There is yet hope

Personal Observation and anecdotes fro CJCS | 12 Nov 07 | ME

[roaddog727]

There is yet hope for us in this Global War on Terror.

Here's why:

Several weeks ago (mid September), I was down to HQ USSOUTHCOM to do some drill time as an Army Reserve Officer. On That Friday, General Peter Pace, Outgoing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Addressed us all as part of his fair well retirement tour. Southern Command being his last stop at a COCOM (Combatant Command) (General Pace Commanded Southern Command several years ago).

During the course of his address to us, he related an anecdote about a young Marine in Iraq. (General Pace visited the first Platoon he ever commanded). As told by the general, He asked this young Marine if there was anything that he (General Pace) could do for him. The Marine replied, "no Sir, We've got it from here."

This is one of the reasons that there is still hope.

The other reason is from Personal observation by me at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar.

I had the opportunity to go to Camp As Sayliyah last week to attend a conference. During my few days stay, I observed the quiet professionalism exhibited by the young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines stationed there.

In particular, I had the chance to talk to one young Female Soldier. She was very upbeat, enthusiastic about the mission and looked forward to her next duty assignment in the box. (This current assignment was her 3rd deployment is as many years)

Another example was watching all the troops conducting their day to day activities as grownups. No formations (That I observed), just quietly going about their business, getting the mission accomplished.

There is one last thing I would like to relate. I had just finished doing my PT (I ran the Camp Perimeter) and was sitting at a bench having some water and cooling down. Across the yard, heading toward the hooches was a young Female E3 SrA. with an M9 strapped to her leg. She must have been all of 19 years old, and not much bigger than my 14 year old daughter.

As I watched her, she exhibited all the fine qualities of a professional SP. I would not want to have to tangle with her, and in fact, I would put her up against ANY one of any other foreign military and she would likely prevail.

So, there it is and is a source of hope for us all.

Roaddog727, Major, US Army Reserve

[BIGLOOK]

Sometimes Veterans Day is a sad day for me, a day of reflection and remembrance, so thanks Road Dog for shining a bright light on the successes and quality of our present generation of military personnel. It cheers my soul.

Happy Veterans Day to you. And please pass the word to the troops you meet in your travels.

[roaddog727]

Happy to be of service.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[beachn4fun]

Love hearing these kind of stories.

Which reminds me of a comment on one of my local tv stations, here in the DC Metro area, which preceded a story they were doing this morning on the troops still in Afghanistan. The comment was to the effect, “troops in Afghanistan are often overshadowed and forgotten by the events in Iraq.”

BULL! The only ones who forget them is the MM. We never forget those outside the continental United States.

[squirt]

I remember it as Shore Patrol

[roaddog727]

Kind thanks.

I may be headding back out in the next few weeks. If so, I’ll provide another story.

[beachn4fun]

I’ll look forward to hearing it.

You be sure to let them all know how many there are of us back home that are praying and routing for them, ok?

And, Thank you for your service!

[Redleg Duke]

That's what I did, and they did back in '96. This past April, I hit the big Six-Oh and the Eagle takes a small dump in my checking account each month now.

I wish I had taken better care of my knees. I could have been back in harness and helping a bit more. Thirty-two years just wasn't quite enough.

[roaddog727]

Happy to be of service.

[roaddog727]

“Thirty-two years just wasn’t quite enough.”

I know what you mean, my brother. If they would allow it, I’d stay longer.

[Squantos]

Road Dog is Correct ....Security Police SP. Now termed Security Forces SF........ used to be Air Police aka AP !

Never cross the red painted line around the loaded and cocked BUFF ! or you will get more SP education that ya ever wanted !.....:o)

[Squantos]

Not to nitpick but Senior Airman (SrA) is an E4 or was when I retired.....:o)

Good read !

Stay safe !

[roaddog727]

My Error. 2 stripes = A1C

At a COCOM, seeing Jr. Enlisted of any service is a VERY rare event.....

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks for the ping and stay safe.

Thanks for your service!

[roaddog727]

Happy to.

Kind thanks for the words of encouragement