Thursday, June 09, 2005 11:31 PM
ryanseals
Worth a good read
This is probably one of the most honest stories I've read in a while. When you read it, keep in mind that these people aren't whining. They're not lazy. They do their jobs; they went to Iraq. But many have serious problems. Try to read it with a clear mind -- don't dismiss them as people who need to shut up and quit complaining.
National Guard and Reserves truly are different animals. How soldiers and families deal with deployments differs from active military life. I think this story talks of it truthfully. It's quite a snap in reality to be a student or businessman one month; a soldier training for war the next, leaving the life you had behind. In any case, an interesting article.
This quote might be my favorite: "It takes a real man to give up his rights for 18 months so guys back home can talk bad about Iraq over a beer," said Lt. Mullins, 32, of Johnson City, Tenn. "If being in the military was a cakewalk, there would be more people in it."
-- Christy