Relatives (All 10 of them) of service members start out on Iraq peace mission

AP | 11/29/03

[kattracks]

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Relatives of U.S. service members said they were nervous but hopeful Saturday as they embarked on a private peace mission to Iraq, where they will bring their message of friendship and doubts about the war.

The leader of the 10-member group, Fernando Suarez del Solar, said it is important for Iraqis to realize that not all Americans support the U.S. military presence in Iraq. His son, Marine Lance Cpl. Jesus Suarez del Solar, 20, was killed in Iraq eight months ago when he stepped on an unexploded American cluster bomb.

"The regular Americans like peace," Suarez del Solar, 48, said in a telephone interview a few hours before the group's scheduled departure. "The enemy is not the people from America.

"The young boys in Iraq only see the American flag on the uniforms. They see that as the destroyer of their life and family. It's very important to try to reach them."

The group included two wives of soldiers based at Fort Bragg, N.C., and four veterans of the Vietnam and Gulf wars, two of whom have children on duty in Iraq.

"I'm feeling a little nervous but too much optimistic," said Suarez del Solar. "I know the military commander over there in Iraq doesn't like my trip, but more important is the people in Iraq."

The group raised donations to pay for the trip, and received letters of support from 25 members of Congress. After a flight to Jordan, they planned to drive into Iraq.

In Baghdad, coalition spokesman Sgt. Danny Martin expressed concern about the safety of the delegation, but said this past week that their effort would be appreciated.

"Any assistance in keeping the entire nation stable and peaceful and secure is more than welcome," he said.

[boxerblues]

The group raised donations to pay for the trip, and received letters of support from 25 members of Congress

well we know who the first 9 are, who are the rest?

[thoughtomator]

These people have a death wish. The only way Iraqis will spare their lives is if they view them as too pathetic for retribution.

[Pukin Dog]

If one or more of these family members gets their asses shot off in Iraq, I will feel no empathy for them. If they are taken as hostages, they should rot before we risk lives to get them back. They do not belong in a war zone.

[dandelion]

Wow, ten people.

I had ten people in my house this weekend, and they ALL supported our troops. Does this mean I'm going to get a story from AP???

[armymarinemom]

If any of these people are attacked and my son looses his life trying to save them I intend on filing a lawsuite.

[DeepDish]

Another excusion by the cowards who will sell their own relatives down the drain for temporary safety.

[The Right Stuff]

Saw this in morning paper. Notice link to Medea Benjamin - a notorious Leftist who was also involved in that Pink protest thing in the Capital. DC Chapter FReeped them.

[montomike]

I consider myself a "regular American." I don't consider myself an appeaser or support a run for the border and get back to the safe ole USA and wait for the Islamic radicals to bomb or gas or sicken us.

Face it. The US is going to be over there a good long time. The gentle folks of the middle east are not capable of governing themselves. They have let strong men or strong mullahs run roughshod for centuries.

I sure hope they wake up and see what life can be like if they give our system a chance. Its not a bad one and it is a hellofalot better than what they had. I'd rather take my kid to a soccer game than to a Madras to beat his head against a prayer rug memorizing words and not meanings.

[boxerblues]

We'll make it a class action suit.

[hotpotato]

The leader of the 10-member group, Fernando Suarez del Solar, said it is important for Iraqis to realize that not all Americans support the U.S. military presence in Iraq. His son, Marine Lance Cpl. Jesus Suarez del Solar, 20, was killed in Iraq eight months ago when he stepped on an unexploded American cluster bomb.

And along with the democrats who continue to call for the US to either leave Iraq or get out quickly and bash the war effort, del Solar's group will simply encourage further attacks on our troops with the terrorists hoping to persuade more Americans to del Solar's side. As long as Iraqis believe we are going to pull out, many aren't about to support our efforts or troops because of fear of what they will have to face when we leave. The hostilities are increasing along with the anti-war rhetoric. Not saying they should be muzzled but the results should be recognized.

[Az Joe]

Piece of shit Leftist traitors! I wonder how long they spent in Serbia while clin-ton was bombing it.

[StriperSniper]

"Any assistance in keeping the entire nation stable and peaceful and secure is more than welcome," he said.

Heh, heh, heh, he 'forgot' to warn them what will happen when they start trouble as they intend. I wonder how they will enjoy Iraqi prison. ;-)

[texasbluebell]

Hillary! would be so pleased.

[StriperSniper]

Not saying they should be muzzled

How about shackled? ;-)

[kattracks]

hillary! was probably one of the members of congress who gave this group their support. Anything to help the enemy.

[Cultural Jihad]

This fellow was belly-aching against the liberation of Iraq before and during the death of his son:

---

"On March 27, 2003, Fernando Suarez del Solar, a Mexican-born resident of Escondido, CA was speaking out against the U.S. war in Iraq. He didn't know that the same day, his only son, 20-year-old Jesus A. Suarez del Solar Navarro, a Marine Lance Corporal, would be one of the first American servicemen killed in the battle."
Tuscon Peace Center

---

[kattracks]

Come to think of it, hillary! would probably like to join them on their "mission".

[malia]

"The group raised donations to pay for the trip, and received letters of support from 25 members of Congress. After a flight to Jordan, they planned to drive into Iraq."

We have the right to know the names of the 25.

[LoudRepublicangirl]

I was just thinking, I hope these people do not expect our troops to act as their security while they are there. It would definately be a distraction if they had to worry about American civilians trying to act like they are going to end the war by becoming targets.