[Vision2020] An Iraqi Veteran's Testimony

[Melissa Hendrickson]

Mr. Sherwin-

Generally there are two sides to every story, but with the wars in 
Iraq and Afghanistan, I would wager there are as many sides and 
stories as their are people involved.  Yes, there are those who 
support the wars, they want to be there, and at the same time there 
are those who do not, war has changed them and they do not want to be 
a part of it.  They are no less American or soldiers than those ready 
to go back.  

My step brother just started his second tour in Iraq, when he returned 
from his first tour he vowed never to go back and was at the end of 
his ROTC contract so he found himself a nice civilian job, got 
married, and is now expecting his first child.  But the Army decided 
they needed his services again, he loves his country so he went back 
when they came begging.  They told him he would not be going back to 
Iraq, but I guess they changed their mind.  I guess he didn't endure 
enough sniper fire and RPG's the first time.  

He has a duty to his country, he does not support the war or the 
government. He was a die hard Bush supporter when he left the first 
time and couldn't stand the man when he returned.  He is not one of 
the bitchers and whiners your write about.  And making statements 
like "it disgusts the large majority of those who served under the 
same circumstances" does not support your argument either.  Have you 
polled the majority of veterans returning from the wars?  I would 
wager that is a no, I could probably find just as many folks who have 
been there and oppose the wars as you could find supporters.  War is 
now written into my family, I see it in our faces, on the faces of our 
friends.  I support my brother and his fellow soldiers, they are brave 
enough to go and fight, even when they do not always support the 
cause.  

We sit here on Vision 2020 in our safe comfortable houses and offices, 
passing judgements on each other, because someone fails to see the 
world in the same hue as we do.  Life is not black and white, us 
verses them, me versus you, it is the comfortable way of seeing the 
world, but it is not always the best way.

Sorry this is so long, 

Mo Hendrickson



-- Original Message -----
From: Dick Sherwin <rvrcowboy at clearwire.net>
Date: Tuesday, August 8, 2006 8:52 am
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] An Iraqi Veteran's Testimony
To: Vision2020 <vision2020 at moscow.com>, nickgier at adelphia.net

> 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 
> experienceor 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 
> evenfarther 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, 
> inaccuraciesand 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 
> attendedfive 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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