News from Iraq
 

My son was home recently on leave from Iraq. I won't go into details on how good it was to see him other than saying It was Really Good to see him!!!

What he reported:

He has not fired a shot in anger so far this tour. He hasn't been "blown up" once either and his unit hasn't taken any mortar fire. In his words, "Our greatest enemy is becoming complacent". Especially the "cherries" in the unit which haven't been in the grinder before.

Compare this tour with his first. Where was wounded 3 times by IEDs (one warranted the Purple Heart and he still carries shrapnel). The most ammunition he fired in one patrol outside the wire was 1460 rounds. They took frequent indirect fire in their FOBs. Where he lost friends and saw the worst...

Naturally, this is great news! Mainly for him and the rest of the troops with him. But also for the families of those serving with him and for all Americans who truly care about the welfare of our troops. Namely--people like you all in the subsim community.

Let us continue to support ALL the troops who have served and continue to serve. Your support means Very Much to them as I've been told by several active duty soldiors. And let's all pray that the decreased action in Iraq continues.

Until they All Come Home!

Peto

PS. This is not a thread where I invite comments about how the troop surge is working or how this makes the war in Iraq justified. I have never supported the Iraq War and still believe it was a huge mistake. I simply wanted to say Thank You to the many who have been supportive of the troops and--well--me, a parent of a soldior.

That is great to hear! I hope your son gets the most out of his leave and give him my support. :up:

I second this reply.:up: :up:

Well said Peto! Glad your son made it home and wish him well in his future deployments.

Good to hear he's doing good and glad you got to see him...I hope he is able to stay home for good soon.

Peace be with you.

I agree with your son...something someone once told me that has become sort of my motto for life: "Complacency will smite your @$$..."

Glad you got to spend some time with him! :up:

Very very glad to hear your boy is safe, Peto :up::up::up:

Hand him a beer from me :rock:

And one from me. Better yet, I'll drink to him!

Thanks All!! And I must apologize as we mainly had wine (a nice Burgundy with a real cork :rock: ). And then a little heftier cure-all from the great state of Kentucky.

I just talked to him on the phone (he chose to spend more time with his girl-friend than with me (Good Choice--she's a babe!)). His flight leaves tomorrow AM and he'll be over-seas until around December. But he's in pretty good spirits--considering... And I'll continue to think positive, believing the best.

Again--Thank You!

You have a fine son... Good luck to him :)

God be with all the troops, yes it was a mistake but now that the damage is done, the troops, unfortunately, will have to stay on till there is stability in Iraq, I only pray that is sooner than later.:yep:

God bless and protect them all.....whatever their nationalities :up:

You raised a great son and hero. I understand your feelings about the war. Just glad to know you and your son believe in our country, and are willing to defend her.......:up::up::up:

Glad to hear that he is well and that he found it better in Iraq after the first tour. May he and all the others over there be as fortunate!:yep:

Here, here!