet another sad situation our troops face. We know several reservists that came back to no jobs because their tours in Iraq were extended and the company they worked for could no longer hold their position. There use to be legislation that was enacted under Clinton to prevent companies from doing this to military members, but this President let it lapse and put loopholes into the legislation, making it easier for these businesses to do this, and not giving the soldier any recourse legally. Then we also forget that there are over 22,000 soldiers that have returned disabled, and no longer able to do the jobs they once did--there are not nearly enough funded programs to adequately rehabilitate physically and occupationally.
@Makena1968 (682)
• United States
3 Feb 07
I loved your discussion. I do realize there's so much the government is not telling us about this war. To me, it is Vietnam all over again. I certainly don't understand everything that's going on, I just know it's wrong wrong wrong what's going on. You certainly have a valid reason to vent...and then some. My heart goes out to you, my prayers are with you and your loved one(s) over there, I pray they return to you safe and sane.
1 person likes this
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
3 Feb 07
Thanks for your warm words of encouragement.
See now, I liken this conflict to something entirely different from Vietnam. This war was started on lies that were given to congress and the senate and the American people and our troops. We now know they were and are lies, yet no one is holding the President and his administration accountable. Instead, he is allowed to use people in his administration as sacrificial lambs and scapegoats.
@Lush_heidi (994)
• United States
3 Feb 07
I thank your Hubby for his service,my hubby is a desert storm veteran,so my thoughts are with you. Mine lost 7 months with our then 2 year old, so I am glad your hubby was safe. There are so many untruths we havent been told about the war,and so many lies, and way too many innocent lives lost for this.
The troops deserve a welcome home,and I am afraid it gets worse for vets once they get medical care from the VA, welfare recipients on medical assistance get better care and thats a shame in itself~!
Kudos for your topic!
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
3 Feb 07
You are right, it will get worse. Many VA hospitals were shut down through out our country because of lack of funds. There is not nearly enough rehabilitation programs (for physical and occupational needs)to accommodate the over 22,000 severely and minimally wounded soldiers that return--why? Because of cut backs on funding. I wish it was as simple as lack of funds for morale programs, but there is a bigger issue with lack of funds for many important programs.
@sillygirlsd (959)
• United States
5 Feb 07
So what you are saying that when they come back from their tours they should have a welcome back celebration? I guess to you seeing your husband isn't enough! If it was me in your position I would be happy just seeing my husband and seeing my husband be reunited with his family. I've been to a few welcome backs and it's really not all that! I know how you feel hearing bad news from these sites but let me tell you...unless you hear it from someone that is actually there you don't know if it's true or not! I know my sisters husband would call her each time some casualty happened just so she would know that he was okay and that is the best news she could ever recieve. I think that the troops know how much they are appreciated by the people that surrounds them. Seriously I don't think that anyone but their families have any appreciation for them..yes there are people that carry signs or say thanks for fighting for our freedom but no one really appreciates it as much as you! am I right or wrong? Let your husband celebrate with you and no one else!
@sillygirlsd (959)
• United States
5 Feb 07
Well, As I was reading what other USERS wrote Almost NONE of them mentioned what I was so 'IGNORANT' about! Why didn't you write 'YOU ARE MISSING THE WHOLE PICTURE' to them also. Sure the Military could spend their money on different programs for the troops....If you didn't want a response like mine then you should of changed the TITLE of YOUR DISCUSSION!
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
6 Feb 07
First off, I will say it again go back and re-read the discussion I created, I even point to it being more than just not having a formal celebration at overseas bases (and even many back at stateside bases), not being the only problem; and that is has to do with de-funding of important programs that benefit the troops and even their dependents--serious programs. But, you don't hear about it, because it happens mostly to the overseas bases that many Americans don't realize our contry has. (Main discussion paragraph 4)
Page 1 of this discussion (my responses): 2nd respone, 7th response, 9th response.
Page 2 of this discussion (my responses): 2nd response, 8th response, 10th response.
Page 3 of this discussion (my responses): 2nd response, 4th response, 5th response.
I did respond and try to help them understand it wasn't about not having a celebration as HUGE as the troops coming home normally expect, and that it was more to do with the fact that numerous programs are being cut and de-funded because there is no money, and the first programs to go are ones that service and help our troops in more ways then just socially. You however warranted my sarcasm, as you came across sarcastically like you were condemning me for bringing this topic to light. Our military communities are strong and we all pull together when push comes to shove. Our soldiers get the appreciation, but there are many things we can't do for them if the funded programs no longer exist, which many Americans are not aware of. I tried to shed some light on that--you however came into my discussion with a sarcastic tone--so, expect to be put in your place. I've been married to this way of life for almost 19 years, so I do indeed know how to support our troops and my husband, but again if you really truly read every response someone else made to this discussion and then the way I responded, you would know I've been at this a long time--and I am not complaining about not having a celebration for the troops--a point you would have gotten had you read this discussion.
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
5 Feb 07
Ignorance is bliss isn't. You missed the whole point of this discussion. I suggest you re-read every response in here. You will see that the main point of this discussion has nothing to do with not having a formal celebration for the troops and the families who are stationed overseas and not at stateside bases, but rather to point out that there are many many other important programs that go to support our troops and their family for that matter, that are being CUT OUT because there are no funds. Programs that assist them when they are wounded, and can no longer perform the duties the military requires them to do. Sure a grand celebration for homecoming is expected and has helped the moral of our troops, especially those single guys and gals who do not have families to welcome them back while they are stationed at overseas bases. But that is the least of the problem--it's the fact that the money for many programs, not just for celebrations, I speak of important programs that benefit our troops in so many other ways (rehabilitations and occupationally and more) are being de-funded because the government can no longer fund them. SO, we send them off to war, and we can't take care of them adequately when they get back--not just social programs.
So, please go back and re-read this whole discussion before you post something that is totally off-base with what is being discussed.
Believe me my spouse will always get the welcome home he deserves. I suggest you think out of the box a little. Do you not know that we have military and military dependents that are stationed at bases world-wide?
@DavidReedy (2378)
• United States
10 Feb 07
I'm not sure I could possibly add anthing to what you've said, but it does feel good to know there's someone out there--better still that they're married into the military--who feelsl like I do. I Love my country. I support my troops. I hate this war, and I hate the lies it was founded on.
God bless.
David A. Reedy...
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
11 Feb 07
Hello. I think the 22,000 injured is the little secret they don't want to ge out to the public at large.
The lack of support for this war, by the people prosecuting this war amazes me. I've read stories her in New Jersey, where families of the troops are collecting basic supplies to send to the troops.
To be honest, I'm not a big fan of this war, however the troops should be given ever available option to defend themselves and to protect themselves.
The troops should get a parade when they come home and people should also visit VA hospitals.
Stay strong.
Lloyd Cope
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
11 Feb 07
You're right, Lloyd, the eventual number of injured is going to be huge. And many of those have problems like traumatic brain injury. Giving someone a prosthetic leg or arm is simple compared to trying to retrain someone's brain that's been injured in a bomb blast--if the retraining can take place at all.
I just hope the government makes sure that the VA health system is fully funded to take care of all these wounded service members.
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
4 Feb 07
That is just heartbreaking! My brother is going to Iraq on Feb. 7th--- He is a sergaent in the US Army. He has been in the Army since 1990.. and plans to retire after 20 years. He is the father of 3 great kids-- 15, 12 and 7..He is the husband of a great courageous woman who is afraid of raising 3 kids on her own. He is a brother of the most PROUD sister in the world! He is a US Soldier!
He is not afraid-- We are afraid-
When the time comes I cannot imagine someone saying we do not have enough $$ to honor our soldiers home- with a celebration! Give me a break!
Shame on the government for this--
My brother is one of the lucky ones- Its his first time in Iraq-- He went to Saudi back in Desert Storm.
God Bless our SOldiers!
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
4 Feb 07
Yeah, here overseas where we are stationed, we get little news promo type segments (AFN is our satellite), and the new motto they keep pumping to us is "there are only going to be two types of soldiers, those that have been to Iraq and those that are going."
I've been doing this lifestyle for 18 years, and I know what it takes to be the strength and support--the backbone of this family.
As I said in an early response, it is not so much the hooplah of not having the formal flare of a celebration event that peeves me, so much as the fact that most civilians do not realize that so many programs that benefit our troops are the first to be cut because there are no funds. Yeah a huge celebration would be great, but I know that base communities always pull together and will make the welcome home special regardless of not have huge amounts of free food, and top name entertainers coming to meet, greet, and perform. It's that programs that benefit our troops, in general, are being cut. There is no enough funding to establish the needed and deserved rehabilitation services for the numerous (over 22,000) troops that are coming back severely disabled and injured--these families are left high and dry to deal with this. There are many programs that are for the welfare of the soldier and his dependents that are getting cut. Now me, I can support myself and my children, if forbid I had too, but there are many more wives that never obtained the skills to be a member of a workforce--and programs that would help them are being cut. This peeves me to no end.
@fxfriski (209)
• Singapore
27 Feb 07
As someone who wears the uniform myself (Non US), you have my great respect. I am disgusted by how most countries and their people view the uniform.
The problem as I see it is there are too much bad publicity and unappreciation for those who serve. Nobody will thank you for standing up and protecting them. They can't wait to bash you with any given chance.
My question would be, is the Goverment respeonsible for it or are the people themselves who are responsible for it?
Some peace movement activists label soldiers as murders. (I would love to see the look on their face when they get slaughter by the enemy. But that isn't going to happen on my watch.)
If the people they serve are not appreciative, I doubt the Goverments can openly welcome them home. (Vietname veterans... anyone remember their plight?)
