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Post by huskerjoe on Dec 20, 2005 9:15:20 GMT -5
Haven't seen a post for awhile - get worried knowing that he is in Iraq......
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Post by treeofliberty on Dec 20, 2005 22:54:20 GMT -5
Here's to hoping we worry too much. This is a good question.
I've corresponded with marines in the 'Stan and Iraq, and have found that they tend to "disappear" into the field from time to time. With the elections just finishing up, I'm sure he's been very busy helping 11 million former slaves experience their first taste of freedom.
Great job wilcav!!!
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Post by nwquadriders on Dec 20, 2005 23:28:05 GMT -5
I saw him logged on here earlier today...
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Post by wilcav on Dec 21, 2005 12:52:33 GMT -5
Hey thanks for the concern. That is why I love this board. I am still here. Things have been busy lately, but I do jump on just to check the boards every now and then.
By the way, the elections went great. It was impressive to see so many people come out and vote. The polling station I was responsible for had nobody show up to it the first elections but this time we had thousands. Iraqi Army would drive them back and forth on these bongo trucks that had at least 50 -100 people hanging off of it. People dressed up in their best clothes and walked miles just to vote. They were all singing and clapping. That is really impressive when you realize that my area is one of the Sunni dominated places in the infamous "Triangle of Death".
Down to the last month or so of my second year here, so we are all getting excited. Picking up the rig on 16 FEB. Can't wait to post the pics.
Chris
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Post by treeofliberty on Dec 21, 2005 22:07:17 GMT -5
Man, that's great to hear. That country has come a long way. It was great to see the Sunni's and Kurds participating in such strong numbers. Maybe they're starting to see a better way than blowing each other up.
Glad to hear you're OK Chris. Keep your game face on until you're on the boat/plane. We don't want any last minute issues ruining your triumphant return.
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Post by 04unlimited on Dec 22, 2005 2:17:46 GMT -5
Glad to hear that everything is going well...I wasn't too worried, as I ususally see you on at the weird times of day that I am checking the forums.
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Post by huskerjoe on Dec 23, 2005 9:19:36 GMT -5
Hey thanks for the concern. That is why I love this board. I am still here. Things have been busy lately, but I do jump on just to check the boards every now and then. By the way, the elections went great. It was impressive to see so many people come out and vote. The polling station I was responsible for had nobody show up to it the first elections but this time we had thousands. Iraqi Army would drive them back and forth on these bongo trucks that had at least 50 -100 people hanging off of it. People dressed up in their best clothes and walked miles just to vote. They were all singing and clapping. That is really impressive when you realize that my area is one of the Sunni dominated places in the infamous "Triangle of Death". Down to the last month or so of my second year here, so we are all getting excited. Picking up the rig on 16 FEB. Can't wait to post the pics. Chris I'm sure thats a sight and experience you will never forget. Great stories for the grandkids some day also!!!!! |
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Post by wilcav on Dec 23, 2005 11:43:27 GMT -5
It was pretty cool. I would have gotten some pictures but we stayed back and let the Iraqi Army handle the security at the polling site. They still have a little ways to go but they are going to be ready to take over this country.
Don't believe alot of the hype you see on the news. Are they ready to take on a Western super power toe to toe? No. Can they handle the policing of their own country and even take on some of their neighbors? Yes and they are getting better everyday.
Given the time, we are going to win this thing. Believe it or not it is getting better everyday.
Chris
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Post by moneypit on Dec 23, 2005 19:22:13 GMT -5
First off, thanks for your service. It's nice to hear that good things are happening over there. Most all me hear about at home is all the negative stuff. We have a relative in the Marines that did 1 tour in Iraq and is going back in January. He has said some of the same things as you. Things are getting better and most of the people are good people. Come back safe and post up some pics of the new Jeep. Merry Christmas!
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Post by treeofliberty on Dec 23, 2005 19:22:18 GMT -5
It took Japan 4 years to stabilize after WWII. Germany took 8 years. And somehow, 70% voter turnout in Iraq, everybody going back to school and work, after only 2 years, is a dismal failure.
You'd be home right now if not for our media. They do more to further the terrorist cause than Osama himself.
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Post by huskerjoe on Dec 27, 2005 8:35:34 GMT -5
It took Japan 4 years to stabilize after WWII. Germany took 8 years. And somehow, 70% voter turnout in Iraq, everybody going back to school and work, after only 2 years, is a dismal failure. You'd be home right now if not for our media. They do more to further the terrorist cause than Osama himself. It's a strange new world we live in...... |
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Post by wilcav on Dec 27, 2005 11:44:17 GMT -5
Yeah, it is going to take awhile. I didn't mean to put down all the media. We have had some great reporters come over here only wanting to tape reality.
As for strange, this experience does change your perspective on life. I saw a news broadcast where somewhere in the states, they were arguing over whether someone should say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" in stores. It seemed to be a major headline.
After seeing people that were drinking from the canal that runs behind their house which is made from dried mud and cow sh**. And people who store AK-47s in their house to protect themselves from thieves or trading gun fire for the thousandth time or another GD IED exploding, it blew me away that "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" was one of the biggest issues we have in America. That for so many people that is a reality and there are people that are so wound up around that issue like it was life or death.
We are a blessed people. After three year long deployments (counting Korea) in the last five years, there is honestly no other place on this planet that I would rather be. When one thinks there are 6 Billion people on this planet and we as Americans only account for 250 million of those people, the odds were against all of us to become Americans. I am telling anyone that will listen that being an American is the most wonderful existence that any human being in the history of time could ever hope attain. It is the little things that make it wonderful and the ones that make me homesick. Things like windows in houses that are also heated in the winter and cooled in the summer. Convience stores. Paved roads. The air not smelling like a mix of rotting meat, acrid smoke and human feces. Sewage systems that work. Telephones. No gun fire and no bombs. People that have the courage to say whatever is on their mind without the fear of being killed for it. It makes my blood boil when some Americans, who are seated in the absolute seat of luxury and completely oblivious to their standard of living as compared to the rest of the planet, want to degrade and humiliate the very system that gave them ability to be so bored, that they have nothing else to do except think up whether or not someone should say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays". Are we that self absorbed? Are we that ignorant of a people to believe that everyone around us should adjust their vocabulary just to serve our individual sense of entitlement? Are we that spoiled? I refuse to believe we are, but I dare to say that there are many who are reaping the benefits born of the sacrifices of brave men before them. Benefits they are hardly worthy of but alloted to them anyway as the gift of just being an American.
OK, well that went on longer than I thought. By the way, please don't thank me for giving anyone any of the things that are listed or implied above. All of that was created and secured by men much better than myself who had things alot harder than I have them here. And I really dig the American way of life so I guess my reasons for fighting are selfish.
Hope your new year is a good one!! I know mine is going to be 'cause I am almost home!
Chris
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Post by treeofliberty on Dec 27, 2005 12:12:37 GMT -5
I have my first bone of contention with you Chris. You do indeed deserve a hearty "thank you". Freedom is like a blade. Getting the edge is only half the battle. It takes work to keep it sharp. We let our enemies fortify on our doorstep for decades and paid an aweful price. Now you, and hundreds of thousands of others, from all four branches, are building an ally out of a bitter enemy. This allows Americans to debate Christmas salutations instead of taking cover. You are correct, our liberty is built on millions of personal sacrifices. One of my favorite books is "Beyond Glory", containing the personal tales of 23 Medal of Honor recipients, as told in their own words. These are the American giants. But they are just grand examples of what is going on daily, in dung heaps all around the globe. And what I find humorous is that they make the same statement you just did, "we were just doing our job."
I also thank you for the sense of perspective. Every American should spend some time with a recently deployed vet. We should learn more about why 5.7 billion people would love to be an American at the poverty level. We forget that.
Four years ago, the headlines worried about being blown up, or inhaling Anthrax. Today we worry about how to say "Merry Christmas". I'd say the GWOT is progressing well.
On a lighter note, who will serve as our Wrangler Unlimited Iraq Correspondant in February?
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Post by 04unlimited on Dec 27, 2005 12:15:02 GMT -5
From one veteran to another, thanks for speaking up. I have heard a lot of conservative-leaning people, myself included speak about the PC-Nation that the US is becoming.
I have a couple of quotes that come to mind.
"It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you."
-Richard Cheney (It wouldn't let me type D*ck.)
No man in entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.
- Gen. Douglas MacArthur
Be safe.
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Post by huskerjoe on Dec 27, 2005 15:01:17 GMT -5
"Beyond Glory".....I read an excerpt from that book once - decided there was no way I would ever make it through that thing - I am 40 years old and not ashamed to admit just the 2 or 3 pages I read had me crying like a baby {I think the soldiers name was Sanchez maybe??? - Vietnam vet}......I think the excerpt was in Maxim {see, it is the articles honey!!!!} -
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