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by YankeeFan from SPB Florida

Last Post 12 hours Ago


Betcha Didn't Know.. From The Boots On The Ground ..
May 18, 2008 | 7:20 AM
Category: News
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I just received this e mail from one of our adopted Marines of the 2/24 and thought it worth passing on since it will never make the news and since many  Americans will make judgements  on both the War and the Men who wear the title US MARINE .. without know much about either - Someone posted a blog recently demanding answers to "why" we are still there, etc. etc.  Now, this is not from a grunt but an officer serving with a front line unit.  so, prior to passing judgement, ask yourself, "would I endure these things becuase my country asked me to?"  Not for the president, not whether or not you feel the war is just but.. to serve your country when called. This should dispell several myths "They don't want us there" and "Support the Troops, Bring them home" ... This is not my only post contrasting these sentiments so, prior to jumping on my blog to spew ignorant, incorrect liberal agendas, please educate yourself prior to speaking  

Missions are going very well for us. We have detained several bad guys and corresponded warrants for them. The weather has been hot, then full of sand as the movie like sandstorms roll into our area.  

As we conduct our partnered American and Iraqi missions, we compliment one another as they can notice things we cant and we can bring a hell storm to the scene in a blink of an eye. I know you aren't hearing anything about how well the Iraqi's are doing but they are doing great things, every day. They are listening to us, learning and when we see them make several small strides we know we are on the right path. Some working for free, only to make a difference. They are making a difference!

Your Marines have great morale.

Living in sandy uncomfortable conditions, covered in sand after each sandstorm as their wooden swa hut allows the dirt to flow in from the constant blowing wind. 

 I love these times, I really do. You have those unforgettable events with fellow Marines, you live them. Like the ones you may have have experienced at a family reunion when you laughed so hard you cried. Here, there are times to laugh and times you are ready to throttle up. Times that make you shake your head and think that there is no way you could make these things up. Sharing the misery, building an indescribable bond.  

 Making a difference, a difference that won't be on the TV screen in front of America's faces tonight but a difference to that family who has lived in fear but now can replant their fields to grow vegetables because "We are so glad the Marines are around to keep us safe".  

You've been on the go all day, have a thin layer of dirt on your face where your glasses aren't. The sun beats down on you as you feel the sweat run down your back between your skin and your armor.

 Your skin looks like its permanently tattooed from the dirt.

The blowing dirt collects in the corners of your eye and your clothes are soaked. Hot chow in the morning, MRE for lunch. Dinner brings a nice stuffed frozen pork chop or maybe some spaghetti. Neither will agree with you later on.

There are no 15 min smoke breaks, you see Marines burn them at the cyclic rate. There is not a one hour lunch because you are eating in the hummer on your way to your next patrol. 

You might enjoy an occasional quiet gathering of Marines at sunset and enjoy a cigar. Talk and make deals and wheel and deal as you review the day. 

 These are your Marines.  


That's all we ask for. A simple Thank you. We will walk through fire for you when you say that to us. We don't do it for money, we don't do it for gain. We do it for each other and for all of you so you don't have to feel any pain. We are proud to be your Marines   Semper Fi

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Member Comments Total Comments: 15
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MoonOwl read my blog view my photos
May 18, 2008 | 11:45 AM

I'm not very educated YankeeFan, but thanks for the update.

Cheers to all of them being able to come home as soon as possible.

MoonOwl
YankeeFan read my blog view my photos
May 18, 2008 | 2:54 PM

LOL, it's funny that you say that because most of them (all I can speak for are the Infantry and front line Marines who I have contact with) are re enlisting and switching units to go back over because they are seeing the tremendous impact and progress that our news media is loathe to admit.

Here is hoping that the Iraqis keep learing and progressing at a steady rate so they can finish their job and get home.

You can certainly read my blog from start to finish to get an education on the sort of things that they have accomplished and on the mindset of some of the guys over there. (again, I don't speak for all of the "troops", only for the rare and amazing breed that are the heroes of the USMC)
MoonOwl read my blog view my photos
May 18, 2008 | 4:44 PM

Tho, I'm curious what your guys think of Webb's GI Bill being shot down? There's a thread about it around here somewhere.

One would think our government would be fully behind anything that truly supports our Troops.It appears that isn't the case.

MoonOwl
YankeeFan read my blog view my photos
May 18, 2008 | 8:35 PM

TO be honest, I would bet that they aren't even aware of it at the moment. They are more concerned with staying alive, completing their missions and trying to get some sleep and a hot meal.

It's been my experience that most Marines (we generally support at the squad level which is junior Marines 18 - 23 ish) are pretty a political. The general response that I get from our Guys be they junior or sensior Marines.. is that they "fight for their country and it's citizens" and could care less about politics. But, then again, I have only had interaction with 60 or so Units of Marines which is a very small % of the folks over there
MoonOwl read my blog view my photos
May 18, 2008 | 8:55 PM

I wonder why I need to post to see the replies? It's only on this blog so far...
MoonOwl read my blog view my photos
May 18, 2008 | 8:59 PM

I can understand not caring about 'politics' in the short-term. But stuff like this affects them all.
dlebel read my blog
May 19, 2008 | 6:15 PM

they humble me..all of them..i cant say thank you enough to all who serve and protect our land..our lives..our freedom!
YankeeFan read my blog view my photos
May 20, 2008 | 1:12 PM

Well, moon... let's think for a moment.. you are livining in the middle of a desert.. the closest "store" (px) is nearly 6 hours away, you get internet access every few weeks or so for 15 minutes, you are surrounded by merely a few hundred people basically living in your own little world, focused on your mission (something far larger than you or I could ever comprehend) .. for 6 - 12 months .. WHAT exactly would be your primary concern?

Not to mention that it takes a good 3 - 6 months to acclimeate to being back home in the states, not jumping when you hear a car backfire, not reaching for your gun when a group of kids comes screaming and running at you, living with the nightmares of having your buddies brains splattered all over your face shield.. and knowing that you only have 1 year CONUS (continental united states) before you have to gear back up ..

WHAT exactly would your main concern be? Perhaps re connecting with your family and friends, friends who have all but moved on..

Personally, I think that you have a VERY unrealistic view on things not to mention dictating what they should or should not be concerned with .. LOL If you are so concerned with it, DO SOMETHING -- join a a veteran's advocacy group, adopt a wounded OIF/ OEF vet etc. Or perhaps, if you are so interested in what they think, get your butt to a VA hospital or a base and actually ask someone ??

There is an original thought, no? You seem to try to politicize EVERYTHING that I post.. which I find amusing

As for your posts, you would have to post your questions on each individual b
YankeeFan read my blog view my photos
May 20, 2008 | 1:14 PM

blog - or your comments. I post on 3 blogs.. tampa bay, orlando & Colorado .. Broader horizens and a different view/input on things
MoonOwl read my blog view my photos
May 20, 2008 | 4:51 PM

I'm glad you find my posts amusing YankeeFan.

Yes, compared to all you do, I do nothing. Except donate monies to certain Veterans' causes dear to me.

I also get pissed off when it appears that our government is trying to marginalize our Troops yet again. If voicing my disdain for our governments apparent lack of real support of our military seems 'politicizing' to you, I can refrain from posting on your blogs.

Even tho I do enjoy reading what you post because - as we all know - we don't hear it much in the media.

MoonOwl
YankeeFan read my blog view my photos
Jun 3, 2008 | 6:52 PM

moon, I stand corrected. As long as you are doing something, you are good to go. I just have a huge problem with folks who get on their high horse yet fail to take action of any kind regarding issues about which they are supposidly so passionate. Sadly, I don't get too terribly involved with veterans affairs so , I cannot speak to those although I don't dispute there are some serious issues - However, you say "our governmnent" and generalize... SAY who is at fault CONGRESS because they are failing to take any action and the VETERAN's ADMINISTRATION for perpatrating horrifying conditions and a lack of follow up care for things like PTS and TBI

Unfortunately there are so many hours in the day to work 50 at the job that pays my bills and collect donations for, pack, wrap, fill out customs forms for and schlep 60 - 100 boxes a month to the middle east. Not to mention the time it takes to e mail and communicate with them.

A check is great. I would, suggest, however that you get your hand's dirty at least once or twice -There is a hospital in Nort Tampa, The James A Haley Vets hospital. It is where some of the most seriously wounded in the GWOT are treated. Take some time, talk to some of the Marines there, get to know them (I can't speak for any other branch but they are all there) ... If you want to know how they feel about this or that - ask them... don't wonder.. ask they why they re enlisted right after watching their buddy's head get splattered all over their headgear, ask them why they hid their first injury (in some cases hiding bullet wounds and schrapnel sear
YankeeFan read my blog view my photos
Jun 3, 2008 | 6:59 PM

searing in their body, ask them why they feel guilty for lying there while their buddies are fighting... I think if you actually went and spoke with some wounded Marines, you would have an entirely different viewpoint on many things... The lack of sufficient follow up care notwithstanding
MoonOwl read my blog view my photos
Jun 4, 2008 | 7:13 AM

I have the same problem on the other end of the spectrum YankeeFan. When I chat w/a young adult who is "ProWar", I tell them to put their ass where their opinions are and ENLIST! The rationalizations they come up with to not enlist are almost entertaining. Hey, Dick Cheney 'had better things to do'. So did Bubba. (yes, I realize its both sides of the aisle).

I'm not sure the problems our Vets face will ever be fixed? It is a national disgrace the way they are treated. I don't see any politicians (except Ron Paul) jumping up and saying we have to fix the system. Even John McCain doesn't say much about it. Like many of the problems we face, things have gone on so many decades it almost seems insurmountable.

Depleted Uranium will be leaving many, many people sick for years to come. Yet, the military says it isn't a problem. Yeah, Agent Orange was harmless too. Benefits denied!

Perhaps it's time for our leaders to grab a gun and put their boots on the ground? Perhaps then the system might change? Jaded me doubts it.

Perhaps when the Draft is brought back, the focus will change? Who knows. I do know I am tired of our troops being treated like they should have just died on the battlefield. It is wrong. It's been wrong and should change.

Perhaps it's time to pull our people home and leave Blackwater? They are higher paid & get better equipment than our troops. That, imho, is a horrible disgrace as well. I should stop before a real rant comes on......

MoonOwl
YankeeFan read my blog view my photos
Jun 4, 2008 | 8:10 AM

Ah... feel free to rant Moon. I have a feeling we are on opposite sides of the political spectrum but you seem, at least to be rational and well spoken.

To be honest, I doubt that we will ever have to reenforce the draft, although the army has basically lowered themselves to downright bribery... LOL I can only speak for our Marines but, their enlistment goals (including re enlistment) were 140% of their goals.. In wartime.. for the guys who are, by in large living in some of the most disgusting places in the middle east... suffering the highest % of KIA rates...

Blackwater.. now there is a piece of work.. I don't know how much you know about their activities but THEY would definitely get things done since they don't have to worry about "rules of engagement" or the liberal media disecting every wartime, life and death decision they make ...

McCain actually has a child in the middle east right now so, at least his family puts their money where their mouths are
MoonOwl read my blog view my photos
Jun 4, 2008 | 11:36 AM

Rational? I'm never rational! I'm approaching menopause.

YankeeFan, if we do indeed go to Iran I bet a draft will soon follow. Bills are just waiting for signatures.

Yeah, I know about Blackwater. All about them. Let them finish it and bring our troops home. We have invaders on our borders to deal with.

I'm aware of John McCain having a son in the military. He is one of the few. Notice none of the Bush's, Cheney's, Wolfowitz's, Perle's, et al's children are serving. I don't think any family members of the people who crowed "Self-Financing War" are serving. But isn't that always the way it works? (2b fair, Chelsea Clinton (et al) too since her mom voted for it. I don't want to be accused of one-sidedness)

We are on the opposite ends of the political spectrum YankeeFan. But, we both share respect and concern for our troops and their welfare.

I think if everyone tried, we'd all find common ground instead of constantly dividing ourselves. But that's just me.

MoonOwl
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YankeeFan

A body transformation specialist by profession, supporting forward deployed Marines is fast becoming a second job. The purpose of this blog is to provide a side of the War and the brave Service Members risking their lives that is rarely seen in the media, which many do not realize exists and which others choose to ignore. "For those who fought for it, FREEDOM has a flavor the protected will never know"

Member Since: 1/10/2007


 

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