Posted on 08/14/2007 6:19:12 AM PDT by RDTF
Chances are good that more Americans have heard of Pvt. Scott Thomas Beauchamp than Cpl. Zebulon "Zeb" Webberley.
Both are serving in Iraq.
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Whether his accounts are true -- or a little bit true -- or not has been a subject of debate, primarily among journalists and the U.S. Army. TNR stands by Beauchamp's claims; the Army says the writer-soldier's accounts are false.
-snip-
First, a few words from Webberley: "Sir, I will die for this post. I have told all of my Marines that no matter what happens out here, we will hold this position at all costs."
Webberley, who at the ripe age of 23 is commanding a combat outpost, was speaking to W. Thomas Smith Jr., who left last month for his second trip to Iraq. Smith is a former Marine (though all Marines contest that once means always), journalist and author -- and a consistently honest broker of information.
-snip-
The difference in attitude and purpose between a Beauchamp and a Webberley doesn't require elaboration. Cynics might argue that a 23-year-old doesn't know what he's doing, that he's a brainwashed pawn of a corrupt and ill-fated mission. Some also might mention that Beauchamp, in reporting the dark side of war -- assuming that what he has written is true -- is providing a necessary service far nobler than mere military submission.
They would be wrong about Beauchamp. Reporting truth is a noble mission -- that much is indisputable -- but victory belongs to the Webberleys of the world, not the Beauchamps.
-snip-
... but the vast majority of servicemen and women in Iraq conform to the kind of can-do attitude, loyalty and commitment articulated by Webberley. Thanks to brave journalists like Smith, we get to hear about them, too.
(Excerpt) Read more at orlandosentinel.com ...
ping
Great article!
Excellent!
Pinging a few friends!
“but victory belongs to the Webberleys of the world, not the Beauchamps.”
Oorah, Marine. OORAH!
TC
BTTT
Thanks, Star.
A winner, not a whiner.
Great article.
Thanks for the ping.
.
MEL’s -PASSION- sparked by -WE WERE SOLDIERS-
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