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Pro Deo Et Patria- An Army Chaplain

I am a chaplain in the US Army, serving in Iraq. I'm keeping a blog to share my thoughts and experiences while deployed. They are my thoughts and they don't necessarily reflect the opinions of the US Army! :)

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

"Irak"



I saw this picture online today- this is priceless. I don't know where this came from originally, but I saw it on a news site.

On a more serious note, these sorts of comments are not lost on Soldiers (no matter how dumb some politicians think we might be). Many laugh them off, or ignore them, but the constant drip of negativity about Iraq takes its toll on Soldiers.

Today has been a long day for me, in terms of counseling- about 12 hours this afternoon/evening. I am constantly amazed by our Soldiers- in terms of the job they are doing and how much stress and pressure they live with each day. There are some incredibly mature young men and women who are doing amazing work.

Most Soldiers I see for counseling are struggling with marriage issues and other relational sorts of things, but I also see some Soldiers affected by the negativity out there. No one minds the differing opinions on whether or not we should be in Iraq- after all, freedom is what we are fighting for. But the sorts of people who say things like "we're losing" or the ones who disparage our Soldiers- Kerry has accused our Soldiers of committing war crimes- are not very helpful.

7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Okay, now. If any member of the Republican party made a dumbf*** comment like John Kerry's there would be a media crucifiction.

Right now it is being played off as a "botched joke."

It is so unbelievably insulting, not only to the soldiers serving our country but to the families who are supporting these soldiers and who are sitting at home wondering if their loved ones are going to come home in one piece, if at all.

I completely support free speech, but there is a responsibility that goes along with free speech. Especially to those who hold a public office and who "supposedly" hold our best interests at heart.

6:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chris:

The picture is terrific! I don't think I'm compromising any security when I say it's a Minnesota National Guard contingent that took the picture. It's amazing that people like Kerry and the rest of the liberals are such " elitists" that they lack a basic understanding of who provides the security for our nation. We should be grateful for individuals such as those of the Minnesota National Guard, who are willing to serve their nation with honor and dignity. Kerry after his three purple hearts, perhaps self-inflicted, chose to leave Vietnam after three months and took a position as an assistant to an admiral. Kerry didn't have the courage to generate a meaningful apology; but, instead chose to offer one via the Internet. He couldn't even apologize, but instead chose to say that he regretted his words were misinterpreted. Perhaps this comment will put his future ambitions where they belong.

Anyhow, politics are what they are regardless of what we would like. I believe H. L. Mencken saw the issue correctly when he said that we get the government we deserve.

Everyone here is thinking about you, praying for you and your fellow soldiers and proud of the service you are rendering.

Love, Dad

5:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi chris!

That picture was on the news and it is actually a group of soldiers that are from Minnesota!

Miss you tons!!!

Love,
Mom

5:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Chris,

Thanks for this post. I appreciate hearing from a soldier on what Kerry said. He is an ignorant person and to say he was joking is ridiculous. I am so proud of you and all the other soldiers who are defending our country and the rights of those in Iraq. You are brave, honorable, and most importantly in the prayers of many. I love you and miss you.

Your sis,

Margs

11:40 PM  
Blogger Larry said...

Well.........

I went to college, got mediocre grades, need a couple of credit hours for a degree, entered the "working class" I did not end up "stuck in Irak". I must be the exception?
Oh, and I didn't marry a rich girl and elevate myself to a status that allows me to judge others by their GPA, their study or work ethics, either!
I wish I had the courage to stand in front of a threat, an enemy if you will, and stand up for what I believe in. That is what our soldiers are doing. They are saying "we are here to protect your rights, your freedom, and your lives from oppression, and dictators, even if it costs us our lives"
But instead, I am forced to sit in my middle class house,with my middle class family,watching my TV (paid for by me with wages from my "working class, uneducated job" and listen to a politician say that the only people who deserve this freedom are those who study and work hard, get good grades, etc etc.

But at least John Kerry IS courageous enough to stand before an equally dangerous enemy and "stand up for what he believes".........a TV Camera. Wow! what courage it took to recant his error (via email).....not even in person. That TV camera must seem a little scarier now?

OK, off my soap box.....

Chris, I know all you guys (and girls) over there are aware, but Kerry and the liberal media are not representing the majority of the American people. No matter what they say. We, as a country support our troops and hope they come home safe, sound, and in one piece. No one likes war, and we are at war, but that does not change the circumstances. Keep the faith, keep your head down, and keep the photos and posts coming.

We love you, and miss you.

Larry

3:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Apparently Mr. Kerry is not intelligent enough, educated enough, coached enough by his Democrat cronies to know that you do not apologize by blaming the other person for “misunderstanding what I said.” This is a catechistic of the former Mr. Kerry’s “PEACE” movement of the sixties – It is always someone else’s fault – he learned it well.

I want to extend the same sentiments of Margit Ann, and the closing comments of Larry.

God Bless

Raymond L. Bruntmyer, RLA (Retired)
RB Design Southwest
5900 Dangerfield Ct
Arlington, TX 76017-1082
(817) 561-7584
sanraylo@concast.net

"This message was written to you in 100% re-cycled electrons."

11:21 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thought the picture was worth more than a 1,000 words. It proves again the old sayine "People never know how dumb you maybe, unless you open your mouth and remove all doubt."
Think you guys and gals are doing a great job and yes, laughter does help the morale. I am a retired SGM and know the restraints you are preforming under. Just keep up your good work and know that the real Amreicans value your work.
JRW

6:11 PM  

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