Our Children to War

[Roadtoad]

I'd like to limit this to those of us who have children/family/friends going to War. I'm not proud of the fact that we are headed to the front lines, but I feel at this point in time that this is a time for us to gather together.

I don't know that anyone who has not been there would ever understand this. I watched my father head off for Vietnam, and return a very changed man. I am now watching my son heading off for a war which should never have been, and I am worried about him, and I'm worried about those who will fight alongside him.

I realize there are those who do not believe this is a legal action, or even a smart one. But please, these are our beloved ones. I would ask that you remember that for those of us who choose to post on this thread.

Having said that, my son is in the U.S. Army, an Airborne Ranger. We are very proud of him, but as I said, we are also extremely worried. I've also got friends from High School who are there, and serving, and we're certain that sons of other friends will also be joining them. I'm hopeful, prayerful, even, that they will return home safely.

 

[Jedi Knight]

If your son is a US Army Ranger he has a very good chance of surviving the new war in Iraq. Your son has had more training to prepare him for war than the average soldier and he will not be alone--he will be with a battalion of other US Army Rangers.

If the war is limited to fighting in the desert like the last time, your son may not see any combat whatsoever. US Army Rangers have a specific contingency and generally are not used to operate in the open desert (combat reserved for heavy units). He will probably be guarding an airfield somewhere or some other fixed mission.

I wouldn't worry too much though. Like I said, your son is with an elite unit and he is safer than the average infantry soldier.

JK

 

[kittynh]

Coast Guard!

On top of my Navy family my 57 year old neighbor was recalled to the Coast Guard and told to pack his "Warm weather gear"...
So, I'm not sure what the coast Guard will be doing, but they will be there!

 

[corplinx]

During the tech bust, I knew quite a few peope in the SanFran/SiliValley area who were unemployed. One of my friends started to get desperate and after 9-11 I asked him "ever thought of joining the army?" I told him "with your computer savvy they would probably put you in a cool position".

Now he has just arrived in Kuwait in the infantry. I hope you make it back safe Pat.

 

[Q-Source]

I realize there are those who do not believe this is a legal action, or even a smart one. But please, these are our beloved ones. I would ask that you remember that for those of us who choose to post on this thread.

Having said that, my son is in the U.S. Army, an Airborne Ranger. We are very proud of him, but as I said, we are also extremely worried. I've also got friends from High School who are there, and serving, and we're certain that sons of other friends will also be joining them. I'm hopeful, prayerful, even, that they will return home safely.

I am a pacifist.

This post just reminds me that your son and many other Americans are going to fight (to say the least) against other HUMAN BEIGNS.

This is a f*cking unfair world.

 

[Tmy]

Dont be such pessimists. The war will be a breeze. Remember the last one? Ive played Monopoly games that lasted longer!
If I remember right in the last war we lost more people in military base accidents than in actual fighting.

Is Saddam's army any better today? They're much weaker.

 

[Roadtoad]

I am a pacifist.

This post just reminds me that your son and many other Americans are going to fight (to say the least) against other HUMAN BEIGNS.

This is a f*cking unfair world.

You and I are agreed completely, Source. It is definitely unfair.

 

[Guest]

Just had a workmate go. I'm not sold on the necessity of this war, and I hope he makes it back alright.

 

[Segnosaur]

Dont be such pessimists. The war will be a breeze. Remember the last one? Ive played Monopoly games that lasted longer!

I actually made the joke yesterday that Bush should have started the attack during half time of the super bowl. The war would have been over before the start of the third quarter, and it would have been better entertainment than watching Shania Twain lip sinking 3 year old hits.

 

[rikzilla]

Hey Jeff,

Your son's gonna be fine....and will have lots of cool stories to tell. Our buddy Bill Butman (FAHS '78) is there now too.

Don't worry man,...think positive.

-zilla

 

[Doctor X]

My two great uncles use to tell me they did "nothing" in the Navy in WWII. "I just cooked," and "I chipped paint all day," was all one said.

When I got older they discussed situations such as Okinawa. One showed me a diary, with some embarrassment looking at what he wrote, "I was a scared 18 year old away from home."

Regarding Hiroshima, they both were expected to be part of the invasion and were, as was everyone I imagine, preparing themselves for a blood bath. Leave aside whether or not a million men on either side "would have" died or not--the soldiers and sailors believed it.

My surviving great uncle describes "shock" and "disbelief" at the sudden ending of the war.

I hope a similar anti-climax happens. Baring that, I hope much of the Iraqi military surrenders so they do not have to die for a dictator. I hope Saddam is overthrown by his people, much like Mussolini. I hope it is unnecessary for Iraqi civilians to become "colateral damage" in the efforts to extract him.

I hope our boys and girls come home soon.

--J.D.