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A Veteran Speaking Out
September 7, 2008
Lately we’ve all had politics overload this past year, with the Democratic and Republican primaries and now the two candidates having been chosen by their respective parties, to represent them in the Presidential bid. I’ve said all along, that I don’t hold a whole lot of faith in politicians and often feel that our country would be much better off, if “we the people” were more able to be in control of the inner workings of our government. However, I do know, that I will chose to vote for the person who most closely reflects my beliefs. I feel that it’s extremely important that we really listen and research each of the candidates, their past actions and words, before we decide who we’re going to vote for. I also believe, because the war in Iraq is such a crucial issue in this year’s Presidential race, that we also listen to the men and women who are or have fought in Iraq. Listen to their assessment of what has and is occurring there and think about which candidate you feel will do what’s best for our Troops, the Iraqi people and ultimately our Country. For many years, I’ve not voted based on which political party a candidate represents, but instead based on that person, what they promise they will accomplish if they are elected and based on their past history. I’d like to provide our readers with the opportunity to listen to one young veteran, listen to what he has to say about the war in Iraq, his thoughts and beliefs. After watching this video, really think about what he has said. If you have the opportunity, talk to veterans of the war in Iraq and ask them their opinions, before you make your final decision. Be informed, be aware and be an educated voter, one who doesn’t take the candidates words on face value, but instead a voter who is willing to do some digging before you make your decision.
Alqaeda Leaving Iraq for Afghanistan???
August 2, 2008
Greetings,
As some of you have already heard, Alqaeda has reportably left their fight in Iraq for the more rugged mountains of Afghanistan. I am here today to tell you that this is a grave trap and a bold new tactic that the terrorists are trying on our troops. Do not believe this for any reason.
The aim is to allow U.S. and coalition forces to “simmer down” for a while. If they focus on Afghanistan, the hope is that we here in Iraq will lower our guard and ultimately leave ourselves open for a direct attack. I want everyone to know this scheme and for all of our forces in both Iraqi and Afghani fronts, “Stay alert”. This could be a very serious outcome if we let ourselves get complacent.
I don’t believe the stories for one second about Alqaeda leaving Iraq. The truth is, they are just waiting for the right moment to attack with swift and deadly accuracy. I.E.D.s are becomming less likely here in Iraq, but don’t let the lull in fighting fool you, as I have said before, this is a new tactic that Alqaeda is trying.
This is a warning to all friendly forces in O.E.F and O.I.F. theaters of operation, be prepared for a possible sneak attack by Alqaeda. These people don’t just give up, something fishy is going on and I don’t like the feeling I have right now. They are planning something really big, they wouldn’t just give up the fight, especially what? 5,6, 7 years later, that would be like taking over a country, then saying ok, we quit, we’re leaving. Don’t buy this idea for a minute. Head my warning, I think something is up.
Soldiers on ground, stay alert, stay alive. Keep your heads up and report any suspicious activities to your local chain of command. We hav to stay focused if we want to get out of here in one piece. I want everyone to know this, my feelings on the war. I’m here in the middle of it, and I know exactly what’s going on. I assure you, things are not what they are being made out to be. Alqaeda is planning something, I know it, and I can feel it. Anyways, I just wanted to give everyone a heads up. Don’t believe what is going on. My gut instinct tells me otherwise.
Opsec is the key, do not divulge information that could be detrimental to our forces. For those of you who are expecting troops home. Do not, under any unceartain terms, ask them their location and how many troops are with them. We must stop the enemy, before they can get us. This is a game of cat and mouse, don’t let the cat win.
Remember our troops and pray that we can get out of this predicument and get home to our families soon. I thank you all here on ASM for your support. Without you, we have nothing.
Presidential Candidates & Town Hall Meetings In Military Towns
July 15, 2008
Normally, I tend to keep politics out of the stories I write here. That is, until it directly effects the military, which I feel this particular story does. I feel that it’s extremely important that Presidential Candidates are able to relate to the Troops that they’ll be leading as Commander in Chief and I feel it’s just as important that these candidates make themselves available to answer questions that the Troops might have.
On Monday, August 11th several military groups in the Fort Hood area have scheduled a town-hall style meeting that will be televised nationwide. The airing will be live, from 9pm to 11pm Eastern Time on CBS. Invitations to appear at the event have been given to both John McCain the presumptive Republican Presidential Candidate and Barrack Obama, the presumptive Democratic Presidential Candidate. So far, only Senator John McCain has agree to attend. Obama has yet to agree to attend. People from his campaign say that Obama already has a previously scheduled event on August 11th, yet when the group planning the event said that they’d work with the candidates on dates, they have still not responded. At the meeting, each candidate would face questions from an audience of approximately 6,000 people, that will be made up of veterans, active duty service members, as well as their family members.
“I’m having extreme difficulty getting the Obama campaign to commit to this event, and we do not understand why,” said Ms. Picard, whose husband is currently deployed in Iraq. “We made it very clear to them that if they would commit to the event, we would work with them on dates.”
This makes me wonder, what exactly is Barrack Obama afraid of? With Fort Hood being the largest active-duty military installation in the United States. By appearing at this event, one would think that Mr. Obama would be able to reach a very large representation of military members and veterans to share his vision for the military and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, should he be elected President.
The town-hall meeting is scheduled to be held at the Bell County Expo Center in Belton, Texas, which is a community on I-35 located about 25 miles East of Fort Hood. With Fort Hood being the largest military installation, both candidates would have an opportunity to speak to veterans, service members and their families, about issues that directly involve them and are such pivotal parts of the Presidential campaign. Being the largest military installation, it’s estimated that about 800 of the deaths in Iraq alone, have come through Fort Hood.
What’s surprising to me, is some of the organizers of the event, are that the opinion in this area of the country is divided between Barrack Obama’s stance and John McCain’s stance on how the war in Iraq should be handled. This is the perfect avenue for each man to share their vision with the men and women that they would be asking to maintain the security of the country, should they be elected. For me, that says a lot about Barrack Obama and what he thinks about our Troops, our Veterans and their Families. That only leads me to one opinion, which is, If Barrack Obama doesn’t have the gumption to stand up in front of our Troops, Veterans and their families at Fort Hood on August 11th or another scheduled day, and answer any questions that they might have of him, then I believe that he doesn’t have what it takes to lead this country and to conduct the business of this country as President and he especially doesn’t have what it takes to be Commander in Chief of our country’s Armed Forces. Sorry buster, but you definitely won’t be getting my vote in November.
From Soldiers To Aspiring Politicians: More Iraq Vets Run For Congress
June 10, 2008
In the past, Veterans of previous conflicts that the United States has been involved in, have opted to try their hands at politics, once their military duties are completed. Since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have began, several veterans of the current conflicts have tried chosen to enter politics as well. This year, twice as many veterans of the war in Iraq are running for seats in Congress, than in 2006. Currently there are more Republican Iraq Veteran candidates, than there are Democrats.
Some of those Iraq Veteran candidates are facing primaries and some are even considered longshots. Depending on the outcome in November, it’s very possible that the number of Combat Veterans who serve in Congress, could very well increase. According to reports, since 2000, the number of Combat Veterans serving in Congress has been decreasing. There’s no way to know if a particular candidates having served in Iraq will make citizens more likely to vote for them come November, or not. According to one political editor, Nathan Gonzales, currently the economy has surpassed the Iraq war as an issue of top concern with many voters.
“Veteran candidates are going to have to prove they can speak on a wide variety of issues including the economy,” he said. “They’re going to have to run a real campaign, raise a whole lot of money and make the case why the incumbent should be fired.”
Currently there are at least 10 Democratic candidates and 20 Republican candidates who are Veterans of the war in Iraq, running for seats in the House of Representatives. There are none running for seats in the Senate. There are several notable aces in several states: Read more
A Moment Of Silence Per Month In Honor Of The Dead And Injured
May 16, 2008
A law maker in North Carolina had made a proposal is looking for a way to send a clear signal to the military community, that the members of Congress are aware of their sacrifices. Representative Walter Jones, who himself has served in the North Carolina National Guard, has introduced a resolution calling for a change in House proceedures and he plans to take his cause directly to the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Jones is asking for the House of Representatives to have a moment of silence, one day each month in recognition of the Troops who have been wounded or killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
With all of the political grandstanding, when it comes to anything related to the wars, especially in Iraq, it’s often difficult for the Troops to really feel that anyone in Congress supports the Troops or that they recognize the sacrifices that they’re making. I often wonder if they’d much rather just see their names in print and hear their names on the news, than really put some thought into how their behavior affects all of their constituents, let alone our Troops. I, myself find it difficult to trust anything I hear come from a politicians mouth, because often they don’t back up their words with action. So this resolution really caught my attention. It’ll be interesting to see how it’s received by the rest of the House of Representatives.
“I don’t see how anyone could oppose this,” Jones said.
While Jones opposes our Troops being in Iraq, he still feels that our Troops deserve this honor. I respect his feelings about that, and while I might not share the same beliefs as him, it’s nice to see someone in Congress willing to stand up and recognize the sacrifices that have been made for our country.
“A moment of silence each month in the US House of Representatives to honor America’s service members who have been killed or wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan, would serve as a solem thank you from a grateful nation,” Jones said. “I believe this is a resolution that all members of the House can support and I am hopeful that the leadership of the House Rules Committee will move quickly in passing this resolution.”
Currently the House starts each day of their legislative sessions with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Congressional Record is filled almost daily with tributes to service members, often eulogies for those who have died, tributes to those who have retired after long periods of service or have significant accomplishments. It’s only fitting that the Congressional Record should also include a moment of silence in honor of the fallen and injured.
Co-Founder Of Vets For Freedom Announces Bid For Congress
March 27, 2008
We’ve often said that what the country needs in Congress, is Veterans who understand, from first hand experience, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. What the country needs is men and women who have served and who will do what is needed to ensure our Troops are taken care of, both at home and on the battlefield. Currently, there are several Veterans serving in Congress, but we can always use more. We need men and women who can advocate for the Troops, from the standpoint of the Troops, and don’t have an agenda tied to some special interest group, who wants to line their pockets. Hopefully, with te information I just recently received, that will in fact become a reality.
New York native and Iraq War Hero, retired Army SSG David Vellavia announced that he will run for Congress, in New York’s 26th Congressional District, following the retirement of Republican Representative Thomas M. Reynolds. Bellavia will suspend his participation in the Vets for Freedom’s National Heroes Tour.
David Bellavia is the recipient of both the Silver and Bronze Stars, and the Conspicuous Service Cross, New York State ’s highest award for combat valor. He has also been nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor, as well as the Distinguished Service Cross, for actions he took in a hand to hand battle in Fallujah in November 2004. As most of you know, Bellavia is also the author of House to House: An Epic Memoir of War, which is the story of his experiences in Iraq.
“The National Heroes Tour has been enormously rewarding,” Mr. Bellavia said, “but it is necessary to take a sabbatical from it now to spend time with Republican Party officials and community leaders here at home. I am hopeful that my next service to the country will be as a congressman from the State of New York. Working towards that end will take every ounce of my strength, energy and focus during the next seven months.”
It was my honor to be able to meet David Bellavia, just last week on the Vets For Freedom National Heroes Tour, made a stop at Fort Hood, Texas. I was impressed by his passion to advocate for what the Troops need, his passion about allowing our Troops to finish their jobs in Iraq and Afghanistan and his willingness to take the time to visit with each and every person who asked him to sign their copy of his book. In my mind, what better person for this job, then a man who’s been there, done that and knows full well what our Troops need.
Besides his involvement with Vets For Freedom, David has accomplished other great things. In Batavia, NY, where David lives with his wife and two sons, he has founded a local Veteran’s Coordination Center that focuses on the early treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other veteran-related issues and outreach programs. He’s passionate about the work he does and that passion is just what Congress needs at this juncture.
When asked if he was concerned about his political inexperience, David didn’t seem too concerned. He’s faced much tougher situations, life and death situations in the past. He’s more than proved the type of person he is.
“When you literally realize that your life depends on character and your life depends on consistency and motivating you find out that.” says Bellavia “You know what politicians don’t often times make the best leaders. Leaders are born, leaders are bred and I was baptized by fire and I think that I’m doing this because I believe I’m being called to serve.”
I think that David will make a great Congressman. I’ll be watching that race closely and letting our readers know, as things develop. Good Luck David and know that we’re behind you 100 %!
Go to the first link below to see a video of David’s announcement.
A Time To Reflect
January 18, 2008
Greetings,
As we continue to push through 2008, we must look back at the events that shaped our nation and made us what we are today. I start with December 7th 1941. This is a day that went down in the history books as one of the worst military disasters in history.
On December 7th 1941, Pilots from the Japanese Air Force, attacked Pearl Harbor, killing many men, and causing millions of dollars in damage. Our forces, relaxed from a hard 1st quarter of work, had no idea of the attack and slaughter that would ensue. That fatal attack rocked us out of our peaceful slumber, and the idea of avoiding the war. We were brought into WWII and the ending of 2 empires. The first being Hitler’s Nazi Germany, and the second being the Japanese control over the Pacific, to include; Midway Island, Johnston Atoll, the Philippines, and parts of Eastern China.
The German war would have ended with victory had it not been for 2 blunders on Hitler’s part.
1. Hitler, after a decisive victory over every country in Europe, except Switzerland who remained a neutral territory; attempted to invade Great Brittan from France’s North Shore.
2. Hitler ordered his forces to invade Russia. His target “Moscow” and the Communist Party’s headquarters.
Now that Hitler was fighting a 2 front war, it seemed that his mistakes would come back to haunt him for the remainder of his days. With an elite battle hardened force, The Royal Navy, and Air force began to take back Europe, and had the German Forces in full retreat. On the Eastern Front, German Forces came literally within 15 miles of Moscow, however, Hitler’s men were tired, hungry, freezing cold, and lost all their motivation. Hitler sent them through with limited supplies and ammo, which ultimately caused them to lose their steam. They ran out of food, equipment began to break, and the men got no support from back in Berlin. When the Russians got their chance, they attacked and pushed through the German line and began an invasion plan that would take them straight into the heart of Berlin. Most of Hitler’s men surrendered to the Russians, but many died soon after, due to the bitter temperatures, malnutrition, and killings that the angry Russians committed on them.
By this time, shortly after December 7th 1941, American Forces became involved and began operations for the liberation of Europe. Now with Hitler having 3 sides to fight against, he had nowhere to go, but down. Mila 18, the secret bunker and headquarters for the Nazi Party, Hitler, his wife Ava Braun, their children, and other key members of Hitler’s Alliance, would ultimately be Hitler’s final resting place.
Our beloved 82nd Airborne Division and other airborne elements, launched a surprise attack on Hitler’s Forces in Northern Africa and began the liberation of Europe. It was a race between British General, Montgomery, or “Monty” if you will, and American General “George S. Patton”. The race took them through northern Africa, eventually liberating Italy, then up through Europe to the final destination “Berlin, Germany”. Some time during the spring and summer of 1945, German Forces surrendered at Berlin and the clash between the Democratic West, and Communist East, created the Berlin Wall, which stood for over 30 years before it was finally torn down.
Now we turn our attention from Germany to Japan. On August 6th, 1945. Hiroshima saw for the first time the destructive might of the United States most horrifying weapon. The Nuclear Bomb! Hiroshima was bathed in an eerie orange glow after a detonation of a nuclear bomb dropped from the “Enola Gay”. Witnesses described the scene as one of the most horrifying sights possible. People were astonished and scared when they saw that giant mushroom cloud pushing up from the earth. Japan was reeled and caught off guard by the attack.
Another bomb was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9th, 1945 which brought WWII to its conclusion. The Atomic Bomb ended the war, but would be an ominous threat which to this very day threatens to wipe us from the face of the earth.
A nuclear proliferations treaty was signed into place, and the largest most powerful nations agreed that the bomb should never be used as a threat against another country, and that each nation should disarm their nuclear weapons programs in an effort to stop the possible nuclear nightmare.
There were 5 superpowers at that time, Japan, Germany, Italy, Russia, and the United States. Today, we are the last remaining superpower. A perspective on each country reveals that, Germany has recovered since that dreaded era of 1939-1945, the rule of Nazi, Germany. Since then, Germany has been one of our biggest allies and even today, they offer some support in the war on terror which is currently plaguing the Middle East. Germany has also perfected their industrial capabilities with manufacturing of sophisticated automobiles and trains. Germany is the U.S. second largest supplier of vehicle manufacturing plants, next to Japan.
Russia has had a regime change. Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian Federation, has promised peace and security for the Russian People, sadly Russia’s future is dark as they may return to the dreaded times of the Communist Era. A good friend of mine from Russia, now residing in S. Korea, says that he regrets the things that happen in his home country, but wishes our American Forces good luck in the War on Terror. He supports freedom and the ability to do what you want without defying the government. I thank him for his blessings on our troops, it takes a lot to admit the painful truth, but he is a man who has great ambitions, and my respect for not letting hatred rule his heart. He supports the U.S. and their goals for Iraq and Afghanistan.
Italy hasn’t changed much, but they did lose their dictatorship with the lynching of Mussolini and an end to totalitarianism in Italy. They are a prosperous nation with tourism booms reaching the highest levels in recent years.
Japan has long since pursued a goal towards peace since the attacks of December 7th 1941. For the first time since that fatal day, veterans from both sides shook hands and hugged each other as a sign of the American’s resolve to forgive what happened and pursue a goal for peace. The Japanese Government is prosperous on 2 things, 1. tourism, and 2. the world famous Japanese Anime.
Since those painful times, those nations, axis of evil, and alliance for good, have made a long lasting promise to put aside animosities, and pursue a goal towards peace. Now as we push into 2008, let us remember the sacrifices of those troops in WWII. There are only a few left and we must honor them in their final moments. Our goals as a nation is simply, to achieve peace. We are not here to take over the world, as some people suggest, all we want is to bring the world together.
For all our Muslim readers, we would never force our religion on yours, in this country, you are free to practice your beliefs. This goes for all religions, me personally, I believe in God and Country. We all celebrate one God, so as for the extremist who are trying to corrupt Islam, they will get there’s one day when they will finally meet their maker. We can all live in peace, everyone has to want peace in order to achieve it.
The American Military will continue to carry out the orders of the President of the United States, even if it means that we risk our lives, we do it for freedom, and the good of mankind. This is a lesson for us all to learn, it’s not about what people have done in the past, but whether they have learned from their mistakes and will do right by us in the future.
September 11th, 2001 was a day that changed our view on war. We are not at war with the Muslim Religion, as the Taliban tries to make people believe. We understand that you can’t change thousands of years of culture and we know that trying to do so will only make us more enemies.
As the final seconds draw near, I bid a fond farewell to you and thank you for your continued support. I will try to be fair and impartial when writing my thesis. I am not bipartisan, nor do I choose one side over the other. There’s 2 sides to every story, and then there’s the truth. You learn that when you deploy, at least I did.
Thank you and remember that the past is the past. If we should be attacked again, we will respond quickly. We offer our hand in gratitude for the efforts of each nation’s contribution to peace and an eventual end to war, but we will still remain ready to fight. I am a man of peace, and I want peace for every one who wants it. But I won’t let anyone walk all over my beloved United States of America. I will deploy to support our cause for freedom.
My words of wisdom to you as Americans is simply this, extend your hand in friendship to anyone who wants to be an American, but be vigilant if you should ever find yourself defending your homeland against those who want to destroy our nation, and disrupt our way of life. We are a peaceful nation, but if provoked, we will go to war.
Any one who welcomes freedom, is welcomed here. Anyone who opposes freedom, remember what our nation has done for you, then re-assess your thoughts. We are all American, whether you are for or against the war, one thing you can not deny is the fact that we all want peace.
With the hopes and dreams that we have from 2007 and earlier, we will bridge a new gap into the next century, ultimately achieving our goal for peace. As long as there is a war, I will dedicate myself to fighting for the cause, until we do have peace. God bless you, and God bless America. I wish you all “Peace and prosperity, for all generations”
HOOAH!
Fact Check(Number One)
December 7, 2007
Subject; Israelis living in the Middle East.
False Claim; “The Musims were there first and it is their land, the Jews stole it.”
Made By; There are plenty of you, you know who you are. Some of you are professors, students, Code Pink members, and some of you former presidents and political figures.
My Take;
-Actually, because the Jews have lived in the Middle East for about 3 and a half milleniums before Islam even came about. The Jewish people have every bit as much of a right to live there as the Muslims do.
For 3 thousand 7 hundred years before the birth of the third Monotheistic religion “Islam”, the area that made up the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, and Jordan(or the Palestinian Mandates to British and French military and civil officers after World War One) had more Jews than any other religious group currently living there. This is land that belongs to all the people of the Middle East, which includes the Jews. This land wasn’t stolen by Jews and there is no viable cause to wage a “Jihad” against them for sole propriety of it or it’s history.
In fact, land has absolutely nothing to with the Palestinian cause against the Jews. The Palestinians want to eradicate the Jews from the face of the planet as exemplified by the speeches of Iranian President Amhedinejad and Hassan Nasrallah of Hezbollah. Now, I am not going to say that all Muslims are Jewish hating suicide bombers. Most of them are actually peaceful people, who oppose spontaneous conflict like we do.
However, when it comes to a couple of rotten apples like Hezbollah leader Nasrallah, it would be extremely tough for somebody with a fair mind and an educated background to not be prejudice towards people like him and his ilk. Thus, the honest reputation of the Islamic people gets thrashed and soiled for no justified reason.  Â
As you can see, the terror organizations such as PLO, Hezbollah, and Hamas are not doing this for land. Nor is it credible to repeat the absurdly ludicrous innuendo that Jews stole the land from Muslims. Next False claim, please!
Defense Department Funding Impasse Could Affect Installations Worldwide
December 5, 2007
The news has been filled recently with information about Congress refusing to act on President Bush’s Defense Department spending bill. Because of this, the Army is taking steps to cut operations at Army bases worldwide. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has already ordered commanders at Army installations to begin making plans to cut back on spending and operations, in preparation for what could possible turn into a major crisis, if funding isn’t soon authorized.
Some of the first people who will be affected will be as many as 200,000 Army civilians and contractors, who may receive layoff notices as early as Christmas. This in turn would create the necessity to pull Soldiers from their regular duties to take over vital functions, such as security, from contractors and Army civilian workers who would be laid off. Not only would that affect the services available to Soldiers and their families, but that could mean dire consequences for the economy, with the potential of 200,000 workers laid off from their jobs.
In mind mind, it’s absolutely urgent that Congress act to approve this emergency spending bill. This type of political “game playing” couldn’t come at a worse time for the military, who is currently fighting two wars. It makes me wonder if Congress is really putting thought into the serious implications that this could have on the economy of the country, or how it will affect the ability of our Troops to continue their jobs in Iraq and Afghanistan. Currently, we have Soldiers who have served 3 or more deployments. By removing Soldiers from their current positions, to take over the positions left vacant by laying off civilian workers, that will cause more deployments for those Troops who are not pulled for these duties.
“Absolutely, it’s an urgent need,” Maj. Gen. Edgar E. Stanton III, director of the Army’s budget office, said of the necessity for the Army to obtain nearly $55 billion from Congress to fund operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In a memorandum dated Nov. 26, Gen. Richard A. Cody, vice chief of staff of the Army, directed that all Army commanders and agency directors begin planning to curtail operations and related expenses that do not directly support warfighters engaged in the global war on terrorism. Cody’s instructions tell Army commanders and civilian leaders to review all operations and to forward recommendations to cut costs back to him by Dec. 4.
“We are only in the prudent planning phase,” Cody said in a statement released yesterday. The Defense Department has instructed all military services to review operational costs at installations as well as to prepare for possible furloughs of government civilian employees.
According to Defense Secretary Gates as well as Senior Army leaders, if the Army doesn’t receive the needed funding by mid-February, there could be serious impacts. Leaders across the Army are working at this time to identify the impact that this could have on the quality of life for Soldiers and their families.
I think it’s high time that we begin letting our elected leaders know what we think about this and urge them to act quickly to pass a feasible spending bill that will not affect the way of life of our Troops. I’d be interested to hear what everyone else’s thoughts are on this potential disaster. This whole mess makes me angry, because from what I see, it’s not about what’s best for our Troops and their families, but instead a game of political one-upmanship, with our Troops and their families as the pawns.
Leaving Iraq Right Now
November 15, 2007
I can not simply just ignore the tragic violence that has been plaguing Iraq. I truly feel sorry for the people of that country and I hope that they succeed in their efforts to secure their homeland. Although I see the horrors of having an insurgency through watching the news, talking to a couple of close friends from high school who are in the military, and hearing a lot of the controversy surrounding the topic from Capital Hill politics. I also can not deny that the removal of our soldiers from the country would be catastrophic.
 After all, our troops secure their cities, fight and capture the insurgents who are unleashing all of the violence in the country, and provide small basic needs such as medical aid and humanitarian supplies to Iraqi residents. Wouldn’t our removal cause the denial of these things to Iraqis and why would anybody want that? Often times at this blog and at “A Soldier’s Perspectiveâ€, I would hear people say that our troops are the cause of the violence and that their removal from the country would lessen the violence. I kind of get sick of this notion, given that I am not ignorant or gullible enough to fall for it and they continue to try and force feed it to me.
 The thing is, our troops are out there removing the insurgents from the villages and cities and are trying to make Iraq safe for the future. Knowing this fact, it would be hard for me to swallow the “Our troops are the cause†agit-prop. I would wonder how is it that our troops are the cause for the violence when the very people who make up the insurgency are targeting schools, hospitals, and market areas in an effort to start a civil war amongst their own people. You would think that there would be more attacks on United States soldiers than on Iraqis if these false claims were true but that has yet to be seen.
Statistically, the attacks on the Iraqi public are higher by about three times more than the attacks directed at our troops. Most Iraqis acknowledge this, and they feel the insurgents are a thorn in their side. We see this through the fact that they’ve helped us in most of the captures of insurgent strongholds, and I am not talking about the Iraqi police or army. I mean residents who walk up to our soldiers and lead them to insurgent hideouts and direct them to bombs that insurgents place for attacks. It would be understandable as to why they do this. They do not want the insurgents to take control of their neighborhoods or their country. The help we have offered them in the form of security and basic needs are incentive enough to propel them to help us, as well as help themselves.
Looking at it from that perspective, one would have to be shrouded in idiocy to think that those who claim our “troops are the cause for Iraqi violence†are right. Even the Combating Terror Center and PEW global polling disagree with the “U.S. Troops are raising terrorist participation in the world†notion. They have stated in 2005 that there is far less active participation in terror. They have stated it would take the recruitment levels of 47 countries summed together to equate the recruiting successes that terrorists would obtain from one country prior to the 9-11-01 attacks.
So in fact, not only does the false claim “Our troops are creating terrorists” fail to stand given that it has no credability and is simply just a pathetic attempt to make our military’s efforts in the Middle East look like it has no good intentions. It is also false that people who do not support our military’s success in Iraq constantly claim that there are more terror recruits in the Muslim countries than before the soldiers started operating in the Middle East. Anybody can disprove that notion. Of course, there is still the issue of our military’s loss of life.
I don’t like the fact that there are many soldiers who served and did not come back alive. Blood shedding is is awful anywhere especially during war. However, I would not like the tremendous successes that terror organizations in Iraq would enjoy even more had it not been for the soldiers who lay down their lives and risk everything in an attempt to stop them. One of these successes would include Al Qeada In Iraq becoming a terrorist threat at an international level which is what they have been trying to accomplish since before the fall of Saddam.
For example, during the initial invasion, our troops caught Al Qeada operatives in Anbar Province who were planning for attacks in Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. This is just one good example to prove that the Al Qeada we face in Iraq is seeking recognition in International Terror.
So in the end, I really hope the people who keep trying to force feed the notion that there are more terrorists because of our troops’ presence in Iraq would stop their agit-prop. I am not stupid, and I know and understand the risks at stake regarding our premature pull out of Iraq. There would be a huge increase in terror activity if our troops were to just prematurely leave Iraq. I don’t want that to happen in Iraq and neither should any one else.
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- Remembering Those Who Sacrificed Their Lives On D-Day
- Swapping Stories Of War
- Boot Camp 101
- Working To Defeat Combat Stress
- Faces Of Freedom: Remembering Warriors Of The Past
- Memorial Day … A Time To Honor The Fallen
- Warrior Legacy Foundation Launches Memorial Day 2009
