God bless you and keep you safe. This was an inspirational story and it makes me very humble. I thank God we have people like you protecting us instead of griping constantly at what is wrong with our country. You make me proud to be an American and humbles me that I am not more like you.
Thank you for your sacrifices and may God grant you success in your insurance career.
Thanks to all who have served & all who have family that is serving, for your sacrifices are for the good of all Americans, and I Thank You for your commitment to this Country.
You go into the reserves to get the extra paycheck, medical, education benefits, etc.; don\’t expect any sympathy when they decide to send your butt away. Suck it up!
Yeah, it is a big deal! I don\’t see anyone asking for sympathy in this article but it sure looks like you had something up your butt, based on your comment!
I think it\’s great that these people & others are able & willing to do what it takes for those of us that are not able & even for those not willing… if you want to know the truth.
You need to pick your butt, as you might just find your head. It\’s better to be supportive of those around you, than to try & tear them down with your demeanor and assuming comments, so how about doing us all a favor & think about what you type & then re-read it before you push enter. I would be willing to bet that you are a sad person & not only did you not get out of your time in the service what you thought you might, you have resentment for any of those who did.
I hope you pick your butt soon, because the sooner you learn that your life is really better when the people around you feel good about being there & it\’s your choice in how you make them feel, the sooner you might learn to respect yourself & others!
Hey CLR, do you know what a Jarhead is? He or she may very well be speaking of their own personal experiences.
Thank you too Jarhead. I know you get some perks for being in the military, but we still appreciate what you do for us.
I am able to sleep better at night because of what people in the military do for us.
Yeah, a Marine, but this particular one has a bad attitude – if all he wanted was an extra check, some medical benefits & help in getting his education paid for, he or she should have paid closer attention & would have known that by accepting these things, what it might entail. Instead of sounding resentful about it, be glad that you had the opportunity.
It is a BIG DEAL, because it\’s great that our Service personnel, no matter what branch they serve as, are real people & they are out there putting their lives on the line when we need them to. I am totally grateful for each & every one, as I am not able to do so, it\’s my boday that holds me back, not my mind or my spirit, I love human kind & woudl fight to the death proudly so that someone I know & love would not have to do so, but resentment is not a good quality & if the jarhead thinks it is, perhaps he / she didn\’t make it very far in the service & uses the name to feel better or bragg about it.
Do you feel like I answered your question about jarheads?
We OWE an obligation to support those who wear the uniform of the US military, wherever they may be. This does NOT mean, however, that we owe any obligation to support a war we (you know who I\’m taling about) had no business starting and have no business still being there. Since when should the blood of our young men and women be worth trying to \”prove\” that someone in DC had or has any idea what he\’s doing? Let\’s not confuse support for our troops with support for some J…A…
~Let\’s turn this around & bash leadership instead of looking at the real issue the article brings us – so you got a problem with the War – the one where we fight back instead of taking on more planes into our office buildings or government compounds, or whatever the terrorists want to destroy next – in our country…
Well, I for one & am very proud of our men & women that are fighting this war & I am damn proud that Bush took it to their country & not ours! I may not have took on the same plans for attack & reconciliation & you would not have either, but the fact remains that this is where we are & if we are to get out of with any sense of accomplishment the we have to stay the course – most of our service personnel feel the same & some private citizens that are there choose to remain so they too can see a need & feel that they are making a difference to the people that do appreciate the intervention of the USA.
I know first hand as I have several friends & some family that are in Afghanistan & Iraq as we type here… they are there now by choice – they have chosen to remain… an old friend that I grew up with & have known 30+ years is training the Iraqi Police in Baghdad, he is a retired Houston Officer of 20 years & has been there now over 3. My niece\’s husband just reenlisted in Special Forces for his second term & he said he had to stay, that if we could see what they can see, we would know how desperate these people are to have a better life, one that they might not have to worry about being raped & beaten & killed if they do not do whatever is demanded of them by the fanatical terrorist government that was there during the reign of Saddam.
God bless all who have been, will go & especially those that have been back!!!
For they know the truth about what is happening there & although you may not want to hear about the helping that we have been a part of, be aware that it is real – no matter if you like it or not & that\’s the real issue that so many must face.
I hope you will not continue the rant against our leaders & let this stream of comments continue to support our troops – all of them in ever branch – and not try to continually tear down someone else down for their decisions. When you are elected President then you can be the one to pull the strings – so you get out & campaign & tell all the great people of the USA what your platform is & then when you get are in office you can make the decisions that are more to your liking!
I will never understand the types that bash our leadership. Always seemed clear to me: you\’re either on our side or theirs. And most importantly, as you pointed out, President Bush is taking care of it away from our shores. He should always be credited for keeping us at bay for this long, which I believe is remarkable. He is extremely brave for continuing to perservere even with the rediculous Dems who do nothing but create chaos in Washington, and the assinine media which does nothing but bash the Republicans. Honestly, I think the media and the Dems are doing nothing but destroying our country.
I am a firm believer in this great Nation & no matter the leadership we have, I will support them, because it is by the will of the people that they are in the position they are in.
I truly felt bad about Clinton leaving the white house, only because I thought that the good jokes that came about during his stay would never be bested by another President in our time, but I am really glad that Hillary is out – for sure!
I am a voter, a citizen, and a God fearing Christian that is thoroughly amazed that our own folks that refer to themselves as such can actually bash others. Don\’t you bashers realize that this accomplishes nothing more than hatred & bitter feelings?
I suggest that if there is something that you feel so strongly about that you get off your seat & take a stand, but instead of bashing, use your own knowledge & common sense to unite the people to see your resolution of the issue. Not just continue to run it in the ground, because if you are negative, nothing positive will be produced!
Be positive in your ways, ask for understanding in the things that you are not sure of & use that understanding to stand up & show the people the way out!
With absolutley no proof (and flawed intelligence) that this country was any direct threat to us (no matter how we felt about the so-called government there ar the time), I guess you would rather see American blood spilled based on a \”maybe\” than concentrate our full efforts in going after the one really responsible for what happened; who is still at large. No matter how brave our men and women in uniform, or how many troops are \”thrown\” at the war, it\’s not going to be won militarily (even the military leaders know that); we need to get out and get out NOW and let this country resolve its\’ own internal problems (you might remember, this country had to do this \”a few years back\” and look at how we turned out).
Richard, in response to your comment:
\”I guess you would rather see American blood spilled based on a \”maybe\” than concentrate our full efforts….\”
YOU GUESSED WRONG!!!!
I wasn\’t in the position just as you were not & did not have the information or the ability to make the decisions made to take the steps that were taken, but by backing out of what is happening is not the answer & is not going to make anything better for us or them.
God Bless the troops that are staying the course & can see first hand that they are making a difference, because folks sometimes never get past their disagreements to see the reality of a situation & although hindsight is 20/20, we all know that it\’s taking action on the foresight that continues to make the world a better place!
Sure glad I am an Insurance person & not the President – sure glad you are too Richard! Sell Sell Sell!
First, I am disappointed that a fine story describing the impact of being a member of the citizen/soldier society has degenerated into a political rant.
Today, we have many young men and women who have a life that is divided between their commitment to their service, to their country and to their family – We should all be thankful that there are still people willing to assume this responsibility.
If you want to talk about perks, how about the free flag that they hand out a graveside to a wife, mother or child. You can not measure a persons value in dollars and cents or bennies obtained as the product of hard work and devotion to duty – the measure is that that person is will to take the chance, and that person is serving in my place – and I am greatful.
This is a time when all of us should take the time to rethink the value of human life. How do you equate the value of one person eating the sands of a foreign land with a sports-person being paid millions to play a game that contributes nothing to the safety and well-being of anyone, and complains bitterly if they are not given god-like reverence at each public appearance.
The citizen/soldier is there by choice – measure the reward if they survive – it is small (so very small) when compared to what they might have attained if they had ignored the call and went about their daily business blind from all but their personal success. Too many today wear these blinders, and willing to let all other have the responsibility for protecting the lifestyle we enjoy so freely. God bless these who stand in harms way for me (and you too)!
Hoo-rah for all the military personnel!! We appreciate all that you do and the risks that you take to preserve our way of life here in the good ole USA.
I too am upset that this was made into a political forum. It\’s very unfortunate that the people who live safely in this country are the very ones who cause the most damage with their acid remarks toward our government and soldiers. Take your heads out of the sand, or where ever else they may be!!! This war was never an \”overnight\” project, and now is not the time to turn tail and run. We need to stay the course for once, instead of letting weaklings pressure our leaders into pulling out. It has been proven that more troops over there causes less losses. Support our troops. My husband and brother were MARINES and my father belonged to the 101st AIRBORN in World War 2. They believed in our military and country (respect the offfice of president).
Yeah Laurie, that goes for me too! My dad was retired USAF & had I not been injured just 2 months before I was scheduled for Boot, I would have followed in his footsteps!
I too know the sacrifices, the changes that the entire family goes through with the loss of time spent together, the worry that creeps in & the hopes that their loved one will return safe & very soon…
Each person that has chosen to be there made a decision to do so & usually it is out of their love for the people in their lives, a need to be the protector for not only their loved ones but for the rest of us too, and finally a desire to make the world a better place by doing what is necessary in order to achieve this.
GOD BLESS THE USA & ALL THE PROTECTORS THAT STAND TOGETHER TO DEFEND HER!
YOU HAVE MY THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!
YOU HAVE MY PRAYERS THAT WHAT YOU DO WILL BRING YOU HOME TO YOUR FAMILIES SOON TOO!
To all you troops, in reserve or active duty, GOD BLESS YOU!
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your decision to stand & fight for our Nation!
You are what keep our Country strong and our people united. By faith we stand beside you on the battlefields across the world and here at home, so know that when you take that stand, that we too are there beside you in spirit, wishing you well, with hopes that you too can return to your families when your tour is finished.
THANK YOU TO ALL UNITED STATES SERVICE MEN & WOMEN!
God bless you and keep you safe. This was an inspirational story and it makes me very humble. I thank God we have people like you protecting us instead of griping constantly at what is wrong with our country. You make me proud to be an American and humbles me that I am not more like you.
Thank you for your sacrifices and may God grant you success in your insurance career.
These men and thousands of others are truly what makes this country great..In spite of the creeps in D.C.
I think every elected senator, congressman/woman needs to saddle up for one year and get their *** over to Iraq!
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
God Bless you and your families.
Well said.
There is not of words to thank those of you who have sacrificed more than anyone could imagine.
Thank you….Thank you
Thanks to all who have served & all who have family that is serving, for your sacrifices are for the good of all Americans, and I Thank You for your commitment to this Country.
You go into the reserves to get the extra paycheck, medical, education benefits, etc.; don\’t expect any sympathy when they decide to send your butt away. Suck it up!
and just think if we wern\’t free in the USA, none of us could be earning a living selling insurance, support our troups , they keep us free
Yeah, it is a big deal! I don\’t see anyone asking for sympathy in this article but it sure looks like you had something up your butt, based on your comment!
I think it\’s great that these people & others are able & willing to do what it takes for those of us that are not able & even for those not willing… if you want to know the truth.
You need to pick your butt, as you might just find your head. It\’s better to be supportive of those around you, than to try & tear them down with your demeanor and assuming comments, so how about doing us all a favor & think about what you type & then re-read it before you push enter. I would be willing to bet that you are a sad person & not only did you not get out of your time in the service what you thought you might, you have resentment for any of those who did.
I hope you pick your butt soon, because the sooner you learn that your life is really better when the people around you feel good about being there & it\’s your choice in how you make them feel, the sooner you might learn to respect yourself & others!
Hey CLR, do you know what a Jarhead is? He or she may very well be speaking of their own personal experiences.
Thank you too Jarhead. I know you get some perks for being in the military, but we still appreciate what you do for us.
I am able to sleep better at night because of what people in the military do for us.
Yeah, a Marine, but this particular one has a bad attitude – if all he wanted was an extra check, some medical benefits & help in getting his education paid for, he or she should have paid closer attention & would have known that by accepting these things, what it might entail. Instead of sounding resentful about it, be glad that you had the opportunity.
It is a BIG DEAL, because it\’s great that our Service personnel, no matter what branch they serve as, are real people & they are out there putting their lives on the line when we need them to. I am totally grateful for each & every one, as I am not able to do so, it\’s my boday that holds me back, not my mind or my spirit, I love human kind & woudl fight to the death proudly so that someone I know & love would not have to do so, but resentment is not a good quality & if the jarhead thinks it is, perhaps he / she didn\’t make it very far in the service & uses the name to feel better or bragg about it.
Do you feel like I answered your question about jarheads?
We OWE an obligation to support those who wear the uniform of the US military, wherever they may be. This does NOT mean, however, that we owe any obligation to support a war we (you know who I\’m taling about) had no business starting and have no business still being there. Since when should the blood of our young men and women be worth trying to \”prove\” that someone in DC had or has any idea what he\’s doing? Let\’s not confuse support for our troops with support for some J…A…
~Let\’s turn this around & bash leadership instead of looking at the real issue the article brings us – so you got a problem with the War – the one where we fight back instead of taking on more planes into our office buildings or government compounds, or whatever the terrorists want to destroy next – in our country…
Well, I for one & am very proud of our men & women that are fighting this war & I am damn proud that Bush took it to their country & not ours! I may not have took on the same plans for attack & reconciliation & you would not have either, but the fact remains that this is where we are & if we are to get out of with any sense of accomplishment the we have to stay the course – most of our service personnel feel the same & some private citizens that are there choose to remain so they too can see a need & feel that they are making a difference to the people that do appreciate the intervention of the USA.
I know first hand as I have several friends & some family that are in Afghanistan & Iraq as we type here… they are there now by choice – they have chosen to remain… an old friend that I grew up with & have known 30+ years is training the Iraqi Police in Baghdad, he is a retired Houston Officer of 20 years & has been there now over 3. My niece\’s husband just reenlisted in Special Forces for his second term & he said he had to stay, that if we could see what they can see, we would know how desperate these people are to have a better life, one that they might not have to worry about being raped & beaten & killed if they do not do whatever is demanded of them by the fanatical terrorist government that was there during the reign of Saddam.
God bless all who have been, will go & especially those that have been back!!!
For they know the truth about what is happening there & although you may not want to hear about the helping that we have been a part of, be aware that it is real – no matter if you like it or not & that\’s the real issue that so many must face.
I hope you will not continue the rant against our leaders & let this stream of comments continue to support our troops – all of them in ever branch – and not try to continually tear down someone else down for their decisions. When you are elected President then you can be the one to pull the strings – so you get out & campaign & tell all the great people of the USA what your platform is & then when you get are in office you can make the decisions that are more to your liking!
Thank you CLR. I could not have said it better.
I will never understand the types that bash our leadership. Always seemed clear to me: you\’re either on our side or theirs. And most importantly, as you pointed out, President Bush is taking care of it away from our shores. He should always be credited for keeping us at bay for this long, which I believe is remarkable. He is extremely brave for continuing to perservere even with the rediculous Dems who do nothing but create chaos in Washington, and the assinine media which does nothing but bash the Republicans. Honestly, I think the media and the Dems are doing nothing but destroying our country.
I am a firm believer in this great Nation & no matter the leadership we have, I will support them, because it is by the will of the people that they are in the position they are in.
I truly felt bad about Clinton leaving the white house, only because I thought that the good jokes that came about during his stay would never be bested by another President in our time, but I am really glad that Hillary is out – for sure!
I am a voter, a citizen, and a God fearing Christian that is thoroughly amazed that our own folks that refer to themselves as such can actually bash others. Don\’t you bashers realize that this accomplishes nothing more than hatred & bitter feelings?
I suggest that if there is something that you feel so strongly about that you get off your seat & take a stand, but instead of bashing, use your own knowledge & common sense to unite the people to see your resolution of the issue. Not just continue to run it in the ground, because if you are negative, nothing positive will be produced!
Be positive in your ways, ask for understanding in the things that you are not sure of & use that understanding to stand up & show the people the way out!
God Bless America!
With absolutley no proof (and flawed intelligence) that this country was any direct threat to us (no matter how we felt about the so-called government there ar the time), I guess you would rather see American blood spilled based on a \”maybe\” than concentrate our full efforts in going after the one really responsible for what happened; who is still at large. No matter how brave our men and women in uniform, or how many troops are \”thrown\” at the war, it\’s not going to be won militarily (even the military leaders know that); we need to get out and get out NOW and let this country resolve its\’ own internal problems (you might remember, this country had to do this \”a few years back\” and look at how we turned out).
Richard, in response to your comment:
\”I guess you would rather see American blood spilled based on a \”maybe\” than concentrate our full efforts….\”
YOU GUESSED WRONG!!!!
I wasn\’t in the position just as you were not & did not have the information or the ability to make the decisions made to take the steps that were taken, but by backing out of what is happening is not the answer & is not going to make anything better for us or them.
God Bless the troops that are staying the course & can see first hand that they are making a difference, because folks sometimes never get past their disagreements to see the reality of a situation & although hindsight is 20/20, we all know that it\’s taking action on the foresight that continues to make the world a better place!
Sure glad I am an Insurance person & not the President – sure glad you are too Richard! Sell Sell Sell!
Happy Friday!
First, I am disappointed that a fine story describing the impact of being a member of the citizen/soldier society has degenerated into a political rant.
Today, we have many young men and women who have a life that is divided between their commitment to their service, to their country and to their family – We should all be thankful that there are still people willing to assume this responsibility.
If you want to talk about perks, how about the free flag that they hand out a graveside to a wife, mother or child. You can not measure a persons value in dollars and cents or bennies obtained as the product of hard work and devotion to duty – the measure is that that person is will to take the chance, and that person is serving in my place – and I am greatful.
This is a time when all of us should take the time to rethink the value of human life. How do you equate the value of one person eating the sands of a foreign land with a sports-person being paid millions to play a game that contributes nothing to the safety and well-being of anyone, and complains bitterly if they are not given god-like reverence at each public appearance.
The citizen/soldier is there by choice – measure the reward if they survive – it is small (so very small) when compared to what they might have attained if they had ignored the call and went about their daily business blind from all but their personal success. Too many today wear these blinders, and willing to let all other have the responsibility for protecting the lifestyle we enjoy so freely. God bless these who stand in harms way for me (and you too)!
Hoo-rah for all the military personnel!! We appreciate all that you do and the risks that you take to preserve our way of life here in the good ole USA.
I too am upset that this was made into a political forum. It\’s very unfortunate that the people who live safely in this country are the very ones who cause the most damage with their acid remarks toward our government and soldiers. Take your heads out of the sand, or where ever else they may be!!! This war was never an \”overnight\” project, and now is not the time to turn tail and run. We need to stay the course for once, instead of letting weaklings pressure our leaders into pulling out. It has been proven that more troops over there causes less losses. Support our troops. My husband and brother were MARINES and my father belonged to the 101st AIRBORN in World War 2. They believed in our military and country (respect the offfice of president).
Yeah Laurie, that goes for me too! My dad was retired USAF & had I not been injured just 2 months before I was scheduled for Boot, I would have followed in his footsteps!
I too know the sacrifices, the changes that the entire family goes through with the loss of time spent together, the worry that creeps in & the hopes that their loved one will return safe & very soon…
Each person that has chosen to be there made a decision to do so & usually it is out of their love for the people in their lives, a need to be the protector for not only their loved ones but for the rest of us too, and finally a desire to make the world a better place by doing what is necessary in order to achieve this.
GOD BLESS THE USA & ALL THE PROTECTORS THAT STAND TOGETHER TO DEFEND HER!
YOU HAVE MY THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!
YOU HAVE MY PRAYERS THAT WHAT YOU DO WILL BRING YOU HOME TO YOUR FAMILIES SOON TOO!
To all you troops, in reserve or active duty, GOD BLESS YOU!
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your decision to stand & fight for our Nation!
You are what keep our Country strong and our people united. By faith we stand beside you on the battlefields across the world and here at home, so know that when you take that stand, that we too are there beside you in spirit, wishing you well, with hopes that you too can return to your families when your tour is finished.
THANK YOU TO ALL UNITED STATES SERVICE MEN & WOMEN!