This baby looks kind of like I feel today. GO AWAY he seems to say as he tries to catch a breeze on a 90 degree day.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Deployment Extended
Last night I read that my Soldier's deployment would be extended beyond the NATO takeover date. I know given the heavy casualties his company took over the last couple of weeks, he sounded subdued - at best. The knowledge that he would come home soon helped sustain him during the very difficult campaign that is currently ending. In early June - he said "Only about 6 more weeks, Mom!"
Now, according to the publication "Stars and Stripes", they are aware that they will be staying and for the next few weeks, that stay will be at best "uncomfortable." They have been moved into temporary housing where their "supply officer" is trying his best to find a bed for everyone - even if that bed is in an unconditioned tent in temps that exceed 120 degrees most days. Lines for showers, chow, and other necessities will increase. The ability to communicate with family - poor to begin with - will become even worse with the increase in personnel housed at this small operating base.
NATO has a different "strategy" for dealing with the insurgency - building rather than bombing. My Soldier did express some concerns over the differing attitudes of the NATO force as they entered the theater. He has expressed nothing but praise for the Afghan forces but felt that the NATO force's peacekeeping strategy was a bit "inexperienced" given the conditions on the ground - where increasingly suicide bombers, bold raids on government facilities and ambushes have become commonplace.
It is getting kind of hard to tell a young man to "do his job...and stay focused" when the planning for the "Global War on Terror" is so obviously neglected. Friends with family serving in Iraq are dealing with similar feelings with the announcement that the 172 Stryker will be extended and sent to Baghdad to quell the sectarian violence there.
Politicians in both parties are busy "chest thumping" about who can best "manage the War on Terror" - but in reality, most are simply engaged with getting re-elected while brave young men and women die.
Now, according to the publication "Stars and Stripes", they are aware that they will be staying and for the next few weeks, that stay will be at best "uncomfortable." They have been moved into temporary housing where their "supply officer" is trying his best to find a bed for everyone - even if that bed is in an unconditioned tent in temps that exceed 120 degrees most days. Lines for showers, chow, and other necessities will increase. The ability to communicate with family - poor to begin with - will become even worse with the increase in personnel housed at this small operating base.
NATO has a different "strategy" for dealing with the insurgency - building rather than bombing. My Soldier did express some concerns over the differing attitudes of the NATO force as they entered the theater. He has expressed nothing but praise for the Afghan forces but felt that the NATO force's peacekeeping strategy was a bit "inexperienced" given the conditions on the ground - where increasingly suicide bombers, bold raids on government facilities and ambushes have become commonplace.
It is getting kind of hard to tell a young man to "do his job...and stay focused" when the planning for the "Global War on Terror" is so obviously neglected. Friends with family serving in Iraq are dealing with similar feelings with the announcement that the 172 Stryker will be extended and sent to Baghdad to quell the sectarian violence there.
Politicians in both parties are busy "chest thumping" about who can best "manage the War on Terror" - but in reality, most are simply engaged with getting re-elected while brave young men and women die.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Operation "Mountain Thrust"
Today, I read that Operation Mountain Thrust is "wrapping up" in Afghanistan. I do not know if the Military considers it a "success" or not. What I do know is that many lives were lost and many people were injured in another occupation that appears to be going badly. After five years of primarily US occupation, Afghanistan is, by our own assessment, a failed state that produces 90% of the worlds heroin and has a government that is in business for itself - not for her people. Women are still forced to cover themselves fully to avoid harrassment from others, children who try to attend school face threats of death along with their families, most of the country still lacks basic health care and most face severe economic depression and threats of daily violence.
My Soldier was involved in "Mountain Thrust." When his task force returns, they will have lost two Soldiers - permanently. Both men were fathers - with six kids between them. In addition, at least three Soldiers have been severely wounded - and although all are expected to make it, rehab will be extensive with no guarantees on the long term prognosis. Several others were wounded with a good chance for a full recovery.
We have heard the violence in Iraq has increased dramatically. The country reports 100 deaths from violent causes each and every day. Many in Iraq and the US believe that Iraq is in a state of civil war. The Iraqi Prime Minister came to the US to ask us to help "secure" Baghdad. As a result, one Battalion has been "extended" for four months, others have been deployed to provide "overlap" coverage, effectively increasing our force by some 15,000 troops.
We have "taken sides" with Israel in her war with Hezbolla and by extension Lebanon. Thus far, many innocent civilians have been killed or displaced as bombs fall and tanks shell cities and villages - on both sides of the border. Iran supplies Hezbolla with arms - we supply Israel with arms and rhetoric.
At home, stressed by deployments and Troops returning with physical and emotional scars, Military Families struggle under the weight of "stay the course" policy. In our own small group, the infant child of one Soldier died while he was deployed, a wife fled due to battering, and parents of Soldiers agonize over the safety of their kids - on the battlefield and here in the U.S. We worry about the future - since we know that even if our Soldier comes home from this deployment unhurt and psychologically intact - he/she is only doing so to prepare to hit the next hot zone in rotation and the cycle of worry will only begin again.
There is an old maxim that states: "Violence begets violence - killing begets only more killing." I do not know the source of this statement - but along with 60% of American voters, I know it to be true. Too bad our leadership doesn't "get it." But then, they are too busy fundraising to keep their jobs to pay much attention.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Fuchsia Hair
Well, it seems that I am getting much closer to needing to dye my hair. When my son was home last summer, I informed him that I had no intention of being a "blue haired" little old lady when his job caused my normally brownish hair to turn to shades of white. My grandma used to use bluing in her white hair to enhance the "whiteness" often turning it a very pretty shade of blue.
I am NOT my grandma. I love the color pink...the brighter and bolder - the better. So I told him that he will be responsible for the rest of my life to keep me in vogue with hair dye to keep me in the pink.
So bud, if you read this, know that every day, I am finding new white strands popping up. When I hit about 50%, the dying will need to start for sure. Don't make too many plans for that cute little sports car you have been emailing me about - think PINK!
When I go pink, I WILL post pictures. Wonder what my boss will think. He already knows I am a bit off.
I am NOT my grandma. I love the color pink...the brighter and bolder - the better. So I told him that he will be responsible for the rest of my life to keep me in vogue with hair dye to keep me in the pink.
So bud, if you read this, know that every day, I am finding new white strands popping up. When I hit about 50%, the dying will need to start for sure. Don't make too many plans for that cute little sports car you have been emailing me about - think PINK!
When I go pink, I WILL post pictures. Wonder what my boss will think. He already knows I am a bit off.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
I AM ALIVE
Last October, Rolling Meadows native Bryan Anderson lost three limbs when a roadside bomb demolished his Humvee. His story since is remarkable.
By David Zucchino
Tribune Newspapers: Los Angeles Times July 6, 2006
FT. HOOD, Texas -- Bryan Anderson emerged from an elevator in the airport terminal here, a diminished figure in a wheelchair. Both legs were gone, and most of his left arm -- all severed when a roadside bomb demolished the Humvee he was driving in Baghdad last fall.
Anderson, of Rolling Meadows, Ill., was never a big man -- 5 foot 6, 125 pounds. Now he was down to 80 pounds as he rolled through the terminal in late May to begin a 10-day visit with the soldiers who were with him the day his life changed.
Those men -- who had dragged him from the Humvee and stopped his bleeding Oct. 23 -- would see more than a fragile young man in a wheelchair. They would see a willful survivor who had transformed their lives, and his own, in a way none of them could have imagined.
To read the rest of the story, please click here.
To view the accompanying flash presentation where Bryan Anderson discusses his injuries and recovery, please click here.
By David Zucchino
Tribune Newspapers: Los Angeles Times July 6, 2006
FT. HOOD, Texas -- Bryan Anderson emerged from an elevator in the airport terminal here, a diminished figure in a wheelchair. Both legs were gone, and most of his left arm -- all severed when a roadside bomb demolished the Humvee he was driving in Baghdad last fall.
Anderson, of Rolling Meadows, Ill., was never a big man -- 5 foot 6, 125 pounds. Now he was down to 80 pounds as he rolled through the terminal in late May to begin a 10-day visit with the soldiers who were with him the day his life changed.
Those men -- who had dragged him from the Humvee and stopped his bleeding Oct. 23 -- would see more than a fragile young man in a wheelchair. They would see a willful survivor who had transformed their lives, and his own, in a way none of them could have imagined.
To read the rest of the story, please click here.
To view the accompanying flash presentation where Bryan Anderson discusses his injuries and recovery, please click here.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Forgotten Sacrifice
By F. John Duresky
Wednesday, July 5, 2006; A13
A few days ago, as I do every day in Iraq, I listened to the commander's battle update. The briefer calmly and professionally described the day's events. Somewhere in Iraq, on some forgotten, dusty road, an insurgent fighting an occupying army detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) under a Humvee, killing an American soldier. The briefer fielded a question from the general and moved to the next item in the update.
The day before that, in America, a 15-year-old's incredibly rich parents planned the biggest sweet 16 party ever. They will spend more than $200,000 on an opulent event marking a single year in an otherwise unremarkable life. The soon-to-be-16 girl doesn't know where Iraq is and doesn't care. That same day an American soldier died in Iraq.
Two days earlier, a 35-year-old man went shopping for home entertainment equipment. He had the toughest time selecting the correct plasma screen; he could afford the biggest and best of everything. In the end, he had it installed by a specialty store. He spent about $50,000 on the whole system. He has never met anybody serving in the military nor served himself, but thinks we should "turn the whole place into a parking lot." That day, another American soldier died in Iraq.
Three days earlier, some college students had a great kegger. There were tons of babes at the party, the music was awesome. Everybody got totally blitzed, and many missed class the next day. The young men all registered for the draft when they were 18, but even though our nation is at war, they aren't the least bit worried about the draft. It is politically impossible to conscript young people today, we are told. That day, another American "volunteer" died in Iraq.
Four days earlier, a harried housewife looked all over town for the perfect accessory for her daughter's upcoming recital. Her numerous chores wore her out, but she still found herself preoccupied. Her oldest son is having trouble in his first year of college, and he has been talking of enlisting in the Army. She is terrified that her child will go off to that horrible war she sees on TV. She and her husband decide to give their son more money so he doesn't have to work part-time; maybe that will help with his studies. That day, another soldier died.
Yesterday millions of Americans celebrated Independence Day. They attended parties and barbecues. Families came together from all across the country to celebrate the big day. Millions of dollars were spent on fireworks. At public events, there were speeches honoring the people who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. These words mostly fell on bored ears. While the country celebrated its own greatness, other Americans were still fighting in Iraq.
Today Americans go back to their normal business. The politicians in Washington have made sure the sacrifices of the war are borne by the very smallest percentage of Americans. They won't even change the tax rates to prevent deficits from running out of control. Future generations will pay the cost of this war.
Many Americans feel strongly about the war one way or another, but they aren't signing up their children for service or taking the protest to the streets. What can they do? It is they whom we in the military trust to influence our leaders in Washington.
Today, as on every other day in Iraq, American servicemen are in very real danger. Our country is at war. Mothers, fathers, wives, husbands and children are worrying about their loved ones in a faraway land. They all hope he or she isn't the one whose luck runs out today.
The writer is an Air Force captain stationed in Iraq.
Original Article from the Washington Post can be linked here.
Wednesday, July 5, 2006; A13
A few days ago, as I do every day in Iraq, I listened to the commander's battle update. The briefer calmly and professionally described the day's events. Somewhere in Iraq, on some forgotten, dusty road, an insurgent fighting an occupying army detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) under a Humvee, killing an American soldier. The briefer fielded a question from the general and moved to the next item in the update.
The day before that, in America, a 15-year-old's incredibly rich parents planned the biggest sweet 16 party ever. They will spend more than $200,000 on an opulent event marking a single year in an otherwise unremarkable life. The soon-to-be-16 girl doesn't know where Iraq is and doesn't care. That same day an American soldier died in Iraq.
Two days earlier, a 35-year-old man went shopping for home entertainment equipment. He had the toughest time selecting the correct plasma screen; he could afford the biggest and best of everything. In the end, he had it installed by a specialty store. He spent about $50,000 on the whole system. He has never met anybody serving in the military nor served himself, but thinks we should "turn the whole place into a parking lot." That day, another American soldier died in Iraq.
Three days earlier, some college students had a great kegger. There were tons of babes at the party, the music was awesome. Everybody got totally blitzed, and many missed class the next day. The young men all registered for the draft when they were 18, but even though our nation is at war, they aren't the least bit worried about the draft. It is politically impossible to conscript young people today, we are told. That day, another American "volunteer" died in Iraq.
Four days earlier, a harried housewife looked all over town for the perfect accessory for her daughter's upcoming recital. Her numerous chores wore her out, but she still found herself preoccupied. Her oldest son is having trouble in his first year of college, and he has been talking of enlisting in the Army. She is terrified that her child will go off to that horrible war she sees on TV. She and her husband decide to give their son more money so he doesn't have to work part-time; maybe that will help with his studies. That day, another soldier died.
Yesterday millions of Americans celebrated Independence Day. They attended parties and barbecues. Families came together from all across the country to celebrate the big day. Millions of dollars were spent on fireworks. At public events, there were speeches honoring the people who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. These words mostly fell on bored ears. While the country celebrated its own greatness, other Americans were still fighting in Iraq.
Today Americans go back to their normal business. The politicians in Washington have made sure the sacrifices of the war are borne by the very smallest percentage of Americans. They won't even change the tax rates to prevent deficits from running out of control. Future generations will pay the cost of this war.
Many Americans feel strongly about the war one way or another, but they aren't signing up their children for service or taking the protest to the streets. What can they do? It is they whom we in the military trust to influence our leaders in Washington.
Today, as on every other day in Iraq, American servicemen are in very real danger. Our country is at war. Mothers, fathers, wives, husbands and children are worrying about their loved ones in a faraway land. They all hope he or she isn't the one whose luck runs out today.
The writer is an Air Force captain stationed in Iraq.
Original Article from the Washington Post can be linked here.
Happy Independence Day - From Afghanistan
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, Combined Joint Task Force – 76 commander (left) congratulates Army Spec. Ahmed John during a special July 4 naturalization ceremony here. John, a native of Kabul , Afghanistan , was one of 27 U.S. Soldiers serving on the front lines of the war on terror in Afghanistan who took the Oath of Allegiance on America ’s 230th birthday. (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Robert R. Ramon, 345th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)Rather Cool. Thanks for your service, Specialist John.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Please Leave a Message
I spent a couple of days feeling kind of guilty. I actually MISSED a couple of calls from my Soldier! (Bad Mom...bad, bad, bad!)
Of course, there is no way to hit redial to Afghanistan...and I am not at my best first thing in the morning especially when traveling. When we got home, the kid placed a call to the home phone very early in the morning - it rings much louder than the cell.
When we finally connected, we discussed a few of the emails we have exchanged in the last few weeks. The first was a confirmation that quite likely, the file on the stolen VA computer was never opened...and all of our financial records were safe. The second was a condition report on a Soldier that was critically hurt in Afghanistan. I had talked to family...and passed the information along. His gym buddy will make it but has a long rehab in front of him.
Then he discussed in broadest terms what is up. The temperatures are very hot, and indeed as the press reports, dehydration requiring the use of IV fluids in the field is pretty commonplace. There is an increase in IED attacks and there is often fierce battles between various units and the Taliban. Due to OPSEC regulations, he is unable to discuss much else - except to say that the mission is quite intense right now.
I can safely make the assumption that the "rocket's red glare" has a whole different meaning in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan than what it has here...as the U.S. celebrates Independance Day.
We made a date for me to buy...two rounds of ice cold beer, when he returns at the dive of his choice, anywhere in the U.S. He laughed hard saying "But Mom, you don't drink." I figure I can evolve. Just no cheap stuff, please.
Of course, there is no way to hit redial to Afghanistan...and I am not at my best first thing in the morning especially when traveling. When we got home, the kid placed a call to the home phone very early in the morning - it rings much louder than the cell.
When we finally connected, we discussed a few of the emails we have exchanged in the last few weeks. The first was a confirmation that quite likely, the file on the stolen VA computer was never opened...and all of our financial records were safe. The second was a condition report on a Soldier that was critically hurt in Afghanistan. I had talked to family...and passed the information along. His gym buddy will make it but has a long rehab in front of him.
Then he discussed in broadest terms what is up. The temperatures are very hot, and indeed as the press reports, dehydration requiring the use of IV fluids in the field is pretty commonplace. There is an increase in IED attacks and there is often fierce battles between various units and the Taliban. Due to OPSEC regulations, he is unable to discuss much else - except to say that the mission is quite intense right now.
I can safely make the assumption that the "rocket's red glare" has a whole different meaning in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan than what it has here...as the U.S. celebrates Independance Day.
We made a date for me to buy...two rounds of ice cold beer, when he returns at the dive of his choice, anywhere in the U.S. He laughed hard saying "But Mom, you don't drink." I figure I can evolve. Just no cheap stuff, please.
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