Good for you. Our men and women are all over the world defending us and our interests. What we can do, for lack of a better word, is defend them from morons like your captain.


Thanks to our service men and women.

I understand where you're coming from, but:

You think you know, but you don't know.

The least you can do is show respect for what our men and women put on the line for us... whether you agree or not with the conflicts, these people are making the ultimate sacrifice so u can agree or disagree.

you know, i'm one of those guys who's been on flights where people have said thank you, and plenty where people haven't. I personally don't make the "thank the troops" statement when we board, or de-board the airplane, however, if my FO went and did it, i wouldn't criticize him for doing it.

I myself am very thankful for what US soldiers have done over the various generations (this one included). I'm proud to be an american, and seeing these servicemen/women helps reinstil that pride. I do hope that all of them can make it back home, and sooner rather than later. I might be an idealist in that respect, and i may not agree with "what we were told" were the reasons for invading Iraq, but my idea of supporting the troops, is if they're going to be there, lets give them everything they need to win.

You need to change your 'position' to PA28R left.:rolleyes: As a 'troop' I can tell you that you do me and other servicemen/vets no favors by participating in those types of events. Fool yourself if you wish, but that's how most of us see it.

Rarely do I chime in on these political arguments that are never winnable. But, yeah, I have to put in my .02 cents worth. And no, I will not reply to anything further in this thread.

I'm a senior NCO who has already done two tours in Iraq and am prepping for a third in June and am sitting at eighteen years of service total in the Active and Reserve. I did both of my tours working Sadr City (do an internet search, if not familiar with it). Our Battalion lost over 40 soldiers and awarded over 250 Purple Hearts.

I agree with parts of what fit29 is saying. I agree with going into Afghanistan, not so for Iraq. Or at least how we did go into Iraq.

Before everyone goes nutty, yes, I've been to the mass graves there, I know he had WMD's (the US has the receipt to of sell to prove it), and that he was generally a horrible b*st*rd. But, we should have finished finding Bin Laden, who actually did attack this country, rebuild Afghanistan to where they are self-reliant. Then, with true international support, gone into Iraq to remove Saddam.

Like fit29 said, sending troops to war and putting a $1.99 sticker bought at 7Eleven on your car is not supporting the troops. Supporting the troops is holding politicians accountable for when they do send them off. Holding these jokers to accountable for the misinformation leading up to the invasion isn't unAmerican. To me it's the definition of American.

And, yes, if the troops pulled out tomorrow, Iraq would go to hell. If we "continue the course" and pull out in fifteen years when my son is in the Army, it will go to hell. So, when do we say enough is enough. I'm running out of space on my bookshelf for memorial bracelets for friends that have been killed.

When do we pull out of Europe and S. Korea? Your son has just as good a chance as standing post there in 15 years...hopefully the Chinese and DANKs continue to 'behave'.

Well.

Here is my POV. When I am traveling in Uniform, which isnt often(I usually carryit with me until I arrive at my destination), People saying a simple thank you is great and all, but It IS NOT needed. The soldiers do their JOBS. For us, the war is not a personal vendetta. I will admit that after you lose a friend there, it becomes something totally different.

But again, we are doing our JOBS. We knew what was going to happen when we signed the contract and took the oath. Oh man that oath... I have never felt a better feeling than standing there, Erect, straight and Stiff, as I recite 'I, JayDee, do swear'

As far as polotics, I may not agree with how the war was handled. But, I dont get that luxury. Soldiers do what they are told. So never take your frustrations out on them. It really does make me sick when I see a soldier come home, and finds him/her self getting spit on, and cursed at. That is uncalled for, and is a quick way to get me to abridge your rights. I will gladly spend the night in the brig if I get to knock some teeth out.

In the End, Soldiers are what makes America as great as it is. With out us, no freedom. Without our freedom, who are we.

SO a thanks is not really needed, but it does go a long way. But respect is what we really want. Respect our rights, Respect our job. Dont disrespect us if you see us on the streets in Uniform. If I happen to drive by an anti war rally(this did happen to me) Do Not throw stuff at my car and spit at me. Respect is what we want. The thank you is extra. Thats my buck .35 take it as you will.

S/SGT JayDee
716th MP BN
194 MP Company
Fort Campbell, KY
2004-Current

Thanks to all those who serve proudly. The military is not for everyone, but it should be APPRECIATED by everyone. We have what we do because of the sacrifices that have been made in the past and those that will be made in the future. What irritates me though is how many "support" our troops by sending them to war with a big "hurrah", but forget them and ignore their cries for help when they come back hurt and maimed and tell them "it's not the governments responsiblity to get you nursed back to health" or "we'll get to you in another year or so". If we support our troops, it needs to be ALL THE WAY. Sad, isn't it? :(

I thought political threads were not allowed. I recently just saw a post about the presidential candidates stances on aviation were and it was removed by a moderator. If this is the case, please remove this discussion. Can't have double-standards.