Posted on 01/24/2015 7:22:34 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
(VIDEO-AT-LINK)
Since the film opened earlier this month, "American Sniper" has stirred up passionate responses from critics and supporters alike. What began as a surprise box-office hit, raking in $105 million its opening weekend, is now a flashpoint for conservative and liberal views of the Iraq war.
The movie follows the life of Chris Kyle one of the deadliest snipers and a US Navy SEAL and his deployment on four tours to Iraq. During this time, he was credited with 160 kills before he was honorably discharged in 2009 after 10 years of service. His 2012 memoir, also titled "American Sniper," bluntly illustrates the realities of war and the trauma experienced by many vets.
Why has the movie sparked so much debate?
Critics say the movie unashamedly glorifies war while also showing the deep disconnect between civilians and the military. Matt Taibbi of Rolling Stone described the antagonist as a killing machine with a heart of gold, and questioned the accuracy of the simplified depiction of the Iraq war....
Dear FATHER IN HEAVEN,
If I may respectfully say so sometimes you are a strange God. Though you love all mankind, It seems you have a special predilection too.
You seem to love those men who can stand up alone who face impossible odds, Who challenge every bully and every tyrant ~ Those men who know the heat and loneliness of a Calvary. Possibly you cherish men of this stamp because you recognize the mark of your only son in them.
Since this unique group of men known as the SEALs know Calvary and suffering, teach them now the mystery of the resurrection ~ that they are indestructible, that they will live forever because of their deep faith in you.
And when they do come to heaven, may I respectfully warn you, Dear Father, they also know how to celebrate. So please be ready for them when they insert under your pearly gates.
Bless them, their devoted Families and their Country on this glorious occasion.
We ask this through the merits of your Son, Christ Jesus the Lord, Amen.
By Reverend E.J. McMalhon S.J. LCDR, CHC, USN
Awards Ceremony SEAL Team One
1975 At NAB, Coronado
I am very much a Christian (I am LDS) although there are many here who would argue otherwise and completely agree with EVERY word LCDR Malhon said that day!
LOL not necessarily. born in the fifties.
Then we’ll both add our “Amen!” to that prayer! =)
A wounded warriors view of American Sniper from Bobby Henlines Facebook page which is linked after:
Just watched American Sniper today. I walked into the theater alone trying not to be noticed. I sat all the way in the back by myself. As the movie started, my head swiveled double checking my surroundings.
I felt my chest tighten, I was breathing slow and heavy. Despite my panic attack I stayed in the theater. It wasnt the war scenes that bothered me. It was how real the home life with the his family was and how real it was for him to deal with his PTSD triggers, thats what really hit home with me. Of course some scenes on the battle field took me back. It reminded me that I havent came home yet. Dont know if I total ever will. Its harder for me when Im around my family then when Im alone or with military friends. Its easier for me to live when Im helping others, especial when Im helping military. I left my family three more times after I was wounded to go overseas to the troops. It was easy and its sad that its easy to do that. Those that have seen docramentry coming back with Wes Moore on PBS heard my family and I sharing our difficult times, understand more what Im talking about. It not easy being labeled a hero to so many and all you want to be is a hero to is your family and they dont see it that way. Dont get me wrong, they know what you did and what you do but your just dad, mom or spouse to them. Its hard for them to fully understand because they dont understand why its easy for you to leave and you dont understand them not understanding and that can be confused as not loving them but that not the case. Clint Eastwood hit another home run with this film, just like I knew he would. I think this film will help other military families understand each other better, It my even save some marriages. Very powerful film and its just started to do its magic. My hats off to the Kyle family, thank you for sharing. And to all those out there that are just talking about the Hollywood sniper crap, let it go and look at the bigger picture that this film shows. The heartache and sacrifices the service member and their families go through for the love of their country and each other.
Chris Kyle, the Angel for so many thank you for your service
R.I.P Brother
https://www.facebook.com/BobbyHenline
Yeah, I did better when I was an LVER and DVOP (career counselor for veterans) than now.
ABSOLUTELY!!!
Could you do it again?
Probably not, they don’t seem to be hiring here.
Any thoughts about doing something for the guys starting at the community colleges? You could talk to the counselors there and volunteer on Saturday? My biggest worry is for the guys who aren’t talking. Who aren’t asking for help. Plus I don’t know if you are in a rural area. You could ask if you could put your business card on the common area bulletin board? Start a vet group? I’m rambling but like I said, I worry about the quiet ones.
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