Posted on 09/24/2006 3:28:12 PM PDT by neverdem
LT. EMILY J. T. PEREZ, 23, a West Point graduate who outran many men, directed a gospel choir and read the Bible every day, was at the head of a weekly convoy as it rolled down roads pocked with bombs and bullets near Najaf. As platoon leader, she insisted on leading her troops from the front.
Two weeks ago, one of those bombs tripped her up, detonating near her Humvee in Kifl, south of Baghdad. She died Sept. 12, the 64th woman from the United States military to be killed in Iraq or Afghanistan. Eight died in Vietnam.
Despite longstanding predictions that America would shudder to see its women coming home in coffins, Lieutenant Perez’s death, and those of the other women, the majority of whom died from hostile fire (the 65th died in a Baghdad car bombing a day later), have stirred no less — and no more — reaction at home than the nearly 2,900 male dead. The same can be said of the hundreds of wounded women.
There is no shortage of guesses as to why: Americans are no longer especially shocked by the idea of a woman’s violent death. Most don’t know how many women have fallen, or under what circumstances. Photographs of body bags and coffins are rarely seen. And nobody wants to kick up a fuss and risk insulting grieving families.
“The public doesn’t seem concerned they are dying,” said Charles Moskos, a military sociologist at Northwestern University who has closely studied national service. “They would rather have someone else's daughter die than their son.”
What’s more, no one in the strained military is eager to engage in a debate about women and the risks they are taking in Iraq because, quite simply, the women are sorely needed in this modern-day insurgent conflict. As...
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
I noticed that, too. Their reporting about the numbers of soldiers who have died wasn't getting any traction so they're playing the gender card in hopes of turning folks against the war.
God bless her for her courage and service to our country. May she rest in peace and may God comfort her family.
I remember the event and the TV special on her before her death (unmarked tower) but I can't remember her last name either. I was going to stop by her grave while touring Arlington but didn't know where to go.
NY Times, Charles Moskos...SHEESH!
Condolences to Emily J.T. Perez's family and friends. America's finest.
Please note that the self-serving slant here is about the fact that we the people have lost our horror of combat/war deaths.The NY slimes at it again, exploiting deaths in Iraq to point out the futility of our being there (in their opinion.)
God bless Lt. Perez' family and comfort them that she was a good leader at her chosen profession. Thanks to her and all the others who lost their lives and those who continue to serve.
vaudine
Don't you love it when the flaming hypocrites on the left pull out the "chivalry/weak little lady" card when it suits them? I can't stand these types, nor the New York Slimes. They don't honor the women for their service, they just take cheap shots about the supposed lack of concern for women soldiers or chivalry in the American public at large. The feminists sure fought hard enough to get women into the service academies and places like VMI and the Citadel, didn't they? Well, they should honor the women who serve and chose a military career, and keep their ignorant remarks about the nation not caring much about female military casualties to themselves.
Yep, you nailed it.
Whatever the reason - feminism or something else - the statement is true.
Yes. Phyllis Schlafly had it correct. As do you.
Fear of 'Christocrats' -- Or How Christians Should Just shut Up
Iraqi Parties Agree to Federalism Bill: creation of autonomous regions
Iraqi Parties Agree to Debate Federalism Bill NY Times' printer friendly version
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The first woman, may her soul rest in peace.
Major Marie Therese Rossi Cayton.
Thank you. Thank you for your service in the defense of our Country, Major Cayton. Rest in Peace.
This brings a tear to my eye. God bless these fallen soldiers paying the ultimate price for their country.
Thank you for posting this reminder of our brave men and women.
My silent pray and salute.
A fine half-staff flag .gif, bitt.
All honor to all our courageous and dedicated servicemen and women.
We all share in the loss of this young woman. God Bless Lt. Emily J. T. Perez.
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