Damn man, I know exactly what you mean. Been there, got some t shirts, didn't get others.
The only thing I would say is that it isn't just your war. The American public doesn't do a very good job of collectively demonstrating the care, concern, and respect that we have for our miliatry service members, until it hits close to home. I hope it never hits close to home for you, other than the separation from your family and I hope that ends soon, but in reality it probably won't. I hope that's the worst that your family has to endure.
I can say though, that here in rural central Missouri, the war you are fighting is very a part of our lives and very much a part of almost every conversation. We are proud of the fact that you are kicking ass when and where needed and showing respect, restraint, and courtesy when it's appropriate ... that's what makes us different.
I've been there, and I agree, it aint like the movies. I spent 20 years shooting cannons ... a couple of shootin' wars and a couple of uprising. Severe bouts of boredom interupted by intense continous confusion ... the affects of which are still very much a part of everyday life.
Hang in there folks ... stay the course and don't get complacent.
BTW ... by far the closest I've seen on film, is Band of Brothers.
I posted your comment to CB's blog and got this response:
this we'll defend said...
cannoneer - yep, Band of Brothers. yep. Except - the capt from "Friends" (CPT Sobel) would have been relieved on day two of training in today's Army - if he managed to get a commission at all.
9:02 PM
"The American public doesn't do a very good job of collectively demonstrating the care, concern, and respect that we have for our miliatry service members, until it hits close to home."
I think you are SO right about that! It hits home for many folks, in so many ways.