Tuesday, September 06, 2005 9:13 PM
jfitzer
Alright, let's get one thing straight.
I've been reading a lot of these blogs lately, and I've been reading some things about media distortion of troops' quotes, and other such nonsense...
Then today, I get 2 emails through my old blog (which I've archived here)
The emails were both the same, the guy must have hit the send button twice or something, and they asked me why I was so “motivated” about “killing innocent iraqis.” The email accused me of being a warmonger because of comments in my blog such as “Time to go to work, get some,“ and other such stuff.
First of all, there's no telling what I'm going to be doing in Iraq. SO many soldiers are serving outside their MOSs right now, I can't even guess. Therefore, I may not ever fire a single shot, so obviously I can't be “motivated“ about killing someone.
Second of all, I am by no means “happy” about going to Iraq. But here's the way I look at things: I was called. ME. I was called, and I promised when I joined the Army that I would answer that call for a total of 8 years from my enlistment date. (the IRR) Could I get a delay or exemption? Probably if I tried... hell, anyone can get out of the army if they try hard enough. But if I don't go, then some other IRR has to go in my place, and who the hell am I to send another man to war in my stead?
I got off active duty early for a scholarship. I have, for two years, watched this war, knowing that buddies of mine went (and died) while I was at home on the couch, enjoying sunny San Diego weather.
It is for this reason that I will readily answer the call, do my job to the upmost of my ability, and do my best to be the motivated, dedicated infantry soldier that I used to be.
Realize this, those who disagree with the war: For a soldier, it's not about politics... it's about keeping your word. It's about knowing that if you don't go, someone else has to. It's about integrity and honor, not about who you voted for.
And when you slam soldiers, remember this: they had no choice. They didn't start the war, they simply have to participate.
Goodnight, y'all. Happy birthday to me.