Base Commander Predicts 'Horrifying' War (update from the front...)

WOAI.com ^ | 3/14/03 | TARA COPP

[Libloather]

Base Commander Predicts 'Horrifying' War
LAST UPDATE: 3/14/2003 3:25:37 PM
By TARA COPP - Scripps Howard News Service

332ND AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, Persian Gulf -- Saying war with Iraq has become unstoppable and imminent, the commander of a sprawling base in the Persian Gulf gave a somber prewar speech to his assembled troops Friday, predicting a "horrifying experience" likely to include chemical or biological attack.

"In my opinion, this is the last time I'll do this before this thing kicks off," Col. Tom Jones said of his speech, a monthly base-wide "Commander's Call."

"Three weeks ago, I would have told you there was a 50-50 chance the international community could convince Saddam (to disarm). Now, I don't think anything could happen to stop it," Jones said. "My guess is, it's soon. I think it's going to happen, I think it's going to be a horrifying experience and a lot of people are going to get hurt. I am not eager to go to war, but I am eager to get this over with and get to go home."

One of the biggest fears for the base is a biological or chemical attack, Jones somberly reminded the troops.

"I think he's got them, I think he's going to use them. Is he going to use them on us here? I don't know. But we are one of a lot of lucrative targets for him."

Warning of a possible missile strike, Jones appeared to bolster news reports that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was moving his troops and missiles within range of Israel and closer to Kuwait and that pre-emptive strikes by Iraq were anticipated.

"It's a very short flight from Iraq to here," Jones said. "If it happens, we'll sound the alarm and dive into the bunkers. And when we come out, we'll smite this guy with a fury he has never seen before."

For security, the Air Force won't allow disclosure of the base name or location, but, as Jones told the troops Friday evening, it is one of the largest airpower bases in the region, with several thousand Air Force, Navy, Marines and Army personnel.

It is now at full capacity with a large contingent of F-15s, F-18s, British Harriers, F-16s, A-10 Warthogs, C-130s and Patriot missile batteries. The fighters are running 24-hour Operation Southern Watch missions over Iraq, and are now shot at by Iraqi forces during almost every mission, Jones said.

"I'm sure most of you are nervous," he said. "It's like a big test that you've been studying for, but you don't know what questions they'll ask. You think you're ready for it but you just don't know.

"You're ready. You will do fine, because you are aware of the consequences of failure. 9/11 is a consequence of failure. If we fail, we lose the freedoms our country has learned to live by and love.

"You are superbly trained for what you are about to face. You are ready for this. Fight like you're trained, follow procedures and you'll get through this fine."

[jonsie]

I understand your concern, my son is a medic at Ft. Hood and will be leaving in a few weeks. God bless them. I teach high school and most young men have no interest in history until they get out and join the military and then it becomes some important to understand the past in order to live in the future. I am so proud of my son as I know you are of yours. I will say a prayer everyday for all the fine young men and women that serve the USA. God bless and take care.

[L,TOWM]

I'll have your back D1, and you saw what I got to cover you with up at Burro Canyon...

[glf]

PEOPLE LIKE COL. JONES ARE THE PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR ME BEING ALLOWED TO GROW UP IN THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. AN INTELLIGENT, INSIGHTFUL, AND DEDICATED MILITARY COMMANDER.

I WELL REMEMBER MY CO'S SPEECH BEFORE WE LANDED IN VIETNAM. BOTH CAME FROM THE SAME CUT OF CLOTH.

I BECOME DEPRESSED WHEN I SEE THE INROADS THAT THE ANTI-AMERICAN LEFT HAS MADE INTO THE BASIC AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS THAT MADE THIS COUNTRY GREAT, AND AFRAID THAT IT MAY TAKE A SECOND CIVIL WAR TO PRESERVE IT FOR MY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.

THNKS COL. JONES. AS LONG AS I HAVE A HOME YOU SHALL ALSO.

[Indie]

After 9/11 I volunteered to every branch, even the reserves. The recruiters all loved my spunk but every one gave me the same answer: "At 45, you're too old to enlist."
I say tell it to my bullets!! At least I and hopefully you too...are locked and loaded and ready to take out any self-appointed ministers of Jihad over in the US if they get any ideas. Keep them with you. They don't do any good locked up at home.
God bless our troops and our President, his family and staff!!

[Myrddin]

Check out my web page of the Burro Canyon trip here. You may not have been at this specific outing. I was beating up on bowling pins with a .454 Casull.

[DoughtyOne]

My only problem is at this point I'd be in danger of not pulling my own weight, to watch someone else's back. That's all that would impact my decision. I'm 51.

[Poohbah]

"It's a very short flight from Iraq to here," Jones said. "If it happens, we'll sound the alarm and dive into the bunkers. And when we come out, we'll smite this guy with a fury he has never seen before."

You gotta wonder about the briefcase that the military guy totes around with the President.

I hope the Big Red Button is marked "SMITE."

[Poohbah]

Prayers being offered for your son's protection, and for peace of mind for your family, his fiancee, and her family.

[prairiebreeze]

we'll smite this guy with a fury he has never seen before."

And nobody better doubt it for even a milli-second. God bless and protect them.

Prairie

[Myrddin]

I suspect my son will have the unpleasant job of retrieving dead and wounded from the field. That's wretched duty for anyone. Maybe our son's will have a chance to work together. I was proud of my son before he headed out. He finished high school with a 4.33 GPA and was working on his degree in astrophysics. Assuming he makes it home, we have a wedding in queue.

[Myrddin]

Thanks. He was amused at some of the tales you shared while we baked in the sun at the Million Mom March protests. Thanks to you for your time in the barrel as well.

[river rat]

"Just make sure we kill Sadaams sons too."

Going soft on us, are you?

This is the kind of "family", that you have to cut closer to the core to be effective and eliminate the "seeds"....

Kill the Sons, Daughters, Uncles, Aunts, nephews, cousins, inlaws, friends and ALL who profited by their "closeness" to Saddam and his thugs...

Then, burn the Clan's entire home village to the ground, poison the wells and salt the earth...and post signs declaring the destruction was delivered by Americans who will not tolerate tyrants who support terrorists targeted to kill our citizens or our allies citizens. ...

The message must be clear....America must re-establish the FACT that we are not to be trifled with....
Live in peace with America and her allies...or die.

Semper Fi

[slimer]

"It's a very short flight from Iraq to here," Jones said. "If it happens, we'll sound the alarm and dive into the bunkers. And when we come out, we'll smite this guy with a fury he has never seen before."

[SuziQ]

"If it happens, we'll sound the alarm and dive into the bunkers. And when we come out, we'll smite this guy with a fury he has never seen before"

That's the spirit!!

[A Navy Vet]

I believe you can join the National Guard up to 64 if you have prior service. Of course, you'll be sitting behind a desk somewhere.

[Libloather]

Commander's Call!

[Myrddin]

I've had 7 cases of pneumonia. My lungs are a wreck. Running would be out of the question. I'd have to settle for stealthy work as a sniper.

My son's 20th birthday occurs on April 18th. I made a run by Turner's and picked up a "camel back' hydration pack in "desert camo" for him. Early birthday present.

[BikerNYC]

A New Crusade.

[webber]

"Then 2-3 days later, after the bombs start falling, Bush will address the nation again."

I think you meant that President Bush would address the nation 2-3 HOURS later when Iraq has surrendered and Sodom Inssein has been de-throned....permanently. {;^)}>

[baseballmom]

Prayer to Saint Michael

Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And you, Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

May God bless and protect all your loved ones. Thank them for me.