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Operation Iraqi Freedom

First off, I hope this won't become a political debate as I only wish to report what I experienced when my Reserve Unit was called to duty on Valentines Day 2003.

We were the first Army Reserve unit mobilized in the State of Maryland. We were sent to FT. BRAGG, NC in preparation for the invasion of Iraq. At that time the Countries Moral, Patriotism and Unity were the highest I had experienced since I was a child prior to the TET offensive during the Vietnam War.

We had high hopes at that time, of destroying terrorism in its tracts in any place and any Country that dare to harbor them. We were united in this global effort for really the first time since the Second World War. Flags flew on every street corner, and most every house I saw since I was a child. Public and Political Support for the war ran high and I even remember the Congress of the United States singing God bless America on the steps of the Capitol soon after the attacks of 911.

My father said it was similar to the support he remembered after the attacks on Pearl Harbor. My Unit was addressed by the brass when we arrived at FT. Bragg as true Patriots for being willing to show up and serve in the Army on such a short notice.

We were told by the General that we were apart of the biggest call up since the second World War, and that we should be most proud of ourselves for unselfishly leaving our families behind and for the willingness to perform the sacrifice that may be required of us. Unfortunately, (to my way of thinking) it was less than a year later that some in the Congress of the United States; started to distance them selves from the Bush administration and support of the invasion of Iraq they had previously supported.

I’m sure the history will be debated for years to come of who knew what when, in the Federal Government. But for me and plenty of other “Patriotic Americans, and Soldiers” the unity we enjoyed as fellow Americans was short lived, thanks to our 21 Century media, and more importantly a divided Government. Which I have watched slowly do more harm to our citizens and the National Unity, than any attack or bombing that has occurred in the history in the twentieth or twenty-first century.

And to me, that only compounds the wounds and division of a nation; for the selfish ambitions of politicians’ that should be putting their countries interest and well being above their own! This is what the Soldier, Sailors, Marines and Airmen do everyday!

Is it too much to ask from our elected officials? I think that selfishness has become more important than sacrifice, to many in this self absorbed culture of today.

Most Veterans who have served in Iraq are proud of their service, despite the population’s political opinions. They deeply deserve the dignity they have earned in putting others before themselves. Something this generation needs to re-learn, from our Fathers who fault in the Second World War; and every war before it.

Respectfully Submitted,

SFC-RTD

Nicely said, and I would also like to add:

"MILITARY AND POLITCAL LEADERS SAY THEY WILL HELP CHANGE PLANS FOR VICTORY IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN"

Yeah, right.