Son of a ….
- April 12th, 2007
- Posted in Uncategorized
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I’m going to have to throw a flag on the play. Which play am I talking about? If you watch the news, you know that there are a lucky few brigades that will spend at least 15 months of their lives in Iraq. Basically, the lucky brigades that got to be part of the “surge”, also get to enjoy an extended stay in powdery sand and sweltering heat. Why the flag? Well, Mr. SecDef first says “Stop Loss is bullshit! Congress, come up with a plan to end it”, and immediately follows it by “Hey, Brigades that are deployed with over 1000 stoplossed soldiers, you get to stay for even longer!” I wrote a letter, which many of you have likely either seen or signed, in response to the first part – and rest assured I’ll be sending one of an entirely different tone in response to the new idiocy. I would go into mega-rant mode right about now if I had the time, but I don’t. I did not blog the first letter, but the second will be for sure. This entire deal has been a goatscrew from day one, and as each day goes by I have less and less faith in my leaders (both military and political.) Hey, at least I get to be part of history….
/me sets mode +RAWR
I saw that on the news yesterday and thought about you…
O.K. I guess the cat is out of the bag. I didn’t want to be the first to tell you as the rumor was that the soldiers had not heard yet. I found out from Dad while at an Aeros hockey game. I could have played the HIT MAN position very well if given the opportunity that night! Well it stinks to high heaven. Extending your time to an entire year is for the birds! But we will have to find the silver lining ( there is one, right?) to all this. I can’t hardly wait to see your letter!!
P.S. I think that they should give you an additional week for R&R:)
Take care,
Stay safe and alert!
Love,
Mom
Sorry Anthony about the NEWS. It is a BUMMER . . . . I would not be a HAPPY CAMPER. I am glad you have taken some action by writing those in a position to possibly take notice and change some things. I do pray that you are able to work through the anger and disappointment so that it doesn’t haunt you the entire time you are “OVER THERE”. Being more miserable than you already are would seem to make time go even SLOWER along w/possibly affecting your attitude, performance, and . . . even your health – physical, mental, and emotional. I know you are a leader of many soldiers . . . . your morale will affect theirs. Use your spiritual strength to push through this . . . take action – as you have . . .and make the best of a bad situation. You are a very smart young man and I KNOW you will do what is best for you and for your soldiers – they look to you for guidance in all things . . . this includes morale, attitude, and outlook. Hang in there Anthony . . . like I said . . . . this is a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT . . .I most certainly know this . . and you have every right to be angry and disappointed, but . . . it is up to you to choose how you deal with this after the initial reaction. Ask God to give you the strength to lead on, and KNOW that you are in the prayers of many back home.
God bless. I pray for your safety, and eventually . . . your safe return home.
Terry
So you have to stay longer? That UBER sucks! I’m soooo sorry Anthony! Well, on the bright side, it’s only a few more months and not an additonal year, and that’s just one more thing to keep you busy biding your time before you’re out. AND, ever better, you’ll be getting a box from me shortly (I got you some things in Houston)
>big hug!
Dear FOBBIT:
Stop your whining – you’re a soldier, so what did you expect when you joined the Army?! Sounds to me like you have plenty of time on “shift” to screw off and write about the “poor leadership” you’re having to deal with…OMG Classified…sounds like a tough life while you’re saving money to buy a house in Houston! Stop writing about leadership, as if you’re the model leader, when you whine about conditions and the leaders above you…YOU JUST DON’T GET IT!!!!
When you get off the FOB, are actually getting shot at and dodging IEDs, and truly dealing with tough conditions, then you’ve earned SOME right to complain. Otherwise, STFU and enjoy your air conditioned “office” and time spent writing more songs and complaints about leaders more qualified than you…
Otherwise, thanks for your SERVICE!
Bobby V.