Free Republic

Quite interesting, thank you. The AF has made it known about there was indeed a close out date for the Gulf War. Perhaps my branch has made thier own decision on awarding statuses. I'll have to dig a little deeper on that one, it could well affect alot of my troops. Thanks!

You are absolutely correct.

That's an interesting question, thanks for asking it! Well, diplomacy has never worked with Pyongyang, any meetings have been mudane and uneventful. It is definately hard to infiltrate that country, to invade N.K. now would be disasterous, as you have said. I think I worded my last post a little harshly, what I was getting to with unleashing the ROK military, and I definately did not expand on that like I should have, was to let ROK deal with their threats the way they want to. I don't believe, from living and working with these guys, that they want a full out war either, but that maybe both countries would have a better time (although the outcome may not be what everyone would want) dealing with each other without us hovering around the conference table. I feel that the key to any sort of civil relations should start with bringing families back together, this could sew up some serious tears. I truly can't think of an absolute way of dealing with the situation that would benefit the world as a whole. Perhaps leaving the two governments to deal with each other might be the only way at this point. Of course that's treading dangerous waters also, and the UN should have a key role in watchdogging what the outcome will be. A united Korea? I don't think that would occur with one Communist and one Democratic government. Any thoughts?

All too true!

Well, I have to agree, but it's been exceedingly difficult for anyone, and it's been tried and tried again, to get an accurate count and cooperation from the former Iraqi gov't to corral the WOD's in that country. Plus, there have been over 12 years to hide and disband them, so perhaps they may not exist in Iraq anymore, but the threat has been extreme. Who can forget the images of the Iraqi civilians that were gassed. This has been an uphill battle to reign in a gov't that has long terrorized it's people and neighbors. War will always spawn criticism, especially when it is civilized countries declaring war. Public opinion has been used by Anti and Pro War supporters both.

Now I'm sure that the judicial system is confused. Since the Commandments are prominently displayed in the US Supreme Court, why take issue in a lesser court? I firmly believe that this is just lack of contraversy and something had to be the target again.

Well, it shouldn't be that much of a surprise. Pyongyang has kept the world in the dark for so long that there's probably more than two out there! That's why S.Korea has kept the US in country for so long. I spent a year in S.Korea and I'll tell you, Pyongyang kept us busy. I say let the ROK military get thier shot at thier northern enemy. Don't think that'll happen, but it would be interesting to watch.

I agree to a point. But, I would have to be on the side of caution with sending alot of troops into other Muslim countries, it could quite possibly up the anti on terrorism. If it is percieved, which it more than likely would be, that the US is starting to "invade" other Muslim states, there could be a backlash that we might not be able to withstand. It's time for the UN to step up to the plate and start helping out on this one.
I do think that we need to take a harder look at Asia, where these groups are starting to pop-up, if we ignore them, like we did with Bin Laden in the 80's, then it could get out of control again.

About time! I was stationed in PSAB and it was exasperating when the Saudi gov't would jump on whatever side of the fence helped them the most frequently. Alot of our problems in the mid-90's to today have stemmed from Saudi. If they had stood by coalition forces years ago, who knows if we would have had to oust the Ba'ath Party in Iraqi with a war, it probably would have ended with either Strike or Fox! I have to say that while I did not enjoy my time in Saudi, I did like Kuwait. That's one country who's role in our efforts was downplayed. Kuwait has stood firm and didn't budge when their neighbors shied away from conflict with Saddam.

Well, being a Californian, I have watched Davis closely and Democrat or not, he has been venom to our state and needs to go, even if there wasn't a recall, I don't think that he would be re-elected. To me, a politician is a politician, and regardless of who ultimately gets the Govenor's house, I just hope that whoever it maybe can do a better job.

I am a veteran of the fight against Saddam many times over and I believe that there was a closing date in late 1995 on the Gulf War, leaving just Expeditionary status, when Operation Desert Storm became Operations Southern and Northern Watch. There are some exclusive combat operations, (Strike,Fox, for example) that are considered for veteran status. But you are essential correct that there has been no closing date for Iraqi Freedom, and it'll probably stay open for awhile.

Thanks for the link!

I agree with you, but unfortunately it won't happen because the man hunt for Saddam, at least where the US military is concerned, is a mission that has been ordered, therefore no bucks for a military person who finds him.

It did go to another site, but the article is attributed correctly to the Sacramento Bee, this is a legitimate form of attribution. At the end, it also gives the contact info for the author of the actual news story. I don't know about falsifying titles, is there a rule in this forum that says that you have to put the actual title as the heading and having a link to the website of the contributing news agency (Sacramento Bee)? Not being sarcastic, just trying to understand what the rules are in the event I post something in the future. :O)

She will probably be or is considered (don't know for sure because only a look at her records will show that) a veteran of a foreign war.

We get the better end of the deal, a legacy to future generations of Americans that can live in a great country.

Thanks, I've been getting alot of replies on that. I'm months behind, just got back from the desert, so I'm trying to catch up with everything.

And thank you for your support. Without that, it would be hard to do our jobs so well.

Actually, your are right! Ignorance is because all I've heard is Jessica Lynch. See, I wasn't "wondering" too hard because I happen to be serving my country right now and took some much needed down time to catch up with the world. I don't have the luxury of checking my e-mail and getting into this forum too often. Didn't have "google" in the desert there chief, sorry if I sound a little upset about that, but the coverage I saw (which was months old by the time I saw it), was of one woman pretty badly crippled and another looking quite fit. I'm still dusting off the sand, so I will take your advice and do a little research.

Thanks, didn't know that. I haven't heard anything about anyone but Pvt Lynch.