This remains probably the most ludicrous thing I have ever read.
When I went on Desert Storm I realized that no possible outcome could provide me an "experience" of the type you apparently crave which could be worth the loss of even one of my Marines.
But, to use your logic, I couldn't "validate" any combat experience I might gain unless --somebody got killed--. Isn't that right? If one goes on an operation that was so benign that there were no casualties, that wouldn't -be- combat, would it?
I was thinking on Pearl Harbor Day that you must have shed a tear, not for the 2,000 + U.S. servicemen who lost their lives that day, but for the fact that no similar event had happened in your lifetime that would validate -- for you-- a chance to have some glorious "combat experience."
I watched last night on the "Discovery" channel the special about the dive on the Bismarck. Seems like the Brits rescued 119 survivors out of a crew of @ 1,400. The Hood had a crew of @ 1,400. There were three survivors from Hood.
Just think what a glorious thing it would have been for you to be in that fight!
And surely worth the death of almost 3,000 other people, right?
I bought the "Band of Brothers" DVD set. One of the veterans was Lieutenant "Buck" Compton. He was medevacked with combat fatigue after watching two of his close friends each lose a leg in a German artillery barrage at Bastogne.
They interviewed the real Buck Compton for the production. He's white headed now. He still couldn't talk about that day 50 years ago.
But I guess it wouldn't faze --you-- if someone else lost a leg -- as long as YOU got combat experience.
It's just too weird. Your callous comment belittles the sacrifice of every American veteran.
Walt
Gone off the deep end?
I said nothing to demean any veteran for their service, or reasons for serving. Yet you do just that - belittling those desiring to serve during times of engagment. Your words are an affront to those thousands that have enlisted - not during peace times - but specifically in defense of our country.