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I love the shows, but where are the rest? The last one is episode 17! I would be happy to pay to see the rest!
Many thanks.
@MinaMan Episode 18-26 are exclusive to Team Room Member, you can sign up here http://teamroom.sofrep.com/
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Simple solution that was solved in WW2: News Reel.
Wanna know whats going on? Go see a movie and instead of that 15 minute pre-movie advertising bullshit, show an modernized News reel:
"The war is still going on. People are still dying, but the American Spirit is still proud and kicking ass. <Insert current example here>. Doesn't mean we couldn't use a little help though. That is all". Maybe throw in some gouge about how they can help the effort by either enlisting or donating to Wounded Warrior or another support organization. Morale can never be too high. I don't know too many troops who would say "I wish people would stop sending me real food and books and DVDs and clothing and shit!". You could even take up collections Will Rogers foundation style!
During WW2, there was a sense of pride in serving or at least being able to speak intelligently on the issue of the war by having FUCKING BEEN THERE. Even those that were unable to or didn't serve could support the NATION by doing something: War Garden, War Bonds, Volunteering, ect.If nothing else it will make those self-important pricks feel stupid for not helping. Like I was told by a Chief one time: "Peer pressure's a motherfucker".
This solution bolsters morale, understanding by the general public (to a point obviously), and hell, may even stimulate the economy! If you have to go to the movies to find out about how the war is going, that's money into the local revenue stream! People may actually stop waiting for shit to come out on Netflix and go see a flick in-theater!
News is supposed to be how people gain information about current events, analyze that information, and, in a perfect world, take action on the issue that affects them. The biased media of today makes that a no-go. At least we can foster the part about taking action.
Human beings by nature want to be included in things enough to say they understand the situation or have an avenue to pursue action to better/resolve it. Let's open up that avenue and close down the News Media.
Just have to embrace the horror. The media can be a tool...literally. Of course, guys like this soon realize that THEY are the reason why others can have such distorted opinions about what is happening...yet still sleep soundly at night. Most people couldn't do it. My hat is off to those who can.
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Adopting a Soldier was also GREAT for my kids ,teenagers at the time..they got to do more than pay lip service to We Support the Troops. They spent their own $$$$ and they got into the concept of "what can we send that is cool"..my son pointed out to me that sending Under Armor was not good since it melted, So he found approved long under wear.My daughter came up with a Gerber M16 /Multi tool..And they wrote to them. We found a Marine who was as crazy about the Chicago Bears as we are,and sent him the low lights of the seasons. And i believe my daughter is still in contact with "her Soldier". So WE BENEFITTED FROM THIS
As for the media my job as a paramedic has taught me distain for them and their coverage of the WAR just cemented it,THEY SUCK they are vultures.
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Does anyone here know/remember the attack on Abu Graib prison on April 2, 2005. One of the larger attacks and at least according to wiki "Military's munitions ran so low that orders to fix bayonets were given in preparation for hand-to-hand fighting.". All I know is my husband was there and can vouch for how bad it was and how many Iraqis were killed, yet CNN only reported one dead Iraqi that day. Also I can tell you it was way more than 60 enemy fighters involved, Go Media! *eyes roll* What ever happened to the days of Ernie Pyle?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Abu_Ghraib
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktCKzq5_GeU
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I would just remark on the comments Chris made about CNN 'slanting' the news coverage. The media went way further than that. They were actively working for the other side. They protrayed the anti-war protestors as if they were Mom and Pop down at the corner store picking up protest signs and hitting the streets. The fact is that these protests were organized and financially sponsored by the American Communist Party. They weren't anti-war protests, they were anti-America protests. The media refused to show the red banners, the "Che" t-shirts, the "Death to Israel" and "We support the troops when they shoot their officers" signs and broadcast to the entire world that America was divided and racked with protests by ordinary Americans instead of paid, professional agitators and all the useful(and usual) idiots they could get to tag along. Not only did their actions have an effect on troop moral but they gave false hope to Saddam that we were not serious about their compliance with the UN resolutions. I'm glad to see the major networks(especially CNN) see their ratings so far in the toilet that they're counting the Scrubbing Bubbles as viewers. They have reaped as they have sown.
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The press is EVIL. 9 of 10 times they want to spin the story with some sort of sensationalism (body armor shortages, unarmored HMMWVs, SEALs beating up prisoners etc.). In the first gulf war I had press try to interview me before we engaged the Iraqis in '91. All their questions were phrased to upset the American public asking about unpreparedness issues and if we were scared etc. I just chuckled said "no comment" and when they kept it up just gave him the "I'm about to punch you in the face" look (being sure I was off camera).
Most interviews they got where from guys wanting to get on TV. Just told my guys feel free to give YOUR opinion if you want, be sure you make clear you aren't speaking officially and if you stay something stupid I'll be tossing you an anvil as you tread water.
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@majrod I'm pretty sure the entire crew here has the same opinion of the media. There's a couple good ones but for the most part they're as a whole despised by those that wore/wear a uniform.
@Tango9 @majrod It's the rock & a hard place issue. As a civilian, I want to know what's happening in the war and with our warriors. And I had no reason not to believe the media, but now I know better. So the choice is ignorance or misinformation - I think I'll just bang my head on the table a few times.
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@Tango9 @majrod No apologies needed from you Tango - ever. It was not your intent to hurt me, I know that. If you ever intentionally hurt me, first I'll seriously look at it to see if I deserved it. If I deserve it, I'll be the one apologizing. If I don't deserve it, I'll whip your ass, ground you and send you to your room.
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Had a pretty wise instructor in a college course on irregular warfare (COIN back in the day). He taught me the skill of critical reading and forming one's position. Basically whatever yo read know who's writing it and what their perspective/goal is. Second references credibility form lowest to highest newspapers, magazines, books (pre internet days) but the point is the more time between the event and the report the more time to addd details. Most importantly check different sources of info.
Great example if the PVT Chen story. He's the soldier that was allegedly hazed and endured racist remarks to the point he committed suicide. (I'm writing an article on the subject). Anyway not until the court martial did contrary facts come out that aren't being reported (slept on guard duty, failed to clear weapon, to incompetent to go on patrol so he stayed at the COP, repeatedly forgot his helmet and water etc.). Anyone reading the story without an Infantry background would have been shocked by what Chen went through (it wasn't hazing) but crawling through some gravel and extra PT are common remedial training techniques for people that forget things they shouldn't in a combat arms unit.
The bottom line is I'm sure most here have their heart in the right place and are here to learn. We who have had to deal with the media just have been screwed already. My intent is not to ding readers here (most are part of the choir) but to comment on greater America and its ignorance/fickleness.
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@Old PH2 @Tango9 @majrod I know that I get on here and sound foolish, or make a fool of myself, but if I wasn't able to make jokes and laugh, life would have f-ing broken me a long time ago. But please don't ever think I don't take it seriously and don't appreciate what I'm hearing here and who I'm hearing it from.
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@Old PH2 @Tango9 @majrod I've mixed my red beer and I'm going to go sit on the deck and look for the meteor shower. Told you I raised 3 sons - 2 of them were foster kids. The boys and I did just fine. I can't fight for my country, but I do what I can - and it's never enough. But that's just the way of it.
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@StormR @Tango9 @majrod I'm streaming FZ radio and about half through a 12 pack of Busch. But Storm don't feel bad, darlin' you get it. Glad you do. Just keep on doin' the little things. Like the Chief's told us, God is in the details. Do the small stuff and the big things take care of themselves. ; )
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@Tango9 @majrod Now I seriously feel like a piece of crap. And yes, Tango, I read the names too. I'm in a military town so I start my day with the newspaper reading with the names of those stationed here, looking at their pictures and reading the quotes from their mothers, fathers, wives and sometimes children. My nephew did 3 deployments and I had nightmares about reading his name in the paper. At night I watch the news and see 30 seconds of the ceremony on the base for the ones lost , or 30 seconds on the Wounded Warriors program at the base, and then watch some dumbass story that follows. I go to a restaurant or stores or movies and I see young servicemen & women in uniforms, and sometimes I can tell who has deployed by watching them watch everything. This isn't my first war - I raised a son alone because of Vietnam. So, yes - no apologies - I want to know what's going on because its real, its personal and it damn well should be for every American. I'm going to go drink a beer now.
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@StormR @majrod Storm. Start here. And the only reason the list is so short is because I read every name and after a while I just can't do any more.
Air Force Maj. Walter D. Gray, of Conyers, Ga. Army Maj. Thomas E. Kennedy, of West Point, N.Y.; Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin J. Griffin, of Laramie, Wyo. Maj. Thomas E. Kennedy, 35, of West Point, N.Y., and Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin J. Griffin, 45, of Laramie, Wyo. Petty Officer 3rd Class Clayton R. Beauchamp, of Weatherford, Texas, Cpl. Daniel L. Linnabary II, 23, of Hubert, N.C Spc. Ethan J. Martin, 22, of Lewiston, Idaho, 1st Sgt. Russell R. Bell, 37, of Tyler, Texas, and Staff Sgt. Matthew S. Sitton, 26, of Largo, Fla. 1st Lt. Todd W. Lambka, 25, of Fraser, Mich. Pfc. Jesus J. Lopez, 22, of San Bernardino, Calif. Spc. Kyle B. McClain, 25, of Rochester Hills, Mich. Lance Cpl. Curtis J. Duarte, 22, of Covina, Calif. Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan W. Gifford, 34, of Palm Bay, Fla. Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Price, 27, of Holland, Mich. Sgt. 1st Class Bobby L. Estle, 38, of Lebanon, Ohio, Pfc. Jose Oscar Belmontes, 28, of La Verne, Calif.
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Wasn't trying to preach to the choir. My comments were primarily for the nonvets or vets that have never had a run in with the media.
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The media is evil they have no business in the war zone,they can not be trusted. And I do not have the right to know shit,I have the right to be thankful,and to do something as ,Mr Kyle said.My family adopted a soldier and a Marine ,and we sent them care packages .WE LOVED DOING IT,I was always trying to think of something I could send that was cool,a multi tool REI wool socks ,A headlamp ,surefire batteries ..And then the soldier and marine would send us a letter thanking us as if we sent them 100 pounds of gold..I still love it when the Chicago BEARS introduce a Combat Veteran at the games...the CROWD goes nuts ,but nobody enjoys it like the Veterans My God they run around high five fans and carry their kids it is amazing.And if you look around real close you will always find someone in the stands crying,and GOD knows what that means..GOD BLESS OUR MILITARY AND GOD KEEP THEM SAFE
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My husband and I have three girls we're raising to be very appreciative and thankful to service members, police, firefighters, etc. My husband has been a cop for 22 years, so we're sensitive to what is generally a resounding lack of support. That said, the conversation about citizens doing things for those in the military struck a chord with me, and reminded of something that happened with our oldest daughter last month.
Our 11 year old was flying on her own. She was escorted to the plane with a wounded vet and was seated next to him. My daughter noticed the Wounded Warrior insignia on his backpack and started chatting with him. At some point in flight, she asked him about his injuries. The vet told her he was injured in Afghanistan, and removed his leg brace to show the extensive scarring. When I asked my daughter what she said at that point, she answered, "That's cool!" After recovering from my mortification, I asked her what he said. Daughter said he smiled and laughed and said, "Thanks!" I then asked if the vet was an older man and she told me in absolute seriousness, "Yes. I think he was about 25." (out of the mouths of babes...) I asked her what made her decide to start talking to the man and she told me she figured he was a soldier and she thought she should say hi. This was one of those parenting moments where you feel like you can put a big check mark in the "raising a good person" column. When I relayed the story to my husband, he was proud of her, but insisted we break her of the "be nice and talk to the servicemen" habit before she hits her late teens!
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The only "journalists" that should be anywhere near the war are the combat camera folks. that's it. no ifs ands or buts. Combat camera or get the fuck out.
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I always try to show my thanks and appreciation for our service members. I always feel so small and insignificant when they tell me thank you in return even though I served too. I joined when America and the world was still mad about 9/11; before people were "against" the wars. I knew I'd have to go get shot at sooner or later, but I was wanting to go kick some ass and everyone else was wanting me to also. It's not that way now. The KIDS that have joined since that time have joined knowing they were going into an unpopular war, knowing the media will portray them as "Crazy PTSD Suffering Psychos," knowing that the politicians have completely fucked up the whole situation. These men and women are heroes, not me. I cannot express the awe these kids inspire in me. Before I got out a few years ago, my LT said something about the interest I took in the boots. I told him that while I've seen action and all that, these kids are gonna be the unsung heroes of modern day America. They're gonna see every bit of the hardship I did, but aren't going to be near as revered as the service members were at the beginning of the war.
I agreee with Chris on the random acts of kindness. If you read Luttrell's Service, he tells the story of driving fallen Seal JT's belongings to his home in Iowa and the incredible acts of kindness he encountered. People paying for their gas, their meals and hotels. It's one of the most touching things ever.
A few weeks ago i was sitting at a bar in the Baltimore airport. Two men in uniform were waiting for their connecting flight. A few people were thanking them and i overheard their story. I said nothing and noticed each was having a beer (their first according to one of them, in a year) with their lunch. I quietly told the bartender, it was on me and not to say a thing. He did though and as i was walking out, a Sargeant Major chased me down and said thanks. I shook his hand and told him it wasn't me who needed to be thanked and i walked away. My flight was delayed 3 hours. It didn't even bother me.
Media in a Warzone, my first thought wasn't the "live" reports or almost instant updates on status and on going ops. I was thinking of the non-military guys making documentaries, writing blogs, or books about it.
One thing I've heard is that in extreme situations the media guy grabs a weapon and the catches hell for it. Understandable, not wanting to be liable or having them disrupt the pros, but in a combat environment people should be allowed to protect themselves. Anyways, so what are some thoughts on these guys?
And on topic, this video touches on some very good points. I really liked the Pat's feelings about being a civilian, who wants to be conscious of the men and women serving to protect our freedoms. This is one thing more people should practice, and I'm sure anyone reading/ watching this already does.
The media does enough dammage with some of their reports. For God's sake don't give them a gun!!!!!
@engelbrad I definitely agree, and I like cto1321's comment about combat cameramen should be the only media. In the world wars, I do believe the military's PR guys were the only ones giving news about the military's on goings. It should definitely stay that way.
Here is was got me thinking about the embedded guys, I didn't mean the 5 oclock new team guys or Anderson Cooper.
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This conversation really hits home. I have not served but appreciate, beyond words, those that have. I traveled every week for business from 2006 - 2008. Every Monday morning I was at O-Hare airport catching a flight somewhere. Any time I'd see someone in uniform I would introduce myself, shake their hand and thank them for their service and my freedom. Most of my heros would give a quick "your welcome" and head on their way. One day my flight from ORD was delayed significantly and I headed over to the Hilton for lunch. Two guys in uniform were sitting at the bar and I grabbed a seat beside them and gave the "thanks"... They had just sat down for lunch and we had a great discussion about some of their experiences in Iraq. They just got home and were on leave. A buddy of theirs showed up a little later to pick them up and they were ready to be off on their way. After giving them the "thanks" again I grabbed their bill and told them to get back safe so I could grab another one for them. I got three hugs and fist pumps and a sincere thanks from them. They have put their lives on the line for my freedom and my country but that insignificant lunch bill seemed like it meant the world to them.
StormR has a good point with the ninja smoke but I always want to look our heros in the eye and thank them. I guess it's somthing that my father instilled in me. I also agree with StormR's thoughts on Pat's comments.
Chris gave some great ideas!
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@engelbrad Online and when I'm in my real-life professional mode, I'm fearless. When I'm just real-life 'me' though, I'm actually terribly shy and that has much to do with my choice to be anonymous LOL. I also feel uncomfortable hearing them say thank you to me. I know it's simply politeness, but I don't feel I earned a 'thank you' from such men and women.
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@StormR My husband in the same way, you wont ever hear him talk about his days i the Marines unless asked by a veteran. He also won't wear his uniform for anything because he hates getting recognized for it. He is proud of what he did but he doesn't feel it constitutes being a hero, he just feels he did his job as a citizen.
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I agree with your point and I dont want them to thank me for appreciating them nor have I earned anything from them.
I think your approach is great.
Sometimes interaction can be a good thing too.
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As a civilian, one of the most valuable things I have learned from SOFREP is to NOT go up to someone in uniform and say "thank you for your service". Instead, when I am at a restaurant, bar, theater, coffee shop, if I see folks in uniform, I anonymously pay for their meal or drinks or theater tickets. I don't want them to be in the position to have to say 'thank you' to me for paying for something..I just want them to know that an anonymous American THANKS them. I'm glad that Chris confirmed that my instinct was right. I can't mow yards and I don't know any families to babysit for, but I can buy that family a dinner when I see them. I also think Pat spoke well for all of us civilians who want to know and be involved. This was a powerful video.
@StormR How do you feel about kids coming up? I think it is a little different on that one because I want our son to be grateful and also not to be afraid of men in uniform. I remember going to Germany in the 90's and seeing all these men in uniform with there weapons at the airport and being terrified, that is the last thing I want my children to think of when they see a uniform. Plus kids tend not to ask the inappropriate questions or if they do, they don't know any better. Nothing like eating a nice dinner with your dads NY Times reporter friend after your moms funeral and having her ask your husband "did you ever kill anyone" ... HMM United States Marine with 2 deployments to Abu Ghraib and Ramadi, what do you think?! I think reporters have no filter and no common sense.
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@slowden86 I don't have a general opinion on kids coming up today - probably because I'm so far removed from it - my kids are adults. Off the top of my head, I would guess that it depends on location and parental guidance. I'm in a heavy military area (Army, Navy, Air Force bases all within 60 minutes of my home), so the children have much contact with military personnel than in most area. 2 of my sons live across country from me, so I rarely see them and their children, but they were raised with a respect for the military and I would hope they pass it along to their children. However, I think 'out of sight, out of mind' is a factor and for most children their impressions of military service are formed from TV and movies (which all often include an alien from another planet). I came of age in a war that utilized the draft; this is a volunteer armed services today and I think that causes a divide between the civilian and military populace. Every family faced the possibility of a son going to war or had neighbors, friends, etc. in that position, so war and military were much more front and center in the citizen mind-set. Very different in today's war. I've seen lots of organizations and efforts to raise money for wounded warriors and their families and they keep the message out there, and some very successfully. I know that our local USO has a waiting list for volunteers (I'm on the list LOL). As for the reporter - what happened wasn't a lack of common sense, it was a lack of class, courtesy and respect...and I believe what comes around, goes around so I pity him.
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I don't entirely agree with his take on the media. The people at home do need to hear some things such as the progress of the war, information on who we are fighting and why, and maybe focusing on the personal sacrifice of the men and women doing the work, but the scope of coverage shouldn't be much larger than that. I totally agree with getting rid of the crap such as the Geraldo stuff he was referring to. War is ugly, and necessarily so. Another thing that is maddening is the compromise of OPSEC that is so frequently perpetrated by the media. There is far more that the civilian population doesn't need to know about than stuff that they do.
@Custos_Libertatis It isn't that Americans don't need to hear what's happening in the war, it's the fact the Media will Fuck It All Up ! Nothing but lies, innuendos, misinformation etc. Truth in Media died a long time ago. 6
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@Recon6 I agree 100%. When I was writing that I was really struggling with how to define some sort of "line" that the media couldn't cross which is definitely a pointless endeavour.
its very interesting on how the spec ops community engages with the media and vice versa. its almost a love hate relationship. sometimes the media stick their nose in where it doesnt belong. they reveal secrets on how spec ops operate and such. ironically, many retired spec ops guys rely on the same media to get exposer for a product, a business, a book, a movie etc...
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Gentlemen,
This is an outstanding series. Expert, learned commentary, well moderated with limited editing. This provides context for points made in the discussion and enables a viewer to better grasp the messages you are trying to deliver.
Top shelf work.
Brandon, what are you swilling?
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I always had problems with the guys that would sign up as part of the reserve who would whine about deployments. Our first big test was Gulf War 1, that was 22 years ago. The fellows deploying today should be as Chris says, ready to get it done so others don't have to. My decade of service was one of relative peace, and I was out of CONUS for almost 7.5 years of it. Pat brings out a point about wanting to be connected, folks forget what it was like. I recall being a little guy and hearing Walter Cronkite read off the casualty list, maybe they need to bring that back. Today it's "2 Nato troops were injured today, blahblah... And the housing Market is looking Up." There's days I'm too angry to even talk about it.
@Old PH2 I agree the population is disconnected from these conflicts. I don't know about reading the casualty list, though. Here's why.
I believe whole heartedly in our mission in every theater we are in. I think America is the enforcer of good in this world, even though we don't go about it in the right ways all the time. I believe that the engagements we've been involved in have saved American lives here at home, and lives of the citizens of other countries. I don't think the casualty list should be read, though. I don't think the American populace could stomach it. I think every deployed service member would be brought back home if that list was read. Then there would be even more reservation in sending troops out to take care of a problem. This mindset would hurt America. Whether we like it or not, we've got a fight on our hands. There's no room for reservations and fear. We need to be able to go wherever whenever we need to FULL BLAST. I want the bad guys of the world scared shitless of the United States. They will not be if we half ass through everything even more than we do now.
My two cents....
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@PONI I was a youngster when Vietnam ended. In 1975 I was 11-12 but the feeling in my family was one of connection to the fellows serving, my Dad's cousins were over there and we felt it. Some where between Vietnam and WW2 the American public must have changed their attitude. Seeing the Casualty List brought people together the shared loss helped make it real. At some point the expenditure of Blood and Treasure became objectionable. I'm not saying we need to spill more American blood, I'm saying it's so precious we should be ashamed of anything but a WIN. No half measures, anything that holds us back needs to be seriously examined and countered. If that means controlling Media access and information dissemination then let's do it. But I bemoan the loss of our idealized "American Dog Face." The Sgt. Striker that hauled your ass up Suribachi, the Mitchel Page that stood alone and held his hill until relieved at Quadalcanal. DAMN IT WE NEED HEROES.
Sorry, kinda lost it there...
@Tango9 I've been re-reading this comment all weekend man.Trying to figure out something to say, if for nothing but to make myself feel better. I still can't put words to it. All I got is that if I could I'd change places with the fallen in a heartbeat, but I don't think they'd let me. I'm honored to have bleed with these men.
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@SEAN SPOONTS @Old @Tango9 @PONI SEAN SPOONTS Old Tango9 PONI You made me remember something. When my wife and I were married in 1999 we lived in west Tennessee. I fought with myself for 2 months trying to find a decent photographer for the event. Finally one day I was driving home from a job in Memphis and it hit me, turned into the base at Millington and asked at the front gate for directions to the Photo lab. Sure enough got a visitor's pass and drove on over. After introducing myself I laid it out to the duty PH. I left my contact info and asked if one of the guys shot on the side. Hooked up with Robert who shot my wedding and I've never regretted it. We PH's kinda stick together and brother did this guy know how to shoot. We took good care of him, I think my sister inlaw must have danced his shoes off him. Great memories, thanks for reminding me that there are some folks who did appreciate our work. : )
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@Old PH2 @Tango9 @PONI Personally, I always liked the PH's. They took flattering pictures of the guys and gear. They were great moto stuff back in the day. As a matter of fact. That pic in my avatar was taken by a PH at Millington NAS. He just walked up to us and said; "Can I take some pictures for the base paper? He then proceeded to line us up, and took what must have been 50 pictures. He worked that camera like a violin, he posed us so we looked good, waited for lighting changes so it was even. You could tell he cared how the pictures came out. I liked that he put something of himself into his work. He was there at least half an hour. Fuck any Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine or Coastie who complains about having a "bullshit" job. Do it right, do it with pride and a sense of professonalism, 'cause it all carries down the line to the guy with his finger on the trigger.
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@Tango9 I Agree, PH you were there!!! I mentioned on a previous thread on this site, there are no freebies in a combat zone, just different jobs. No War Fighter got there on his own, I think it is like for every single combat guy it took 10 to get him there, something like that. Brother, I'll gladly buy anyone a beer that ever wore the U.S. Uniform Proudly. 6
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@Tango9 Tango, people like us at SOFREP are so few, that is what PONI was saying. Unless a person is a Veteran, or knows Vets, or lives around a military installation, they ignore the fact we are at war! The American public chooses to pretend their little lives are so important, and who cares if some kid dies in the box fighting for a bunch of rich politicians and their cronies. It makes me sick when I see what America has become. Like PH2 says, "where is our Sgt. Striker"? How many people today even know where Suribachi is? we are losing our Heritage! Hell, look at a high school history book, you will puke. 6
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@Old PH2 This is a 'hot button' issue with every Warrior I ever knew. I recall coming off a mission and a ###reporter and camera man were there, before he could speak I told him to get the fuck out of my face and we had no comment. He replied, "Don't you want to be famous back home"? I had to restrain my RTO from beating the crap out of him.
We knew back then that Everything they reported was Bullshit! And then that Bitch went to Hanoi for photo ops, we began to wonder Why are we even here? Today the American public has done a great disservice to our Warriors. You cannot sanitize war, you also cannot ignore it. You certainly will not get the Truth from the media! I never hesitate to tell those around me that America is At War! We have Heroes, it is just that no one knows their names. They are hidden by "Reality TV", "The Kardashians", Movie stars etc. etc. etc. To the Mom in a previous post, "Lady, you are raising your children the way it was intended."
We are All experiencing the Decline of America and unless Everyone steps forward and says, "NO MORE" we shall experience the End. Look at the facts people, there are Damned few of us on these sites that understand what is actually happening. Wake Up America ! Sorry for the Rant...Not. R6
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@PONI @Old PH2 That kid bled out 4000 miles from home. He probably played on the HS basketball team, he laughed, smiled and more than one someone has a broken heart today. As an NCO, I know you have to think: If I'd been there could I have made the difference or saved him?
Shit, I know I do. It doesn't matter how old we get, we take every single... every sinlge one.... personal. "if I could have been there..."
And no one gets to die anymore without my permission!
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@Tango9 @PONI I apologize for sounding a little like a grumpy old Man. My wife says you don't get to claim that title until after you retire. Being a military trained Photographer and seeing how the media treats "My Guys" makes me want to scream and punch someone, repeatedly. While in the USN most of us PH's were treated with some disdain "get a real Job," was a common mantra. I grew a thick skin 'cause I knew what my job was and how important it was. But the Civilian Media is lower than snake shit, there are one or two I trust, but for the most part they're BASTARDS. That hurts me on a personal and professional level, 'cause I know how it should be. FUCK EM
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@PONI @Old PH2 bruh, we all know who the heros are. I don't need a news outlet to tell me and neither do you. My hero for today?
Army Spc. Kyle McClain, 25, of Macomb County’s Shelby Township, died Aug. 1, in Salim Aka. McClain was assigned to 1433rd Engineer Company, 507th Engineer Battalion, 177th Military Police Brigade in Kalamazoo.
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@Old PH2 We got heroes. Good luck trying to get the media to recognize them. With a true hero they don't have anything to bitch about.
