A challenge to vets old and new

[Ivan]

Hey guys,

My Uncle Larry sent this bulletin to his family and friends on myspace and I'd thought I'd pass it on the community here as well to keep it going.

Here is the original message body:

Before you read this, realize that I am passing this message on from a Veteran of the US Army- I didn't write this. This is Intended for other veterans or currently serving in the military that may be active or lurking here. Also, I assure you that his tags are tucked close to his chest, not danglin' in the wind. One last note: if you didn't serve, don't wear tags..

Larry H. Wrote:

"Hello to one and all! This weekend I happened to find my old dog tags that I wore while in the Army from 1971-1974. I haven't seen them in years! While looking at them, I started to think about my time that I served my country with pride. This led me to thinking about the present conflict and those who are serving the United States. I made a decision that I would wear my old dog tags, and not take them off until the troops come home! I also issue those veterans who still have their tags from previous service in the military to do the same! If you can, find your tags (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) and start wearing them in honor of those who are now serving and have served in the various areas around the world. There are far too many who have had to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Let us honor one and all. It would be great if you would like to to take part in this small, yet heartfelt gesture to those wonderful defenders of our freedom. Take me up on my challenge! Thank you one and all! Larry H. United States Army (1971-1974)."

Thanks for looking,

Ivan

[azsarge]

I appreciate the effort.

I don't know if this would be taken the right way, though.

[TheBigBear]

Even though I was discharged I wear mine everyday, out of honor and respect for those that have served and those that are.

[Doc Hollywood]

I have a better idea.. lets all wear our dogtags until every smelly nasty filthy hadji is dead and there is a stripper pole in the middle of mecca...

Fuckhadji....   remember what they did and stay angry until there are no more...

[Ivan]

edited because I was acting like an A-hole

[azsarge]

I have a better idea.. lets all wear our dogtags until every smelly nasty filthy hadji is dead and there is a stripper pole in the middle of mecca...

Fuckhadji....   remember what they did and stay angry until there are no more...

Doc,
Remember that old Mark Twain quote?
"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt"

Well, I'm pretty sure you let that cat out of the bag a looooonnng time ago.

I know you are entitled to your opinion on this public forum and all, and that you are allowed to hate whoever you want but let me explain this to you like this:  This gesture is a show of support, for our soldiers; Not a show of HATE towards our enemies. SO if you'd kindly step the f u c k off i'd appreciate it.

Ivan

The best way to show support for the troops, and this Country, is by hating the enemy every day of your life, and keeping that in mind whenever you make a choice.  

That, and sending p0rn to their APO.

It's easy for anyone to say they support the troops.  To me, TRUE support comes from people who make sacrifices of their own (ie, time, money, personal belongings) to show support and honor the troops in harms way.  That not only helps boost the morale of the warfighter, but that of the public, who lately lacks the intestinal fortitude to support this global war.

As a civilian, explain to me what the word SUPPORT means to you, if it can be so easily attained that wearing some metal around your neck brings it to fruition...

[Ivan]

edited because I was acting like an A-hole.

On a side note - - Here's where to send packages if anyone else is interested:

Soldiers' Angels
914 Tourmaline Drive
Newbury Park, CA 91320

Include a packing list on the top. no used crap please..

[Doc Hollywood]

First Amendment aside and all ... it wasn't a hijak or a anything negative to your uncle.

I think its cool that a bunch of civilians do what they think is best in supporting the troops.  Its a cool idea - but dog tags have a whole other meaning to those of us who have worn them while in harms way.  Something a civilian won't understand.

My post wasn't arrogant - but I'm sure it pisses people off.

Arrogant was thinking we were untouchable and that the "terrorists" would never be able to reach us in our offices and Starbucks.  This country - and by this country I mean the civilian population - has arrogantly ignored the growing threat that finally struck us on 9/11.

The next day we all wanted to kill hadji.  Now we seem to forget what happened sometimes.... we are keeping our kids from watching the video of NYC that day because its too graphic.  We pretend that diplomacy will prevail.

To a soldier its easy - the war is over when the enemy is dead or incapable of further combat.

The soldiers over there are there because they volunteered to go do a job- and they know the job is to kill hadji.

As a fomer soldier I can say that I would prefer that the civilians at home remember why we are killing hadji.  As a soldier I would not WANT to come home until they are all dead.  The mind of a soldier is not what you seem to think....

Perhaps I am more vocal now about fuckhadji because they have been showing replays of 9/11 and it revives the soldier in me.  I think we all need to watch that and get angry again, lest we loose sight of what happened and they sneak in again......

I appreciate what you do to support our troops Ivan and I have no ill will towards you or anyone else.  But you can't say I'm arrogant when I have earned the right to feel how I feel and hajdi has earned the right to get real dead....

*It goes without sayign that "hadji" is defined as those that seek to do harm to us and our way of life - not all muslims are in that category.  Its not a race or genocide thing... but you dont negotiate with a terrorist.  You kill them all.

[Maestro]

So does that pass your test of support?

nope, but thanks for your efforts

[Ivan]

Doc, you used to be a real pain, but I think you've gotten better. I apologize for going sideways on you.



Maestro, what would you expect from me then?

[Maestro]

less tampons and more porn, lol

We appreciate your thanks, it's a far cry from what service members used to get.  And the care packages are nice too.  But the point is, you DON'T understand.  Not your fault, it's just a matter of experience.

[Ivan]

Maestro,

In all seriousness
I guess I don't fully understand.

 But I do want to help where I can.

To the members of the armed forces here:

  If I offended any of you guys I apologize sincerely. It was not by intent or with malice.  

With respect,
 
Ivan.

[Maestro]

you didn't offend me at all, i hope you didn't take it that way.

[Ivan]

I actually thought I did. But if it's cool, good.

Take it easy,

Ivan

[Polie]

[rant]

I dont think one must be or have been in the service to support the troops and/or wear dog tags.  

People just seem to over react most of the time.  They feel safe behind their keyboards while talking crap but dont have the balls to man up and say it to your face.  Just because one was in the service does not mean they are a good person or have the right to tell civilians how to live.  Remember, our taxes pay their wage and we the people decided if we want to send them to fight for us.  Yes I know there are a few more steps, but when it all boils down, the are our body guards, we pay them to fight, kill, and if necessary die.  We dont always care how its done, just as long as they do it.  I really dont care if anyone agrees with me, its just how I see it.  I still have all the respect in the world for out service members, but some of them, need to chill the frack out. lol

[/rant]