tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post6378517042463338769..comments2024-02-20T04:58:52.508-05:00Comments on Let Them Fight or Bring Them Home: The Letter that Started Everythingusmcwarriorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03519796561220860871noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-38838149378693366802009-10-31T18:46:56.053-04:002009-10-31T18:46:56.053-04:00The insurgents are not terrorists??? Are you out o...The insurgents are not terrorists??? Are you out of your mind? They do not hate our country and every American because we are occupying their country with our military. They hate America because we stand for freedom and they do not want us to help those in their country who long for the same freedom and basic human rights.I too had someone, a military family member, who described first hand the conditions and threatening strong arm tactics used by terrorists on their own citizens. Yes, war goes deeper than just the fight to maintain a country's freedom. But, if you ask any American service person, they will tell you that they do what they do so that every American citizen can continue to enjoy our freedom and so that we will never be devastated by another 9/11. General McChrystal had a meeting with an Afghan tribal leader on 9-4-09, 4 days before my nephew was killed, and guess what he said to McChrystal? He told him not to apologize for recent civilian deaths, he told him that we (American soldiers) need to be more aggressive. Most "civilians" put themselves amongst the insurgent forces providing support for them. Does this make it right to carry out your assigned mission regardless of the casualties involved? Your damn right it does! ROE should always be supportive of OUR soldiers when THEIR lives are in extreme danger. The politicians may be fighting for the wrong reasons but don't dare think that our soldiers are not fighting for theirs and every Americans freedom! Our current administration has an opportunity to make the right choice, if they would get their self-serving heads out of their asses. I have said all I need to say. God Bless America!!Laurie P.https://www.blogger.com/profile/18148484873396292070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-39376822163660631132009-10-30T15:41:24.290-04:002009-10-30T15:41:24.290-04:001stSgt. Bernard,
Our condolences to you and your f...1stSgt. Bernard,<br />Our condolences to you and your family. Your letter and first hand view of our country's current situation in Afghanistan is in every way correct. Our family recently lost my nephew,GySgt.Aaron Kenefick, during an ambush in Kunar province on Sept. 8th 2009. His troop had battled for nearly two hours with no air support (they were told that air support would be 5 minutes behind them) and were ordered not to return fire upon the "village" because of civilians. These "civilians"(including women and children) were running ammunition to the insurgents. My nephew, who was on the front line, was ordered not to return fire on the outskirts of the village, even after he radioed command that civilians were not in that area. He told command that if they tried to move from their position they would be shot down. But they were denied support and my nephew, along with 3 other Marines and a Navy medic, was killed that day. A fifth Marine was injured during this ambush and just recently died from his injuries. Our family <br />is enraged that our soldiers, our beloved family members, are taking second priority to the terrorists who hate our very existence and the civilians who support them. Whether these civilians support them through fear or hatred for Americans is not an issue. If you choose to put yourself in harms way, you cannot expect us to protect you. The insurgents do not care about "their own". If our current administration cannot give our military 100% support, then we must bring all of them home. Our military men and women put their lives on the line for the greatest cause of all, American freedom! It is shameful to throw them into the trenches with one arm tied behind their backs. It is dishonorable to have allowed politics and personal agendas to interfere with our mission. We demand our commander in chief to give our soldiers the support they deserve and have a right to. SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!! War is an unfortunate necessity and it comes with great costs. But the idea of living in a world controlled by fear, radicalism, communism or terror is not an option. We will not allow our nephew's life, or any of our fallen heroes, to be in vain.Laurie P.https://www.blogger.com/profile/18148484873396292070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-23478759312815596482009-10-27T14:32:31.424-04:002009-10-27T14:32:31.424-04:00Er, I mean, why does he hate America and love the ...Er, I mean, why does he hate America and love the terrorists?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05313513169919239062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-13241407045860007012009-10-27T14:31:52.416-04:002009-10-27T14:31:52.416-04:00Good. The war has been inflaming extremists and mo...Good. The war has been inflaming extremists and moderates of good faith for quite some time.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05313513169919239062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-22789223462013862892009-10-20T16:40:43.970-04:002009-10-20T16:40:43.970-04:00Johnny Mauldin --- doesn't really deserve a re...Johnny Mauldin --- doesn't really deserve a response.He is just another philisophical liberal America hater that loves to berate and demean military folks. Most probably a frustrated closet wannabe .olgrunthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09486151394167051849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-64375480507186434582009-10-20T12:24:09.824-04:002009-10-20T12:24:09.824-04:00Why do you hate America and love the terrrrrissss?...Why do you hate America and love the terrrrrissss?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05313513169919239062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-58947978307130264102009-10-20T10:33:34.555-04:002009-10-20T10:33:34.555-04:00Soldiers, in my view, are simple thinkers. The sim...Soldiers, in my view, are simple thinkers. The simple idea is this: there is right and there is wrong. WE are right and THEY are wrong. This notion about being attacked on your own soil is so remarkably self-serving. How many humans have died, on their own soil, as the result of American adventures, whether covert, declared or undeclared military actions?<br /><br />The answer is uncountable thousands. But simple thinking uniform worshipers will insist that in all cases, America has been right, damn it, so love it or leave it.<br /><br />Bring the American soldiers home because they have exactly NO chance of achieving the stated aims of the mission. And you will notice that those stated aims are being subtly massaged as time goes by. In Canada the mission was to defeat the Taliban. Now the mission is to export Canadian "values".<br /><br />Afghanistan cannot be equated with the military efforts of the Second World War. The United States was attacked by a nation in that war. Japan attacked the United States. Al-quaida is not a nation. They cannot be dealt with that way.johnny maudlinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09379960303678668045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-67417526422780540652009-10-19T09:46:06.679-04:002009-10-19T09:46:06.679-04:00Dear Mr. Bernard,
My son, Joe, is a platoon comma...Dear Mr. Bernard,<br /><br />My son, Joe, is a platoon commander with Golf Co. He and his platoon have been holding down the fort at Dahaneh since the ambush that cost Joshua his life. He's slated to leave there soon, and naturally, we're anxious for him to arrive safely back at K-Bay.<br /><br />I wanted to not only offer my condolences for your loss, but also to let you know that shortly after the firefight, Joe and I were chatting online and I could tell how much your loss was his. He said that Joshua was one of the few Christian guys in the company and that he really liked him. <br /><br />I know that Joe had a small cadre of Christian Marines with whom he often spent time in Bible study and prayer, and Joshua must have been one of them. <br /><br />You and I apparently entered the service at the same time -- 1972. You to the Corps and I to the AF (the Boy Scouts, as Joe calls it). And, although I cannot say that I know the pain that you must feel, know that I have prepared myself for it and that only God knows if I will someday share the grief of a father who has lost an only son.<br /><br />Thanks again for your service to our country and for the sacrifice of your hero. I just thought that you'd like to know that Joe thought highly of him and will miss him as a fallen brother in arms. I find comfort in knowing that those two Marines will reunite again someday in eternity.<br /><br />Semper fi,Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-6870324059547354842009-10-16T08:28:50.375-04:002009-10-16T08:28:50.375-04:00Thad;
Thanks for your condolences and I hope you ...Thad;<br /><br />Thanks for your condolences and I hope you are successful in your bid for office. We need more men in there that understand the consequences of war time decision making.<br /><br />Semper Fi;<br /><br />JBusmcwarriorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03519796561220860871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-57344575850986061182009-10-15T23:47:26.969-04:002009-10-15T23:47:26.969-04:001st. Sgt Bernard,
I am sorry for the loss of your...1st. Sgt Bernard,<br /><br />I am sorry for the loss of your son. I read your story in the Rapid City, South Dakota Journal. I am running for U.S. Congress 2010 with the intention of correcting America's lack of a clear vision in Afghanistan. I served with 3rd Marines in Hawaii. Once again, my smpathy goes with your family.<br /><br />Thad WassonThad Wassonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00633228072878507747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-4508648957252523102009-10-15T22:30:24.223-04:002009-10-15T22:30:24.223-04:00TrueBlue:
I just read your exchange with John. I...TrueBlue:<br /><br />I just read your exchange with John. It seems you have the hubris to lecture First Sergeant Bernard on combat, the military, and the battle history of the Marine Corps. You suggest that those who oppose the current Rules of Engagement and use of the COIN strategy relegate their positions to that of mere sheep – suggesting that corrupt leadership in this war on terror is acceptable.<br /><br />From your last entry, I glean that you have no military background, but have “friends” and such who have provided you with a remarkable education in the art and science of war.<br /><br />Now, pay attention: John Bernard is probably the most honest and articulate man you will ever have ever had the experience of interacting with. I have had the honor of serving side by side with him – including in combat – for the best part of 15 years. We retired together on the same day, from the same unit. He is a COMBAT Marine of the finest character – not some half-baked arm chair warrior with ill informed opinions.<br /><br />John has been writing about the Rules of Engagement for months before Josh was killed. His concern is the concern of every man and woman in uniform (or whoever wore a uniform) who doesn’t have to kiss the great political ass – that we fight this war to win.<br /><br />Between John and me, we have nearly 60 years of service in the Corps. Never ONCE were we ever told to “shut up, follow orders, and to along with the program” as you clearly suggest ought to be the case now. In fact, we were always encouraged – and we encouraged OUR subordinates – to speak up regarding tactics, techniques, procedures, and even administrative policies. That does not imply the questioning of orders under battlefield (or even garrison) conditions – it simply means that at least Marines understand that everyone has something to contribute - even you.<br /><br />You wrote to John that, “strategy, tactics, and personnel choices are appropriately based on the death of an individual, or even some individuals, as much as they are loved, valued, and appreciated. It is a hard pill to swallow, but war is a hard pill to swallow, and this is the nature of war.”<br /><br />What exactly do you know about war sir? What exactly do you know about Afghanistan, except the crap you are fed on the news? Can you find it on a bloody map? You wrote that you know people who have been to that region, have YOU been in that region? Have you been to Iraq? Somalia? Kosovo? Where were you during the intervention in Panama, Beirut, or the war in Vietnam? Were you home snug and warm? Good God I hope so! There have been good men out there roasting in deserts, freezing in snow banks, and sweating in jungles to keep life nice for those Americans who for one reason or another can’t or won’t join in getting shot at! One of the few things those good men ask is that you get your crap together before you start lecturing them.<br /><br />Maybe you think that First Sergeant Bernard is too passionate in his appeal for sanity. His passion comes not only from the tragic loss of his only son, but from the drain of integrity and lack of leadership being suffered by this great nation! America was founded on a great passion! Passion is sorely needed now to keep this great American experiment from sliding down the drain of history! Cold and timid souls will never know passion. They will forever remain safe sitting on their fat asses.<br /><br />Your arrogance is astounding.<br /><br />Semper Fidelis,<br /><br />SgtMaj J.M. Sauer (Ret)JMSauer1775https://www.blogger.com/profile/02955466744320912028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-17968658778056867662009-10-15T20:41:02.102-04:002009-10-15T20:41:02.102-04:00True Blue;
Can't say I disagree with your fin...True Blue;<br /><br />Can't say I disagree with your final comments about 'bi-partisan support of McChrystal' but you do realize that when two parties agree, at least one has to compromise a conviction (at least in politics). I don't know that their support was a ringing endorsement, especially considering the dismal display of military service in their ranks. And yes; I believe McChrystal may well be a true believer in COIN. It just so happens that History tells a different story about its efficacy than what he is trying to sell - especially considering the disparity in religious ideologies (theirs and ours).<br /><br />JBusmcwarriorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03519796561220860871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-61355894183959954472009-10-15T19:16:18.068-04:002009-10-15T19:16:18.068-04:00Tru Blue; con't..
No the Generals making thes...Tru Blue; con't..<br /><br />No the Generals making these decisions are not alone in their understanding of what needs to be done and you would be floored to know how many officers, O5 and below disagree with the desire to take this to theater wide COIN with its related ROE. The problem for them and the Marines that are being blown up daily is that they can't speak out until they are out of uniform. You would rather they continue to be brutalized by an ill-conceived strategy that does not take into consideration the culture that you yourself identified as brutal and unchanging, than speak out on their behalf?<br /><br />You're right; the civilian population has never been 'big' on war but are of the opinion that we are. You need to understand; none of us are. There is a difference, however, between being a fan of something, avoiding the inevitable at all cost and understanding that sometimes things - even things we detest must be done (those who give up essential liberty for temporary security deserve neither security nor liberty - Ben Franklin). By some estimates, less than 3 percent of the population supported the revolutionary war. Imagine what might have been if our fore fathers had not written those tremendous documents and paid for them - and our freedom with their blood. War is not an obscure idea in a book; it is a reality that meets every generation. We happen to be around for this one. No I won't stay quiet just because it is uncomfortable for some to hear about it and certainly not because some believe in the infallibility of the elected - and appointed. They have been wrong before. They are wrong on this one.<br /><br />SF<br /><br />JBusmcwarriorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03519796561220860871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-51250289689935961422009-10-15T19:14:49.244-04:002009-10-15T19:14:49.244-04:00True Blue;
You misunderstand me if you think I bel...True Blue;<br />You misunderstand me if you think I believe the military or government should listen to me or change strategy because of the death of my son. The fact is I wrote our congressional delegation weeks before my son was killed about this very issue. If you are telling me I should crawl into a hole and not be part of the dialogue (a dialogue which you are obviously believe you have the right to be involved in) you have a fundamental misunderstanding of the workings of this republic. By the way; every interview; whether in print or on radio I have given, I have been asked to give. And finally; if you think four stars on the shoulder automatically assumes an intrinsic infallibility on the battlefield; you again, are mistaken.<br /><br />This dialogue is taking place between a wide ranging group of people from high ranking officers to lowly privates, civilians and yes, senior staff NCOs like myself. Are you suggesting I should keep silent because I have not been elected? Did you know that only 20 of the sitting members of congress have ever had a uniform on? Yes, I know there is no requirement for the office but you would have to agree there is a certain level of personal arrogance that tells a person it is OK to send someone else to die when you yourself have never been willing to place yourself in harm's way.<br /><br />By the way; there is nothing intrinsically immoral about war. It is a fact of human existence. Even the Bible recognizes a time for war and God admonished the Jews to war against numerous enemies. Now if you don't believe in God or the Bible I understand that point may be moot for you but for the rest of us it is clear that there is a legitimacy to war - at times.<br /><br />By the way; I read Flags of our Fathers; I have a signed copy handed to me by the author. I knew Rene Gagnon and his nephew was my Commanding Officer and is a close friend. My Uncle was in the Coast Guard and landed Marines on Iwo Jima in 'mike' boat # 21 which took a direct hit and sunk. My Uncle and his Coxswain made it out alive. All the Marines were killed. The defenders on that island numbered 22,000 of which we took approximately 1700 as EPW's. My Father was a Marine as was his 1st cousin, my sister, her husband, my other sister's husband, 3 nephews to date with a fourth heading to Parris Island in two months, and then my son. I joined in 1972 and retired in 2003 (with a lot of broken time) with both active and reserve service. So you see; understanding and living a Warrior ethos is not an obscure thing for me and mine; it is life. We have been there and now, one of us has paid the ultimate price for that service. But you still think I have no right to speak or should expect my elected officials to listen to me? If not me; who? If not on this issue; then what? You accept the fact that those who have never served can set policy on how to conduct a war, and whose sons and daughters they can send off to be killed, with indemnity but think I and my Brothers should stay quiet? Curious view of democracy. <br /><br />Con't...usmcwarriorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03519796561220860871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-82499417632672542162009-10-15T17:33:47.208-04:002009-10-15T17:33:47.208-04:00JB,
Thank you for the reply, I am in total agreem...JB,<br /><br />Thank you for the reply, I am in total agreement with your last comment to me. I will be watching carefully how the new policy is developed. Thank you for your insight.<br /><br />SFBlasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01265394688706065681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-24327595549728787122009-10-15T17:18:05.698-04:002009-10-15T17:18:05.698-04:00Blast;
Do not misunderstand that statement. Think...Blast;<br /><br />Do not misunderstand that statement. Think of it as a literary construct to make a point. I don't believe a theater-wide counter insurgency strategy can work period and that is what General McChrystal is recommending. Starting with a premise that there are good guys and bad guys, in a conventional sense, in Afghanistan is naive at best. We can not determine with any level of confidence, which segments of that society are good/bad. They are all ideologically opposed to our living without Islam. Jihad is not an aberration nor is it 'inner struggle'. It is in fact holy war against the infidel.<br /><br />The fact is, there is only one legitimate reason to be there in force; something there, projects a clear and present danger to the United States and its people. Nation building is both arrogant and not in the job description of any of our elected officials. If we have decided and continue to believe that there exists a clear and present danger to this nation in Afghanistan, we need to attend to that narrowly defined enemy. When we first went in, we succeeded. We lost ground once we diverted our attention to Iraq. When we refocused on Afghanistan again, this year, we acted as though the situation had not deteriorated; we paid it lip service. The ROE suggested a post Fallujah II condition that did not exist in Afghanistan. Afghanistan was 'Indian country'. The ‘not complicated’ comment grows out of that. We need to get back to the chase and kill strategy we started with and regain what we lost. Once we have control (some semblance of control), we can - and should reach out to the villagers for intel and 'make nice' but they will not respect us until they know we are serious and we intend to win. Right now, we have told them we do not intend to control the battle space. We have given that to the Taliban.<br /><br />SF<br /><br />JBusmcwarriorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03519796561220860871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-41759064550755939612009-10-15T17:06:43.879-04:002009-10-15T17:06:43.879-04:00My condolences on the loss of your warrior son.
I...My condolences on the loss of your warrior son.<br /><br />I don't think we should be in Afghanistan or Iraq for two reasons: first, because I don't think there is a good enough reason for it, and second, in the case of Afghanistan, because it is the historic graveyard of empires, and I think the effort required to subdue it is not worth the return.<br /><br />You wrote that your son's adversaries included women and children who were loading ammunition. This tells me that the people there -- not so much "Afghans" as members of the Pashtun tribe -- view us as invading conquerors. They see it as a religious war of Christianity vs. Islam. They don't see the U.S. as bringing them something they want. They view us as imposing something they hate.<br /><br />We could say the same about Japan in the 1930s and 1940s, but in fact the Japanese had made the decision in the mid-1800s to modernize their country and accept Western ways. They were far more Westernized than the Pashtuns are today, and as harrowing as the Pacific campaign was, I think it was much easier than a struggle to conquer and hold Afghanistan would be.<br /><br />If I am wrong, and it is possible to conquer and hold Afghanistan, what do we get from it? In Japan, we ultimately gained a strong industrial ally and presence in Asia. Afghanistan is not going to become an industrial power in anyone's lifetime. It is a "fourth world" place, destined to be tribal and rural for as long as the imagination can imagine.<br /><br />Maybe we think we can deprive al Qaeda of a base of operations, but I don't buy it. The world is a big place. If Afghanistan doesn't work for them, there are plenty of other places for them to set up shop, which would mean that the U.S. would need to keep invading and conquering.<br /><br />Can that happen? Well, we are a country of 300 million people in a world of more than 7 billion. We're richer, but other countries are gaining on us. We cannot conquer the entire globe by force of arms. We can change the rules of engagement to make individual battles "easier" for our troops, but it won't solve the bigger issue of what we are doing to begin with.<br /><br />None of this comes from any pacifism on my part, or any opposition to military culture. The 1960s are over with. They ended 40 years ago, and they didn't change the essential nature of this country. We still have men who crawl up mountains with knives in their teeth and die for their country, and we still have a population of people who deeply appreciate them.<br /><br />If we are going to send people to fight and die, we need to do it as a very last resort, with clear goals. When we went into Afghanistan, the "clear goal" seemed to be to capture and kill Osama Bin Laden. In Iraq, the "clear goal" seemed to be to depose Saddam Hussein. Now, we sit in both places as occupiers, increasingly hated by the people who are there.<br /><br />It's time to get out. Not because there's something wrong with us, or because there is something wrong with our military, but because the "mission" no longer has any real definition or meaning. It is not acceptable to keep having our people killed to somehow keep faith with those who already died. In civilian life, that's called "good money after bad," and I think that's exactly what we are doing overseas right now.<br /><br />It's not about the 1960s, or school prayers, or the Bible, or Obama's ludicrous peace prize, or Al Sharpton, or any of that. This is about the sort of clear-eyed, cold calculation that you must do if you are going to put yourself into the war-making business. You must ask yourself whether the benefit is worth the cost, and in doing so you must discard emotional appeals and patriotic sloganeering and confront the hard, cold truth.<br /><br />I think the hard, cold truth is that we've got to get out of there.TrueBluehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03247629724349664650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-65528650052877672942009-10-15T13:25:30.345-04:002009-10-15T13:25:30.345-04:00Thought provoking blog post. First, I recall the ...Thought provoking blog post. First, I recall the recent publication of images of your son. I am so sorry for your loss and for the despicable way you and your family were treated.<br /><br />As to your blog post. Your points are well taken. I disagree however with "To those who would suggest that COIN (counter insurgency) is complicated I say hog-wash." If it were not a challenge we would not be having a debate on the issue and our presence in Afghanistan would no longer be needed (after 8 years). The right solution evades me, as it is way above my pay grade, but I would say if we cannot properly defend ourselves (ROE) and make a difference, then we should get the hell out of there. <br /><br />v/r<br />SFBlasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01265394688706065681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-83256207762774959832009-10-15T11:01:37.645-04:002009-10-15T11:01:37.645-04:00LLORT3;
Make no mistake about it; all of our Warr...LLORT3;<br /><br />Make no mistake about it; all of our Warriors follow the orders they are given - moral or immoral. If you are suggesting to me that once out of uniform we shouldn't be vigilant to insure our men and women aren't being sacrificed for faulty strategy then you have been brain-washed. The training we receive at Parris Island and the other recruit depots across the country and spanning all branches is not 'brain-washing' and does expect our Warriors not only to think but with enhanced knowledge, as Warriors. Just because an order has come down from higher echelon does not gaurantee it is correct or legal. History is replete with examples of political decisions made that ultimately lead to disaster.<br /><br />You need to consider whether or not you are a Warrior or a robot without compassion for fellow Warriors...I suspect you have never served in uniform or for that matter anything except yourself. Stand back and witness what people with compassion and conviction can do when the best of our society - the Warrior, are abused by other self-serving individuals like, I suspect, you are.<br /><br />SF<br /><br />JBusmcwarriorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03519796561220860871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-70326618968223502652009-10-14T16:51:19.537-04:002009-10-14T16:51:19.537-04:00My response to "LLORT3 “if you don't like...My response to "LLORT3 “if you don't like the way it is run you shouldn't be in the military. take your orders or don't sign up." (originally posted by LLORT3)<br /><br />I, JDR do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God. <br /><br />My son took this oath July 7,2005 to defend all enemies and to obey all orders. This he does without fail. TELL ME LLORTE3!!! Where in that oath did my son promise to protect the civilians on foreign land over that of his fellow Marines? This is not defending our nation against all enemies foreign and domestic it is “Community Organizing” and the only people receiving benefits here are the murdering terrorists and of course those in the ranks who are polishing their careers.<br /><br />Cathy Fontenot<br />PMM of JDR serving in Afghanistanjedjakemomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14528660757447854737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-50889096315084587312009-10-14T16:16:51.869-04:002009-10-14T16:16:51.869-04:00Dear Josh;
There is nothing new about the disconn...Dear Josh;<br /><br />There is nothing new about the disconnect between Warriors and Politicians either. This is an age old problem between those who seek power and money and those who are consigned to fight for them to deliver it. I can’t tell you what the end game is here or what the gain is for the politicians. My gut tells me it is just another indication that the devil is rooted in the inner workings of this country and has found 536 willing partners and the resident at the White House. <br /><br />As I tell everyone; that’s alright because it is becoming that much easier to tell the good guys from the bad. Each and every Marine that has served in harms way knows the cost and yet faces it anyway. He brings his sense of personal honor and service to the table, unblemished and it is up to the civilian leadership to not squander that gift. These guys presently in power have not-one-clue about those things. And again; that is alright because it separates righteous character from unrighteous.<br /><br />What is not acceptable is to sit idly by and allow them to continue without holding them liable. We will not sit by. Those men on that battlefield are my Brothers as are you and your brother. My Son, who bears your name, did not hold back and his life was wasted by self-interested politicians without a conscience. I can say that with certainty because they would have acted on this if they were functioning with a conscience. They are not.<br /><br />Hold your head up, walk with pride and let God take care of the rest. In the meantime we just keep on doing what we can to inform an otherwise uninformed public. As people become aware of what is going on; they are incensed – to the man.<br /><br />Semper Fidelis;<br /><br />John Bernardusmcwarriorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03519796561220860871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-70857166171777047702009-10-14T15:03:22.291-04:002009-10-14T15:03:22.291-04:00Dear 1st Sgt.,
I'm an active duty Marine and s...Dear 1st Sgt.,<br />I'm an active duty Marine and so is my younger brother, who spent about 7 months over there with the 24th MEU. They were the first of the small surge that's taken place over the last year. He and his Marines were limited in their actions also, so this is nothing new. It's just more of the same ignorant, liberal decisions made by politicians. <br />These kinds of decisions are what caused us to clear Fallujah not once, but twice, which resulted in lives lost. That blood and a lot of other blood is on the hands of today's U.S. politicians. The majority of them, anyway. But during those battles in Fallujah, military commanders did what should be done in Afghanistan-- announce we're coming, and if you're in the way then you're considered a terrorist/insurgent or a harborer of them. <br />And if Afghanis want to blame someone for the collateral damage, then they should look no farther than their corrupt government, and at themselves for allowing their government to operate the way they do. The first citizens of the U.S. grew tired of living under the rule of what they considered a corrupt government and they did something about it. Afghanis could do the same if they mustered up the fortitude. But most have chosen to grow drugs and accept the financial aid of extremist terrorists.<br />Thanks for what you're doing. We need more citizens to make a stand and do something about the corruption taking place in our own homeland. I was encouraged by the march on Washington when politicians tried to rush through a healthcare bill. I'd like to see more of that. It turned some heads regardless of how the liberal media tried to ignore it. By law, citizens still run this country. Not politicians. <br />I'm very sorry for your loss. We've lost a brother in our ranks, and each time that happens it effects each and every one of us. He, as you well know as a Marine, will not be forgotten. <br /><br />Semper FidelisUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11648117323163386419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-54093691702500430372009-10-14T14:46:49.917-04:002009-10-14T14:46:49.917-04:00Troops dying because we want to try to impose demo...Troops dying because we want to try to impose democracy on a nation that doesn't want it. I am thoroughly disgusted. Take off the gloves and let them have it. We weren't afraid to firebomb Germany, or to use the nuke on Japan. We need our leaders to grow a pair or resign.<br />MSgt USAF Retired<br />1968-1989Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14633972158735999749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-44427576183138846662009-10-14T14:39:35.611-04:002009-10-14T14:39:35.611-04:00Dear Sir:
YOUR son is an American hero who gave h...Dear Sir:<br /><br />YOUR son is an American hero who gave his life so we in America can enjoy continued freedom. Unlike Obama, Jones and McChrystal. They have no intention of winning in Afghanistan. They are letting our brave soldiers sit there like sittiing ducks while they tap their feet to decide how many troops should be sent. All the while putting our brave men and women in harms way. Their tap dancing, in my opinion is just waiting for the right time to cut and run handing Afghanistan to the Taliban on a silver platter. Your sons sacrifice will never be forgotten despite what the 3 uniformed, non combat President and 2 Generals do. God Bless you and your family and God Bless America.Sailing Vessel Serenity NOWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15036720028065803960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392104273993030430.post-71002904811469431132009-10-14T12:12:11.944-04:002009-10-14T12:12:11.944-04:00Sir,
My condolences to you and your famil...Sir, <br /> <br /> My condolences to you and your family. Your story has renewed my insterest in going back to the Corp and finish what i started. These politicans should stop playing politics with these warriors lives.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01768339229986143746noreply@blogger.com