Posted on 06/24/2005 3:56:09 PM PDT by smoothsailing
Commentary: Support for the Troops Never Stronger
By Capt. Steve Alvarez, USA
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2005 – When I came home from Iraq a couple of months ago, I kept the promise I made while I was still there: I wouldn't watch the news, and I'd step away from the war, ignoring the events that had consumed my life 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It was time to catch up with my family and make them the focus of my life 24/7.
For about a month I was able to successfully ignore the constant horrid imagery and sensational reports filed from Iraq. But as a public affairs officer and self-proclaimed news junkie, I soon found myself scanning headlines on the Web and tuning into radio news programs, instead of my favorite jazz station.
I don't think the charred skeletal remains of a vehicle-borne explosive device are the watermark of this war. The images I see back here are not the same indelible images I saw in Iraq - those of a resilient country making its way back from decades of oppression - helped by the many friendly nations that liberated them.
But now I'm on the sidelines, and instead of feeling and hearing the car bomb explode and seeing its eerie black plume of smoke rise nearby, I read about it. And rather than witness history as I did for a year, I find myself writing my comrades to get accurate accounts of what is happening in Iraq.
What I saw in Iraq was the boundless bravery of a seemingly endless line of Iraqi recruits gathered to join the Iraqi army, the smiles and waves of Iraqis as we convoyed through the city of Sulaymaniyah, the first flight of the Iraqi air force, and the sound of Iraqi tank guns as they thundered for the first time in years in support of liberty, not tyranny.
I remember the jubilation of my Iraqi friends as they showed off their ink-stained fingers, a badge of honor on their fingertips, indicating they had voted in their country's first democratic election in decades. I remember the Iraqi female military police soldiers who became pioneers for women in that region by joining the Iraqi military, clearing not just personal hurdles, but cultural ones.
Mostly, I remember the thousands of Iraqi and coalition troops that each day hunted the enemy and kept me safe. I remember the drivers and gunners on convoy, the pilots and crew chiefs in the sky, the sentries and tankers at the gates, and all of the warriors who were out there trying to make Iraq a better and safer place.
Someday, probably decades from now, the actions of this generation and its brave men and women will grace history books. The lesson, I'm confident, will be that they left a peaceful and productive imprint on the region and its people, and forever changed the landscape of the Middle East.
Despite what is being reported and what is reflected in media opinion polls, there is no doubt in my mind that the public is behind the troops in Iraq.
While I was in Iraq, I received hundreds of Christmas cards from students at an elementary school and from members of a church in Florida. A sorority from Indiana sent dozens of letters and cards of support, and Americans from all over the country sent me e-mails from places like Chicago, Sacramento, and Texas just to name a few.
Wool caps made by an Internet knitting club kept me warm during the cold winter months in Iraq and donated phone cards kept me in touch with my family who waited for me more than 6,000 miles away. Care packages stuffed with goodies and comfort items were never in short supply at our command. In fact, we had to appoint a "morale sergeant" to manage all of the goodwill pouring into our compound.
When I came home in uniform on R&R, strangers approached me at the airport and shook my hand, patted me on the back, and thanked me. Airline employees did what they could, offering passes to their VIP lounges and upgrades to first class, and those airlines who had nothing to offer did what they could-extra pillows, fistfuls of peanut or pretzel bags and free headsets. But their "thanks" alone was enough for me.
Ask any returning war veteran and I'm sure you'll find their experience was similar. At one point I was so overwhelmed by the outpouring that I found myself in an airport restroom trying to keep my composure after a mother walked passed me with her two sons and one of them said aloud, "Thank you, Soldier," his brother waving anxiously at me.
On my return to the war after R&R, a few other soldiers and I were dining on one last restaurant-cooked meal in the airport when the waitress approached us and told us that another patron had paid for our meal.
We thanked the man but said we couldn't accept his offer. He replied that it was "the least I can do for you guys," adding, "We're all proud of you."
In my town when I came home after the war, I passed homes displaying yellow ribbons and flying U.S. flags. At my welcome home party, a restaurant donated food for more than 100 guests and people all over the city made it a point to express their support and gratitude.
The support I received bordered on immense. Never had I expected such support, and never had I received so much for merely doing my job.
My memories of Iraq will forever be engrained in my mind alongside of the memories of the incredible outpouring I received when I came home. They are one.
Last weekend, keeping true to the promise I made to make my family the 24/7 focal point I attended a baseball game on Father's Day and during the seventh inning stretch there was a salute to U.S. military personnel serving the war on terror.
A singer proudly sang "God Bless America" and all around me, people joined in and sang along.
My personal opinion poll has found, plus or minus a few percentage points, that the American people unconditionally support the soldiers in Iraq. I arrive at this conclusion having experienced their support firsthand, and having been held in their warm embrace upon my return from the war.
And the support continues today. When I recently learned about the opinion poll results I e-mailed one of my stateside supporters who befriended me during the war. I wrote him to say hello, and to restate my appreciation for his support during my deployment.
I asked him if he had heard about the media opinion polls and he replied as I had when I learned of the poll.
"News to me."
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jun2005/20050624_1845.html
"Made my weekend too! And thank you for all you do!"
It's my honor! [BTW: Thank you for all you do as well!]
A support the troops bump to the top...
Korea was called a draw. I think not. The Republic of Korea is a prosperous nation with world standing; the DPRK is a nation with a depressed, starving population and deemed a renegade regime throughout the modern world. The efforts of the US saved but half the peninsula. But few if any S. Koreans would choose to live above the 38th parallel.Viet Nam. A loss. Never was there a loss on the battlefield. The air war ended with the NVN's remaining air assets hidden in caves in the Red River Valley. Two offensives by the NVN were put down. The VC in the south were decimated, the standing army in the north defeated. Withdrawal of American forces began in 1971 and continued through 1973. Then the Congress cut funding to the SVN government, abandoned political support in exchange for a politically correct position popular in the US. The Democrats seized power and forced a sitting president from office and turned a blind eye to a new Holocaust happening in SE Asia.
The far left wing of the Democrat party is attempting the same thing now. The people of Iraq who seek democratic processes in their selection of a government and self determination in their lives and the US policy that protects their efforts in this direction are being undermined in Foggy Bottom by a defeated minority political faction, abetted by a failing press and media.
I welcome good news. I find it here. I receive it from time to time from those who have their heads in the air and their feet on the ground and who have an ear out for the truth about the goings-on in the world.
Thanks for pinging this, Tonk.
Excuse the rant, please.
I need a new monitor - this one is all blurry.
Thanks for the article.
We don't have many military folks in this area, save the NG unit that deployed in January, but whenever I'm fortunate enough to run into a member of our Armed Forces, a thank you greeting is extended on behalf of all of us here on FR.
Same thing goes for my fellow Veterans - Thank You and Welcome Home, Brother!
Thanks DD...Definately one to read and pass on.
He's right, it's the 'Dim Dems' in Washington who are undermining support.
Welcome Home To You, Brother.
Ping!
Funny thing. This is what I heard when I visited the wounded at Walter Reed. They had lots of letters, some in crayon, pictures and mementos on "their wall" - whatever piece of wall was next to their bed or at the head of their bed.
God love 'em. I miss them so much, but I sure did love reading this article.
Thanks for the ping!
Ignore the media AND spineless jelly fish
Well Put!
Good article. Thanks for the ping!
WOW, What a great read, Thank you so much for the ping
God Bless You my friend
I arrived home 40 minutes ago (1am) from Walter Reed. I have recently relocated in VA two hours from DC. The last 2 Friday nights I have been privileged to join the DC FReepers to counter the disgusting display that Code Stink or pink, whatever, puts on every Friday night at the main gate to Walter Reed. I want to assure you, there is overwhelming support for our troops, even in the liberal bastion that is DC.
Horns honking, traffic literally stopping to read our signs then letting out a loud whoop. Police, ambulance, city buses all honk and/or flash their lights. Several cars pulled over in front of us to say "thank you for doing this" as we responded "thank you for supporting our troops."
Last week we had the honor of visiting with a soldier back from Iraq, accompanied by his mom and sister. Tonight a group of young people stopped to ask what we were doing and why. Once they realized that we were supporters of our troops, unlike those across the street, they were excited. A few FReepers talked with them and passed out some literature.
The tear jerker tonight was when a vehicle pulled out of WR and slowly passed us honking, the passenger waved as we all got misty. He had an artificial right arm/hand that was still just a hook ..... and HE was thanking us. I could not love and appreciate these men and women any more, if they were my own children. God Bless them and keep them all.
Captain Alvarez, welcome home sir, and THANK YOU for your service. Keep writing and informing of the real news in Iraq.
The story told by Capt. Alvarez and yours as well as other posts tonight have warmed the heart of this old soldier.
Thank you for all you do!
Impossible to argue with this statement when even the liberals who label the soldiers Nazis, constantly seek to minimize their successes, and consistently denigrate their actions officially "support" the troops!
I am so glad you were as touched as I by the amazing attitudes and sacrifices of our soldiers.
Rest well tonight, with a warm heart, knowing that YOUR service, as well as those serving today, is appreciated by a grateful nation, and JustaNobody. ;*)
BTTT!!!!!!
bump
I meant all our brave troops WHO ARE in harm's way.
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