[Vision2020] An Iraqi Veteran's Testimony

[Dick Sherwin]

Remember the old adage, "There are two sides to every story?"

I have just spent the last few days on the fire line in the area south of
the highway, between Cherry Lane Bridge and the Thunderbird Store, on the
Clearwater.  I was with several young men who had recently returned from
duty in Iraq and not one of them was negative about either their experience
or their government over it.  Most of them were anxious to return and finish
the mission.

It always seems the bitchers and whiners get the attention, probably because
they seek it out.  Once they get some media attention (not a difficult thing
to do), people like Nick can't wait to pick up on it and spread it even
farther into the public at large.  I can tell you personally, it disgusts
the large majority of those who served under the same circumstances.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but it sure gets tiresome hearing
the proverbial "squeeky wheel" constantly whinning in one's ear.

Dick S.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <nickgier at adelphia.net>
To: <vision2020 at moscow.com>
Sent: Monday, August 07, 2006 4:40 PM
Subject: [Vision2020] An Iraqi Veteran's Testimony


> Another Iraq tragedy
> Lewiston Morning Tribune, August 7, 2006
>
> "A dramatic, disastrous event," per the Webster's II.
>
> Having returned on July 15, with my USAF-ANG uniform still on, I can and
will now definitely say to those who listen with basic objectivity that the
actions by the current Republican White House administration and
congressional leaders since October 2001 are not only missteps, inaccuracies
and intelligence failures, but also just basic dishonest lies.
>
> When one communicates to others information that is not true, these are
termed lies, plain and simple. When leaders mislead followers with lies, all
of us lose.
>
> On the ramp at Baghdad International Airport, on July 3, a patriot detail
performed again, with two more flag-draped coffins, ever so carefully and
ceremoniously carried into the C130 for the final flight home. I attended
five patriot details from May to July. Softly spoken commands were issued.
All present rendered the highest ceremonial respect and honors possible to
those two beneath their flag. Small arms fire sounded in the not-too-far
distance. Our own weapons at arm's length, a quick reach. Some teary eyes,
some quiet sniffles. Everyone present had thoughts racing through their own
minds. I did. I do. Retiring back across the ramp were at least a score of
military uniforms, different heights and weights, both male and female. Not
a word was heard, just some heavy sighs.
>
> In my own mind, I question the legality and justice of the invasion and
the still-changing stories from our elected president and vice president. I
left my lone 5-week-old son and his mother. I'd been gone longer than he's
been alive. It's my duty to America, this tragedy.
>
> Ronald C. Lamb
>
> Asotin
>
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