Stryker Brigade News

I hope we don't have to read to many of this guys' articles. Our guys are following orders trying to stay alive.

Well, we debated whether or not to post this, but we liked the pictures.

This guy apparently hasnt been threatend, attacked, or had missles fired at him in his sleep. If he had, he would have realized they have to get the bad guys out before they can rebuild.

Personally, I didn't take this article as an indictment against the soldiers, but as a commentary on the situation as it stands making it more difficult for our soldiers to do their jobs. The cultural differences between them and the Iraqi's are staggering to overcome, and then the infrastructure problems that are frustrating the Iraqi's has them wanting to blame someone.

Working in Law Enforcement, I know EXACTLY what it is like to have your intentions misunderstood. I work in a town known as "Little Beirut" for the level of protestor activity we have to deal with. It is frustrating to say the least. But what I find is we have a few instigators who cause problems that cause the police to have to react in ways that frequently leave those who really aren't causing problems to get caught in the cross-fire. It creates more hostility and less understanding. It is frustrating!

Now take that situation here where we all speak the same language and have been acculturated in the same basic environment, and compare it to the situation our soldiers face where they are trying to solve these insurmountable problems with a language barrier and a complete lack of cultural understanding. Of course there are going to be negative feelings on both sides.

I feel so frustrated for our soldiers who are caught in the middle of a situation which is lacking in resources to solve these massive infrastructure problems and at the same time are dealing with a relatively small minority capable of creating huge problems which in turn causes problems for those who are just trying to live their lives. It is a really fine line to walk, and it must be just exhausting having to work every day 24/7 in a hostile environment.

Personally, like I said, I don't see this blaming the soldiers at all, but it does show the massive problems they are up against. I DO hope he at least gave them some news from the outside world!

Well said.

I can see medic's girl point about being caught in the middle,between US soldiers and insurgents. The insurgents attacking our guys in their town and then they (US) strike back to protect themselves. I guess what got me, was the fact the journalist said that it was all onesided, the news coming out of Iraq, well, guess what? His was too!!! I have seen a lot of pics (thanks to several journalist and sites like this) that show how many people over there welcome the soldiers, but, boy he didn't get any?Hmmm, interesting. Sometimes it can just be the minority that people hear.

My husband was in Viet Nam and I asked him about this conflict between Viet Nam people and US soldiers, yes, there was conflict, a few that hated them but, so many more that were glad to see them and they would do anything for them. He said he met the nicest little guy that would go all out to get him a coke every time he seen
him.
There is always good and bad in most situations but I guess if you have a loved one in war you get really sensitive to neg. feelings, when they are over there fighting, not only for their freedom (iraq) but, for their own lives. I think if we put our self in every soldiers shoes, we would be wishing we didn't have to be in them. Yes they have to live with this 24/7 and it must be hard to do. To try to do right, knowing others might construe it as taking advantage of or abusing the "little guy" when in the long run your aim is to help.

Okay enough soap box. Thanks for the site Todd, it helps being able to express our feelings for our loved ones.Have a Happy New Year.

After reading his views on the americans...im glad i take 3 blood pressure pills a day!!
jeff

I take two Jeff. I am with you. I can see how frustrating it must be for both sides. I saw an interview with a young soldier the other day who is back in the states healing from an injury. He was down right astounded at all the negativity the media shows on Iraq and not hardly any positive coverage. There is quite a bit of positive things happening We the people do not hear much at all about it. It does not sell nor give high ratings. I am sure there is way more good things happening over there than we are aware of. Sad that the media has the power to slant things the way they do and sad that things that could create more support or help some people understand better what our troops are doing besides fighting is not revealed.

The only thing I have to say about this article is atleast I get to see what the Stryker that my husband is driving looks like. I could care less what this person has to say about what he thinks is going on in Iraq. If you are not fighting for AMERICA than get the hell out. As a wife of a soldier in Iraq, I dont need someones opinion on what a bad job our heroes are doing over there. We caught our WMD and it will take time to complete the jobs we have to do. So Dahr Jamail, whatever it is, either support our troops or just shut the hell up.

GOD BLESS AMERICA
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS
LETS GO TOMAHAWKS!!!!

Kyla

Well said, Kyla. I too believe that the first amendment should only apply to people who hold conservative views. Even if more than half of the US population is against the occupation of Iraq, I still don't think that means people should be allowed to criticize it while our friends and families are over there dying and getting horribly maimed for their country. Critics should have to wait until all the Americand and Iraqis are either dead or horribly mangled. Then we will hear what they have to say.

And bravo, Kyla, for carrying on the spirit that we found WMD. I think independent journalists are the real Weapons of Mass Destruction.