The word from a soldier just back from Iraq (Awesome Letter to the Editor - San Diego Union Tribune)

San Diego Union Tribune ^ | 12/18/04 | DALE MELVILLE

[marmar]

I just haven't figured out how to cut and paste. So I rely on BC. He is really cool that way.

[U S Army EOD]

If you meet this guy on the street, reach out and shake his hand but keep your left hand on your wallet. I know these EOD guys.

In most cases, body armor does little good when you are working on an IED. It just basically adds to the frag to include your body parts that might hit a friend behind you. I know of one case in Vietnam where one of our guys got a sucking chest wound from the fingers of the guy in front of him.

I personally had to use both arms and push with both legs to pull the bones of a leg that went through a ammo box one time so I could put it in the body bag along with everything else we were picking and literally scraping up with my trusty K-bar knife.

We never used body armor or any other type when we were in Vietnam. When you get an earburst from a large explosive item, its all over. We always use to wonder if you could see the case swell before you died.

These guys have really got it rough compared to what we did because of the technology that is now available to build IED's. Pray for them.

[CedarDave]

To fledgling jounalists, putting the same face on Iraq as was put on Viet Nam would be a badge of honor. In their twisted way of thinking it would give them the recognition that the Dan Rather's got during the Viet Nam war. Individually, no matter what they say about "making the world a better place", it is in their subconscious that they can have a better place in future assignments/positions in journalism if they treat the war this way so that they can gain favor with their editors (now and in the future) and be given special recognition among their peers.

[CedarDave]

Despite one soldier's journalist-written question to Rumsfeld, Rummy is well regarded by the troops. They respect a no-nonsense defense chief who does not sugar-coat problems like most politicians, but instead tells it like it is. I wish we had more Republicans like him in the Senate instead of always grandstanding McPain, Rino Collins, and Letscompromise Lott.

[blackie]

Just highlight and copy, then go to your email program and paste ~ or, just copy the FR link amd send it, that way they can read everyones comments. :)

[MikefromOhio]

thanks man...

I am sure that in a couple of months or maybe a year you will be right about me missing it. But as of right now, I could leave today :)

I have a lot of things cooking back home right now. Things that will be a lot easier for me to handle when I am back home.

Thanks for the thoughts man.

[MikefromOhio]

Armor is great, but there's no substitute for not getting caught napping.

---

ding ding ding!!!

we have a winner :)

[Eagle Eye]

Since I only get one BK meal every few months, eat one for me when you get back.

21?

[MikefromOhio]

it will be 21 and a wake up here in about 20 minutes or so (I go by east coast time :))

I had BK yesterday :)

[ChefKeith]

A note here from one of Your Clan, Sir

[Squantos]

HUA !

[Travis McGee]

Amen.

[zip]

ping

[Travis McGee]

Yep, great letter!