I'm going to Iraq in January 2005

[No Passaran]

I'm married with two kids (one of them only 10 days old).

My son (4 yrs old) told me the other day "When you die, can I go and get a new daddy to play with".

I don't know where he even learned what "die" means, but I've been thinking about death ever since. I was fine until he pointed that little "detail" to me.

This will be my second tour to Iraq. My first one what "shock and awe" that we're blamed for being so successfull created all these problems in Iraq today. Un-f^$&ing believable.

I wish I could fast forward the time and make it January 2006. I'm gonna miss my friends and this place.

note: As you can see I've only cracked 400 post even though I've been here since 2001:) Half the time I'm not even around anymore.

[thedailyshow]

1. I'm sorry to hear that :-/

Hope you'll be kept out of harm's way.

[genius]

46. Don't go. For your kids' sake.

[puttothesword]

2. Ohhh Cannnaduhhh...

it's really pretty this time of year, *HINT*HINT*

[Reverend_Smitty]

3. I'm sorry to hear that...

I wish that you and thousands of others just like you could stay at home with their families. Just take care of yourself man

[SheepyMcSheepster]

4. I hope the best for you, i think about people in your position everyday

please take care.

[Worst Username Ever]

5. Well good luck to you, we support people like you even if we think

the war sucks. Come home safely, for your country, your family, and for us.

[cjbuchanan]

6. Sorry to hear

You will be in my thoughts.

Get home safe.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

7. Oh geez

I'm so sorry. My husband's best friend is going in a few weeks to the Sunni triangle. He is NG (was active duty Army for many years and was in the first Gulf War) and does military intelligence. I am terrified for him and he has a wife, a three year old daughter, and a one year old daughter.

Be safe, cherish this holiday season with your family, I'm sure you will be back, I have to believe that.

If you were in front of me I'd hug ya. But here :hug:

[DireStrike]

8. Stay safe... if you need armor, we can probably take up a collection!

Somethingawful.com took up a collection for the platoon of one of their forumers who got sent in. They got $10,000 for state of the art SAPI armor plates.

I dunno what the military will fail to give ya, but we'll be here if at all possible.

[No Passaran]

44. I'm Active Duty

NG and AR soldiers would really appreciate those donations; they're the ones that do not have adequate equipment. I have more than enough body armor and plates. I can't say they didn't go all out this time in supplying us with equipment. Now if we could only get those armored doors for when we ride in a convoy:)

[lastliberalintexas]

9. God I'm so sorry

Take care and try to stay safe. (like you wouldn't without my admonishment...)

[chefgirl]

10. Wow

That is very sad to hear. Im so sorry. :cry:

My prayers will follow you until you return to DU to tell us that all is well.
Take care and be safe.

-chef-

[Hawkeye Pierce]

11. I just got back from Iraq a few months ago.

So let me say I am sorry you are going to be forced to risk your life to line Bush's pockets. But, the best advice I can give is if someone yells "duck" duck. I forgot to duck, the good news is I get to get out early.

[MsUSA]

21. *hugs so tight JohnJohnson*

[seabeyond]

33. oh jj.....even in the sad

you made me laugh. good advice, duck. but you are back. heal quickly, in all areas. we love you and thanks

[jobycom]

12. Good luck

We'll do what we can to end this for you. That's the only way I know to support the troops.

[SnowGoose]

13. Our thoughts will be with you.

[Chicago Democrat]

14. Please come back alive.

try to internet us when you are there..

[JuniperLea]

15. be safe

you are our brother regardless of post count (mine ain't so high either;)

[Meme]

16. I am so so sorry

don´t even know what to say.

[Pacifist Patriot]

17. I'm very sorry to hear that.

I can tell you that at around 3-4 years of age children begin to verbalize their thoughts about dying, but they still do not have a realistic view of the concept. In fact, many parents become concerned that their child of that age has become obsessed with death. It breaks my heart that your family, and all the deployed families, are coping with this fear. Know that our hearts and minds are with you.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

19. There you are!

I shoulda known.

Hi.

[Pacifist Patriot]

28. LOL! Yes, here I am.

Explain the avatar please. I'm not familiar with it. And by the way, you owe me a report on Sunday. Did you go?

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

32. Ay-yi-yi

No we have to get used to that whole getting up before 9:30 or 10 thing. It is on the docket for this Sunday because I really want to go.

The avatar is the symbol of HRC, Human Rights Campaign.

[deutsey]

18. Maybe you could give me or someone here at DU a mailing address

when before you go and we can send you and your buddies care packages and letters?

Let us know (let me know, if you need a point of contact). You know there are a lot of big-hearted people here on DU and we'll do whatever we can to help you out.

Peace.

[Kurovski]

29. Best idea yet, Deutsey.

GA Democrat, please consider this. I'm sure you would then get everything you need and then some.

I understand that we as a nation are not even providing enough drinking water for the troops.

As individuals, we can most likely provide for you better than the Army is these days.

[oldlady]

20. oh!

I'm sorry to hear this, too. My brother is heading out now also.

Your four year old doesn't really know the meaning of the word "die" yet; I've run into this with kids that age before. In his precious little mind, he's trying to find out if YOU can be two places at once. Think of it this way: you tell him to go get "another" sock when he brings you just one, right-- he just pictures a supply of socks & knows they're in the drawer; he wants one, he knows where to go to get it, he wants another he just goes to get another-- you get the idea. He has figured out that you have to go somewhere he can't go & is trying to resolve that situation by suggesting to himself (and you) that he can get another you from the back room to keep him happy while you are also somewhere he can't be... be safe, cuz there's no cloning you from socks!

peace

[seabeyond]

22. hey baby luv ya, be safe.

and as much as we are razzing the whole iraqi war, you are the ones we are yelling the loudest for. always know that in your heart. hugs to your children, and to your wife.

i wish this wasnt, but it is

[TexasLady]

23. kisses and hugs to your kids, wife and you

I have a feeling Christmas will be extra special for yall this year(assuming yall celebrate)

your leaving just when my nephews are supposed to be heading back. Very bittersweet,

may the second tour go fast as HELL.

[MsUSA]

24. *hugs so tight GA*

I'm so sorry to hear this, you'll be in my prayers.

[wicket]

25. oh god I am so sorry to hear that

:(

[GumboYaYa]

26. DON'T GO!!!!!!

Screw honor, obligation and anything else that makes you feel like you haveto risk our life for this war. Take your family and move out of the country if you have to do so.

[No Passaran]

45. I love this country too much

I would never leave.

[IrateCitizen]

27. Fuck.

Please keep your head down and come back in one piece, brother.

In the meantime, check out the following for reference:
http://www.optruth.org
http://www.ivaw.net

[alphafemale]

30. I'm in the Savannah area. It's hard to imagine seeing all those families

separated again. Heart-wrenching.

[coloradodem2005]

31. I hope, especially for your family's sake that you will be fine.

None of this was your fault. Or the fault of anyone on this board.

[Booster]

34. There are no words.......

Keep safe, if you hear the word "duck" do it, and come home safe and sound. Give your wife and kids great big hugs and kisses from all of us at DU, and just know we will be taking to the streets of America soon over what's going on over there, and we'll bring you guys home just as soon as we can. Peace.

[leftynyc]

35. You'll be in my prayers

DU has some of the most honorable people I've ever witnessed...I'm sure if you let someone here know if you need anything, we'll all do our best to help.

Keep low and come home soon. Hugs to your family.

[Sperk]

36. I respect whatever you do...but I do wish everyone would just say NO!

Nothing would make me prouder than seeing the souldiers tell * and Dummy to "shove it"! But I quess that's not going to happen.


Best of luck...can you get to a computer and give us info while your there? Would be nice (for lack of a better term) to get the truth as to what's happening there.

My nephew is in Lousiana now...suspect he'll be sent over within the next year. :-(

[pantouflard]

37. to GA Dem, JJ, and any other soldiers out there:

Let us know if you need ANYTHING.

I add my own hugs and good wishes to both of you, and all the other brave and misused soldiers, both here and in Iraq. Stay in touch with us. Let us know how you are doing, and come home safe and sound. Love to you and your families.

May this war be over soon, and, hope beyond reason, may we have no more afterwards.

[lukasahero]

38. Stay safe. Come home to your children.

I agree with whoever said upthread that we could take up a collection for you if you need the equipment. Just say the word.

Godspeed and blessings.

[Toucano]

39. I appreciate your sacrifice

even though it's being abused.

Bless you and your family.

I hope you told your son that he can't get a new daddy to play with and so he'll just have to play with his dead one!

I'm so horrible! I'm only joking, of course.

[TNOE]

40. Just wish there was a way you could say "no"

I wish you and your family peace and I really WISH there were NO war to go to. Just take care as best you can. Sorry.........

[Lone_Star_Dem]

41. My heart goes out to you and your family.

My future son-in-law leaves for Afghanistan in Feb. We're still trying to come to terms with it in the family.

Be safe and come back intact.

Oh, I know of a person they just sent back from there for a rash that would not heal. Perhaps some poison ivy grows in your area?

[No Passaran]

43. that's a first

hahah
Forgive me but that doesn't remind me of the army that I know:) I love US Army with all the great stuff and sometime "not so great stuff" that we do (I don't wanna say stupid but hey...)

I had exzema when I received my smallpox shot. For those of you that know what I'm talking about here, that explains everything.

[restorefreedom]

42. stay safe

[choicevoice]

47. stay safe and have your wife check in if she needs moral support

Please tell your fellow brave American troops that our thoughts are with them. Tell them we tried for all our sakes.