Still alive
I'm still here, it's everything I thought it would be and worse. I won't blog much about what happens here, but I will say this...
If the Dems block these troops, we're screwed. We need them. We are as effective as we can be right now, but with more personnel we could be doing a lot more. They are doing it for political reasons and I hope it bites them in the ass come election time, because if they win it is definitely going to bite me in the ass here. Support the commander in chief. He is doing the right thing, against all odds and against teh public opinion polls. There's a good reason I don't run my Platoon by public opinion. If I did we would probably spend our time here living inside the wire. Not because my Soldiers are afraid, or unpatriotic, or weak, or anything else... I have some of the best Soldiers I've ever seen and they do incredibly courageous things routinely, but because getting shot at and having things explode around you is UNPLEASANT. Trust me... I know. The majority would probably rather not do it if they had a choice. And then we would accomplish nothing and leave this place worse than we found it.
Believe it or not, there are some good people here in Iraq. Even in this shithole city. If we pull out, they are SCREWED. And by screwed, I mostly mean dead.
Also, anyone who tries to tell you AQ isn't here in Iraq is full of shit. I've fought them. They fight hard. They're good at what they do. They're not just good fighters, although they are that, they're good at intimidation and murder and extortion and propaganda and organized crime and smuggling and brutality and organizing locals into little baby AQ cells that quickly grow unless stomped on.
"Support the troops" can mean a lot of things.
I appreciate everyone's support.
But support the mission and we'll win.
If the Dems block these troops, we're screwed. We need them. We are as effective as we can be right now, but with more personnel we could be doing a lot more. They are doing it for political reasons and I hope it bites them in the ass come election time, because if they win it is definitely going to bite me in the ass here. Support the commander in chief. He is doing the right thing, against all odds and against teh public opinion polls. There's a good reason I don't run my Platoon by public opinion. If I did we would probably spend our time here living inside the wire. Not because my Soldiers are afraid, or unpatriotic, or weak, or anything else... I have some of the best Soldiers I've ever seen and they do incredibly courageous things routinely, but because getting shot at and having things explode around you is UNPLEASANT. Trust me... I know. The majority would probably rather not do it if they had a choice. And then we would accomplish nothing and leave this place worse than we found it.
Believe it or not, there are some good people here in Iraq. Even in this shithole city. If we pull out, they are SCREWED. And by screwed, I mostly mean dead.
Also, anyone who tries to tell you AQ isn't here in Iraq is full of shit. I've fought them. They fight hard. They're good at what they do. They're not just good fighters, although they are that, they're good at intimidation and murder and extortion and propaganda and organized crime and smuggling and brutality and organizing locals into little baby AQ cells that quickly grow unless stomped on.
"Support the troops" can mean a lot of things.
I appreciate everyone's support.
But support the mission and we'll win.
posted by Jack at 19:48
31 Comments:
I wish I knew a way to make the Dems wake up and support the mission. Unfortunately my state is nearly 100% witless Dems.
In any case, FWIW, I'm behind your mission 100%.
As you say, it's the mission, stupid. I'm with Teresa, 100%.
Thank you sir, I hope the witless Dems hear you (or are at least defeated by those of us who do support the mission...)
Thank you. Stay safe.
.... if there is anything that you need, do not hesitate to ask.... in the way of packages, supplies, etc...
Eric
www.straightwhiteguy.com
I agree with Teresa 100%. You let us know ifyou need anything at all!
Keep up the good fight.
Thank you for everything you're doing to protect the innocent and my freedom.
I'm not trying to be snarky, because I don't think it is clear to the general public, but:
What is the mission?
I can honestly say that I don't know the answer to this question, so I'm hoping you do.
Hey I just want to say I've just reading your blogs, I haven't read them all yet, but I promise to. I hope you get more soldiers there though, it would only help, not hurt.
Jen
greetings,
I just got done reading your blog for about 30 minutes. You have done an excellent job of creating your own blog.
I work for Central Command's Public Affais Department on an electronic media engagement team. Our purpose is to enter the blosisphere and engage blogs to build a relatioship with them.
We can then pass to them valuable information from units in the field. Information such as press releases, video, photoes, what terrorist are saying and much more.
I would encourage you to take a moment out of your busy schedule and visit our website www.centcom.mil.
If you think that our site would offer you and your readers valuable information...feel free to place a link on your website.
The kinda of blog you have is exactly what we are looking for. You tell it like it is and aren't afraid to laid it out. Thank you for you honesty.
Something else we can offer you is to "virtually embed" you with media back in the states by email. We would email you questions from another blog site or a newspaper, you would answer them and then the media would post the Q&A's to their media.
This is just another outlet for you the Soldier to get your story out and be heard.
Thank you for your time and your service to our country. Their are still some of us that know what you and your men ar fighting for.
v/r
Sgt. Chris Keller
Central Commands Publis Affairs
Electronic Media Engagement Team
Dangit Rob, if you weren't already married, I'd ask you out in a heartbeat (why are all the good ones already taken?!). (sigh) =)
I love your blogs. You have such a wonderful personality. I hope I run into you in Iraq.
Take care and keep on truckin'.
Specialist
MP Company
California Army National Guard
Hello, Rob,
I praise the Lord you are still alive, and may he Help you and all the troops stay that way. I also pray that the Dems lose, and that y'all are sent what you need to fight this fight well. All of the troops deserve our thanks and prayers always. We (my family ) are doing all we can here, voting and letting our voice be heard as often as posible. However, if there is something you can suggest that would help we will be glad to do our best. If there are any supplies you need please let me know. We have had family over there and just want to help. Anyway, Thanks so much for all your do, please tell your guys that this Family from Texas is praying and thanking them on a daily basis. Always, YSIC Lytedansin
Thanks for everything you and all the troops are doing ... my husband and I are behind you and your mission 100%. You all are in our prayers.
You write that AQ are good at intimidation, murder and extortion. Sounds like you're describing some american troops as well.... american "heroes" who torture unarmed men and tount people just for being muslims....I'm not a muslim, neither am I an enemy of the free world.
I know you have to believe in what you are fighting for, and I understand that, but please....please...can't you see that you've lost the war?
USA haven't fought a just war since WWII and I think you know it. You are making yourself a tool in the hands of people who don't give a shit about you.
(Bush, Cheney)
I've been to war as well, in Kosovo, and Croatia, so I know what's going on in those situations, but now....now your making the same misstake as Alexander did when he marched on Asia Minor.....no goal, no aim, and no glory. Too late he realised that there could be no victory. Napoleon and Charles XII learned the same in their wars against Russia.
I knew some american soldiers in the balkans and though they were good men, some of them had never gone to college, never been abroad and never even visited a library, yet they were given guns. It's madness. Total madness that you allow yourselves to be used in this way by your governement.
Don't get me wrong, I'm on your side, but you gotta ask yourself.....is this what you want to represent? Get killed for?
What I saw in the states when I was there a few months ago made my skin crawl....how arabs,persians and others are met with suspicion and anger....it's like what the japaneese-americans had to go through in 1944-45. Don't tell me you think that is as it should be.
But enough from me. I realise that you believe in the cause just enough to risk your life, and I thought the same when I went to Kosovo, so....I'm not gonna judge you.
I wish you the best of luck and that you will soon return to your family and friends.
By the way....my name is Rob to.
Take care!
I agree with the last comment.... there are a lot of people here who want to give you lots of more guns so you can keep on fighting. Easy for them to say. They are not the ones going over there.
You make sure you stay alive so you can go home in one piece.
"There is nothing glorious about dying for one's country, but living to see that country safe is glory onto itself" Dwight D Eisenhower.
Good words to live by when you're in the thick of it.
God's speed
I promise I will write about all these legitimate questions soon. Unfortunately, AQ/JTJ/etc aka "the Muj" seem to have an easier time getting men and equipment sometimes than we do, and it's been kind of rough lately here.
Thanks for your prayers and support, we need them.
Don't worry. The current debate and the resolution up for a vote will not stop the surge. Since the surge and security plan are already happening, this only shows that Congress is too overtaken by events to ever be able to manage a war. The resolution does not DEFUND the troop surge, it only professes disagreement with the idea of a surge. It will do nothing.
That doesn't mean, however, that there's nothing to worry about. There are efforts underway in Congress to make this only the first step in a slippery slope to deny funds later. That will not happen if this can be shown to be a success -- the public will never support a defunding if they see progress/peace return to the streets.
In 2008, the Dems will look like the soft on defense, defeat chasing "leaders" they are. Each one signing on to this will have to explain his vote. I'm sorry you have to waste time thinking about this. Have faith that there are efforts and people out here trying to keep up the support and the funds for whatever reinforcements are necessary.
In today's debate, a big issue was Dems angrily protesting that they are not hurting morale or helping the enemy. If you have any opinions on that, you should write to your Congresscritter. We're behind you.
Rob
You put it on the line every day. You stay the course of action when it is called on. I aggree with you 100% I would love to support my country has you have. But cancer took me out of the running for the Rangers 101st airbone. So when I hear storys like your self, I wish I could be in your unit. But I was seen as a weakness. But my wife see me stronge and a person with blood of red white and blue. Keep your head low and your ears sharpe. God speed. Dem will come around. The most important thing is to stay positive. Thank you for your service.
Boisen
Hello,
I'm Iranian,Why don't you reject Iraq?Can't Iraq forces make Iraq secure themselve?
I honor and respect your service to our great Republic!
Am looking forward to being in DC on Memorial weekend.
Take care my brother.
Harold Smith
Yorktown, VA
Yorktownguy on Gathering of Eagles index forum
God Bless you!
Hi - I'm a TV producer working on a special about milbloggers. Are you stateside? If so, I'd like to talk with you. My email is lecountl@cbsnews.com
Thank you.
Please Contact!
Johnny@totalassault.com
Dear Webmaster,
We’re working with the band Drowning Pool and have just received a letter written by the band directing the attention of the American people toward the care of our troops upon their return home. Please take a moment to read it and if you feel compelled by the same cause as they do, please pass it on to your audience. It’s time that we stand together on this issue and prevent neglect for the voices of those that risk their lives for our freedom to go unheard. It doesn’t matter if you are a democrat, republican, or independent – this is an issue that deserves to be in the forefront of the American conscious. The following link will take you to their petition for Congress: (http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/DrowningPool2007/). If you have any further questions or requests for Drowning Pool, please feel free to contact me and I can assist you with your needs.
Hi. My name is Eugene Gershin. I'd like to welcome you to Obadiah Shoher's blog, Samson Blinded: A Machiavellian Perspective on the Middle East Conflict.
Obadiah is a pen name of a politician. He writes extremely controversial articles about Israel, the Middle East politics, and terrorism.
Obadiah advocates political rationalism instead of moralizing. He is economic liberal and political conservative.
Google refused advertising our site and Amazon deleted reviews of Obadiah's book. Nevertheless, Obadiah’s is the largest Jewish personal blog, read by more than 100,000 people monthly. 210,000 people from 81 countries downloaded Obadiah’s book. The blog was voted the best overall in People’s Choice: Jewish and Israeli blogs Awards, received Webby Honoree and other awards.
Please help us spread Obadiah's message, and mention the blog in one of your posts, or link to us. We would greatly appreciate your comments at www.samsonblinded.org/blog
Best wishes,
Eugene Gershin
Jewrusalem.net – Israeli Uncensored News
Be safe in Iraq.
It's unfortunate that you're even still there. The 20,000 that Bush promised (has turned to 50,000 if you count support personnell) are not enough to do the job. I was all behind a surge in excess of 100,000 but this is typical Bush too little too late. Good luck and I am supporting you by trying to get you home soonest. No more politics no more BS no more dead and wounded US soldiers.
Jack,
When do you get home, we have got to get together, our others can hang out, while you and I have a weekend filled with guns, booze, risk, chess, backgammon, and some kick ass 1 vs. 1 video games, hopefully I can find a jet ski racing game, that may have been the best ever...anyway drop me a line. I thought your article in AL was outstanding, obviously you had great leadership examples as a young private in H Co. 2/2 ACR, it shows.
101 Ways to Support the Troops!
Get the libs blood boiling and consider taking action today!
Your support helps, and is the lifeblood of this great land.
Free eBook!
It would be nice if the mainstream media reported more on the positive turn that we have witnessed in Iraq over the course of the past few months. Not surprising though that they aren't. Good things are happening over there. Democrats are remiss to recongize the remarkable stabilization in Iraq, as their entire campaign hinges on convincing as many people as possible that Iraq is in civil war. What's a liberal to do?? Great work!
Check out the new website, powered by SPCA International:
baghdadpups.com
We are also looking for a specific pup /dog in Iraq. There was a soldier trying to get a dog home to his family. When the task was nearly completed, the soldier was killed in action. Does anyone know WHERE that dog is? We want to find him (her?)get him home to the soldier's family.
Thanks for any help on this. SPCA International ( contact us at spca.com)
You still around?
I hope so.
I am so grateful to you for your sacrifice to our country and i wish we could convince the demo's to support you better.
Post a Comment
<< Home