Attention all soldiers

[UltimaLimit]

All you soldiers out there, all you veterans, pay attention, because I want to give you a piece of my mind. Namely a piece that says:

THANK YOU

People, it doesn't matter what you think of Bush or the war. It doesn't truly matter the reason behind it. The point is, there are people fighting and dying, whatever the reason. I don't like it, and maybe you don't like it, but the point is, it's really happening. They're doing their job, and fighting to protect us. Everybody, give a shout out to veterans and say thank you. I hope the war ends, and I hope that I never have to enter combat. For those who have, I really do admire your courage. I mean it--I'm not just running my mouth here. Again, I thank you all.

[nik0tine]

I can't say thank you, becuase they haven't done me, or anyone else a service.

I can however, say that I wish each and every soldier the best of luck, and may you all come back safely. I don't like hearing about soldiers being killed and maimed, because it's just not right. I want as many people to come back from this unharmed as possible.

[Sasquatch]

Thanks UltimaLimit, we appreciate that. It's nice to see some people realize what we go through and who it's for.

Like you said, you can support soldiers without supporting the war. People went through Vietnam without knowing this, and came back to a country that hated them because they hated the war itself. Now, it's not as good as it should be, but it's better on the terms that most people recognize the difference between the war and the soldier, and even if they don't agree with the war, they can wish safety upon the soldiers. Safety isn't all of what we need though, we're fighting for a reason, so a better thing to want is efficient completion of our missions.

I mean hell, now we still got people that think stupid things like soldiers have never done anything for them or anybody else. How damn blind can you be.

[jrgen]

I wish safety upon the american soldiers AND their oponents.

[Blackmageboi]

I wish safety upon the american soldiers AND their oponents.

Good luck all and thanks alot!

[theundeadhero]

Thanx, I'm in Iraq right now.

[CloudSquallandZidane]

THANK YOU

You wouldnt beileve how apreciatted that is, seriously. Im not quite a soldier yet, because i havent been to boot, but i have sworn in and im not a civilian anymore. Its nice to know there are people out their who know and understand the reason for the military. Its to protect the people, freedom, and our way of life. Even if thats not always what the administration tells it to do.

[Skogs]

I respect soldiers for their convictions and their bravery, but it has and will always be my opinion that without soldiers, there would be no wars.

[Camanche]

Well obviously, without soldiers there would be no wars, but whether they want to fight or not, they'll get drafted if there isn't any at the moment. I work around soldiers a lot and just about all of them are very good people who are just cogs in a bigger machine.

As long as it's not for the 'wrong' reasons, I have a large amount of respect for the type of person it takes to go out there, and put their lives on the line like that. I wish safety for all the people fighting out there right now, regardless of which 'side' they're on.

Also, theundeadhero, are you really in Iraq right now? If so, what regiment are you from?

[nik0tine]

I mean hell, now we still got people that think stupid things like soldiers have never done anything for them or anybody else. How damn blind can you be.

Soldiers throughout history have done a great deal for people all across the world. In WW2, they did the world a great service by eliminating Hitler. (Although the motives of the politicians are questionable.) However, today is a different story. There is no great threat, and soldiers are not fighting for anything other than control over a certain region.

[ShunNakamura]

I do not wish for soldiers to die.. but I will not wish luck or thanks on a "mission" I do not believe in.. So instead I'll wish you all a safe return to home.

Basically though.. the government can draft me if they like, but If I don't believe in the cause.. then I won't lift my arms. Simple enough... I do what I beleive is right.. and no one will change that.

[Camanche]

Yup, I completely understand what you mean. In this day and age, a draft is becoming more and more unlikely, but if enough people don't sign up to fight the government's oil wars, than a draft in some sort of disguise is what many think we may see in the near future. This, of course would cause a huge public outcry and rebellion for the half of America that doesn't agree with this 'war'. I certainly don't agree with the idea of a draft, especially for an unjust cause, but if the States gets an lower on soldiers than they already are, I'm afraid something unpleasent might be done about it.

I myself was considering joining the army, at least part-time, if it wasn't for the fact that my tour of duty would consist of fighting for something I don't believe in.
(Well, for me it might not be so bad, as the local regiment around here are usually armoured ambulance drivers, which means I would be helping the people and fellow soldiers over there. But again, I want to avoid being the 'cog in the machine' if that's possible.)

[Sasquatch]

Thanx, I'm in Iraq right now.

You shouldn't violate OPSEC, but you can say a general unit, your MOS, stuff like that. I just got out of Iraq, about a month ago--Combat Engineer, near BIAP, under 1st Cav.

[The Redneck]

Oh, not this "War for Oil" pulp again....

Maybe one of these "war for oil" proponents could explain why, if we went into Iraq to take their oil, we're not taking their oil? Or why we bothered, for that matter, since we had significantly more troops in oil-rich Kuwait than their entire standing army already? Or why we didn't just do like France did and look the other way while Sodom tortured his people in exchange for a couple sweet oil contracts? (Hey, there's some "Blood for oil", there....)

Our troops deserve our thanks. You have, at the cost of months or years of your life and at great risk to life and limb, done a great service--not only to millions of now-liberated Iraqis, but to your own country; many of whom refuse to appreciate the sacrifices you have made for them.

[The Captain]

It should be noted that Paul Wolfowitz did mention during a Congressional hearing in January 2003, that an added bonus to invading Iraq was due to the fact that: "They have rich oil reserves which can help to repay the war debt tenfold if we allow it to pass through the proper channels."

Take care all.