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Served 'so that others could be free'

Posted: Monday, November 19, 2007 3:06 PM
Filed Under:

By John Rutherford, NBC News Producer

ARLINGTON, Va. –

Army Staff Sgt. John Linde last talked to his wife on Saturday, Nov. 3.

"He sounded like he missed home, missed the family," said his wife, Vilma, according to newspaper reports. "He was able to speak with his daughter. We were able to tell each other we loved each other. Then, on Monday, they told me he was gone."

Linde and three other military police officers from the 10th Mountain Division were killed Nov. 5 by a roadside bomb in the northern Iraqi town of Tal Al-Dahab. He was buried on Monday at Arlington National Cemetery.

Image: Decorated Staff Sargeant Killed In Iraq Is Buried At Arlington
Getty Images

Victoria Linde, 8, comforts her sister Erica during a burial service for her father, Staff Sgt. John Linde, at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. Also pictured are Linde's widow Vilma Linde and father John W. Linde. 

"He served to the point of death so that others could be free," Chaplain (Maj.) Gary Studniewski told several hundred mourners, including Linde's widow and daughters Victoria and Erica, on a gray, raw morning.

Linde was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and racing ATVs while growing up in New Jersey and New York.

"I just never considered myself any kind of a great father," his dad told News10Now. "But other people tell me I must have been because he came out so good."

Linde enlisted in the Army in 1996. He completed one tour in Iraq in which he received a Bronze Star for fighting off an attack on a convoy. A neighbor said Linde was not looking forward to his second tour.

"He said he was lucky the first time, to say the least," the neighbor told the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin. "I just wish his luck had held out the second time."

Linde would have turned 31 on Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

(Linde was the 397th Iraq casualty to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. At least the next three Arlington burials are private, so the 400th Iraq burial will be closed to the press.)

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Comments

It's time that the generals run the war and not the media or the politicians; in the way that the military ran the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWI and WWII.

Michael, St. Peters Missouri (Sent Monday, November 19, 2007 6:21 PM)

On behalf of a grateful nation, we remain free because of your sacrifice.  May God bless you and the people of the United States of America.

Matt Brookhart (Sent Monday, November 19, 2007 7:36 PM)

If he wanted others to be "free" he would not have been in Iraq as part of a conquering invasion army. I feel very sorry for him, for his family and for the nation that would send him and so many others out to die a worthless death in a far away land on the basis of lies and self indulgence. I know it is expected of everyone that we shall consecrate the death of our military, but I find myself unable to do that in Iraq and Afghanistan because they died to no purpose and their deaths served no need. As a wounded veteran of Korea I lost many friends and grieve for all those who lose their lives before they have a chance to fullfill them, but at least in that war we had the limited satisfaction of saying that we were defending our nation against a world wide enemy, the Soviet Union, who really did threaten our way of life. It is unfortunate that Sgt Linde cannot have the same said about him as he died in a worthless cause in a non-threating nation and in a war agaist a trivial and unthreatening enemy. I fully expect to be excoriated by the kneejerk "support our troops" crowd who do not ask what we are supporting our troops in doing and what is expected as support of our troops. To die young is a terrible thing, to die in battle is no less dead, to die in pursuit of a just aim is just as terrible but with some solace, to die in a battle wiich is purposeless and without any meaning is the cruelest death of all. We may mourn our dead young troops, but until we ask why they died and see that other don't face the same end, we are not truly sorry.

Lee Delaney Las Vegas, NV (Sent Monday, November 19, 2007 8:24 PM)

I am wondering how many more widows will be made?  

I am a thirty-something mother of two who doesn't take for granted how my children can play outside without fear of landmines and RPG fire.  

I thank God daily for the freedom to drive myself to a job I love in clothes I selected myself.  I am free to worship when and where I wish, with family and friends, without fear of violence.  I am thankful for those before me that fought for my privileges.

This precious family will always know that their husband and father was doing what he was told to do, as a man of honor.  But did they need to lose him for the world to know he was a good man?  Could he not have been around a bit longer to see his girls become women?  

My thoughts and prayers are with them and the many other families struggling with the contrasting sense of duty and decency.  

Julie Stanglein, St. Peters, MO (Sent Monday, November 19, 2007 8:33 PM)

We live in a great country of United States of America! <applause>
This is country of free people! <applause>
We are all ready to fight for our freedom! <applause>
If another army will invade this country, we all will fight them,  with teeth and nails, if necessary! <applause>
We have right to bear arms, and will kill the invaders when we see them, blow their vehicles, shoot their airplanes! <applause>
Will you? <audience: yes, yes>
Then what was wrong with them killing this poor guy? <silence... boo you moron, go away...>

Alex G, CA (Sent Monday, November 19, 2007 8:47 PM)

Iam with 11 bravo and will be shipping out next year and I hope for the for my sake and that of others we will return home to our families and loved ones and not be forgotten for what we did.

Jeremie,cedar hill,tx (Sent Monday, November 19, 2007 9:20 PM)

I would like to express my sympathy to the family of Staff Sergeant Linde, and tell them I understand their loss. I hope they can accept that their loved one died so that Americans can be free and safe. I lost a family member in Viet Nam in 1969 and the pain is an awful thing to have to bear. I send my prayers and comfort for their healing.

W. Smith Queen Creek, Arizona (Sent Monday, November 19, 2007 9:36 PM)

Another American HERO giving the ultimate sacrifice. My condolences go out to this HERO'S family, and friends. Without these brave peoples sacrifices we wouldn't have LIBERTY, without LIBERTY, we would not have FREEDOM, without FREEDOM we have TYRANNY. I think we are slowly winning this war, the day to day fighting has lessened alot over the last 6 mos. We as Americans need to stand together to see this thing through. We started this war right, or wrong, but we need to complete our mission to bring our brave men, and women home. Nothing is worse to a serving vet. than to cut and run after we have all sacrificed so much. Lets honor our brave hero's let them complete their mission. I remember after 9/11 with a American flag on every house. What happened? Lets all be proud to be an American. STAND UP AND STAND TOGETHER!!!

A Vet (Sent Monday, November 19, 2007 10:15 PM)

The people can always be brought to the bidding of leaders. . . All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for their lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to danger.

               -Hermann Goering
                Luftwaffe Commander & Nazi Leader

Nothing has changed - all of us are to blame for the tragic loss of Staff Sgt. John Linde; for the inexpicable pain his daughters will endure; and the emptiness that has seared his wife's soul permanently.

I ask ALL Americans to stand against the Bush White House for violation of the law and the Constitution.
This entity; this true "axis of evil" has engaged in:

1) Blatant lies via the manipulation of intelligence.
2) Walnut Grove, CA meetings - to plan the coup and install Chalabi as Prime Minister.
3) Libby's Project Anabasis in the NV desert: bringing Iraqi dissidents to the US via "CIA Air."
4) Newt Gingrich's address to our senior officers as CAPSTONE Speaker 2003.
5) The OSP "Club" - Office of Special Plans - the illegal entity that concocted and marketed the so-called Iraq strategy; many of whom hail from AEI.
6) Bush's buddy; Grover Norquist; who worked feverishly to change Patent Laws and Tax Laws in Iraq so Bush et al could reap, or shall I say rape Iraq; taking all of her state owned assets with little or no consequence.
7) "Black Sites" - Secret CIA prisons where prisoners' names were deliberately withheld - thereby disguising their detainee status - "lost" - their whereabouts unknown to torture them without backlash from the global community and reprisal via the Geneva Convention.
8) Invading Iraq premptively - it had nothing to do with 9/11 - and the SHAMEFUL sacrifice of U.S. servicemen and women and countless loss of Iraqi life all in the name capitalism and lies.
9) For the generations of traumatized families that this White House has created: US veterans - maimed and fighting for their existence; fighting for the benefits they were promised upon enlisting; Iraqi children riddled with shrapnel, burned with white phosphorous -
10) For the parents who have lost their children; and the children who have lost their parents -

This war can NEVER be justified. IMPEACH CHENEY & BUSH

Stephanie Engle, Arlington, VA (Sent Monday, November 19, 2007 10:25 PM)

God bless his family. A father is so important and not replaceable, oh God when this REALLY HITS them, as it will in a few weeks (NO ONE "gets" death right away, sure on the surface, but as each day passes- damn, that's not helping). RIP

Katy Ellison (Sent Monday, November 19, 2007 10:36 PM)

"Served so that others can be free?"  Please.  Destroying Iraq brought no one freedom.  Since Hussein was no threat to US "freedom" this guy died for nothing.  I'm sick of the ridiculously naive chants of "They are defending our Freeeedom!"  No, they are not.  They are the personal mercenaries of our corrupted and inept administration and it's corporate and lobbyist interests.  Not a thing heroic about that.

David Johnson (Sent Monday, November 19, 2007 10:58 PM)

From a single soldier, to all of the soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division, our prayers and respects go out to the family of SSG John Linde.

                ~FREEDOM AND LIBERTY~

SPC Ronald R. Schmitt Jr (Bravo Company 277th ASB, Fort Drum, NY (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 12:09 AM)

Thank You Army Staff Sgt. John Linde for serving our country.  You will be remembered!  My condolences and prayers go out to your family.

CW, Fort Atkinson WI (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 12:24 AM)

And yet another selfless American gives all... so that others might be free.  What a wonderful gift SSGT Linde has given.  Not just his blood, but a legacy of the American ideals of life, liberty, and happiness.  As an Iraqi vet, I know his life is celebrated and his death mourned at home, and in Iraq.  Let his children and the rest of his family know that lives given so that others might be free are never given in vain, and will never be forgotten. Graciousness, selflessness, and love just cannot be. God bless you SSGT Linde.  D. Crandall La Crosse, WI

Darrell Crandall, La Crosse, WI (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 12:36 AM)

He is a true American Hero and his family should always be extremely proud of this fine young man.  People like him help ensure that we will remain free in the "Land of the free BECAUSE of the brave".

Opelousas, Louisiana (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 12:58 AM)

God Bless You Staf Sgt. John Linde
I Am A Vietnam Veteran, I Know How It Feels Too
Lose A Friend.
Everytime I'm Aware Of The Death Of Those
Who Are Fighting For Freedom, On Tv I Salute Them
and Pray For Them And Their Families
I'm Sorry
Frank Wheeler
101st.ABN.Division
3/187
Vietnam 67-68

Frank Wheeler, Louisa Kentucky (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 2:51 AM)

This was a very brave and honorable young man who deserves to be decorated,recognized and remembered.
I pray that God will bless his family and friends and all who cared for and loved him for the selfless and decent man he was. What a great loss.

Miranda Dowdy, Atlanta, GA (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 2:55 AM)

As American living abroad working in oil&gas (actually an Islamic country); I am able to see on news channels the horror of Iraq that American news programs will not show (not good for ratings).  I understand why this good man did not want to go back.  He knew we should not be there to begin with.  Americans will just switch the channel at truth.  It is easier to ignore it and Britney Spears is more exciting.  There is no romantic intrepetration of it here.  There is no Chaplain Studniewski telling us this Great Loss was justified to keep us free.  I would not have my freedom today without Iraq invasion.  Who honestly beleves that, but it is only and best excuse to tell grieving families.  The Iraqi people did not ask for this and neither did this good American and his family.  My heart is dying for your loss and thousands of grieving families like you.  As Democrat, I am very proud that our party is working to end this horrible occupation and to bring these good men back to their families.  Many Islamic people had told me same story.  Before Iraq invasion, the radical Madasa schools in many countries were on decline and people looked with open eyes to global expansion and other cultures with curiousity, even hoping it would improve their lives.  Now, they are building hundreds of new radical Madrasa schools in many countries and enrollment is waiting list.  And Bush will tell you we are winning.  We produced an enemy of masses rather than bringing justice to few who murdered on 911.  Just look at Australia example? They had 200 killed in Bali, yet have loss only 2 soldiers in war on terror.  The Bali killers were found by best Aussie criminal investigation team. They were tried, convicted, sentenced to life or death sentences.  The killers of 911 are still free after spending 800 billion.  I can't put price on the human loss as this heartbroken family will tell you.  Wake Up America and learn the truth.  Do it for this American as I believe he would want you to know.  That is real truth of his loss, to give you freedom to learn the truth.

Tom Black (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 4:13 AM)

We all take our own freedom for granted from time to time and we seem to not appreciate the troops lives that are lost in the name of freedom!! My prayers go out to the families of those troops that gave the ultimate sacrifice. I pray that all of the families find some comfort knowing that the troops believed in what they were being asked to do. May God Bless each and every one of these very special people!!!!

George Woodley, Smithfield, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 6:09 AM)

May He Rest In Eternal Peace

Elizabeth Wall Fairview, NJ (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 6:26 AM)

God bless him. He represented NJ and the USA well, years from now people will be free because of him and people like him. God bless his family too.

David Powell Ocean City NJ (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 7:15 AM)

God Bless SSG, and my prayers will be with your family.

mike (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 8:04 AM)

God bless this fallen warrior. Thanks to all who serve this country. Any time you see a person in uniform, say "thank you for your work" It means a lot to the service personnel and it will make you fell better also.

An Army father

Mike Obryant Greenville, North Carolina (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 8:36 AM)

Infantryman's Prayer

Almighty God, whose will it is that we be leaders of men. Hear us as we come to you for guidance in this awesome responsibility.

Let us never forget our duty to the men whom we will lead. May we instill in them the qualities of loyalty, integrity, and duty.

Grant us the patience in dealing with the mistakes of our fellow man and let us never forget that no man is perfect, but that perfection, is trying each day to be better than the day before.

Give us courage, O Lord, in the face of danger: keep us pure in heart, clean in mind, and strong in purpose. Remind us that wisdom is not gained in a hour, a day, or in a year, but it is a process that continues all the days of our lives.

Keep ever before us our goal, which is not to perpetrate war, but to safeguard peace and preserve Your great gift to man, the gift of freedom.

May You always be near to guide us in decisions, comfort us in our failures, and keep us humble in our success. We ask Your Divine blessings and leadership as we discharge the honor and responsibility of being Infantrymen in the service of our country. Walk close to us always, our Father that we may not fall.

AMEN

Dwight Deatherage, Fort Monmouth, NJ (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 8:38 AM)

Aren't all of you mouthy people glad?  Glad that through the ages someone has been willing to wear a uniform?  Aren't you glad they fought and some died for your right to be mouthy?  
No matter who sends them to war, it is their obligation to fight it, and some will die.  Something you cannot grasp, these men and women are HEROS.
You can bash Bush all you want, but leave the Military out of it!  

Georgia Putzer, Manassas, VA Army Mom and proud of it (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 8:46 AM)

Any death in a  unjustified war is tragic so don't forget the tens of thousands of civilians killed in this invasion and continued occupation. The Iragis who have died are human beings who had hopes, dreams and families. They were flesh and blood and no less loved. Where are the tears and sentiments for these losses?

Richard Wilson, Arcadia, Fl (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:00 AM)

I am a Service Connected disabled Veteran.  I hate it too when people say he died for his country.  Sorry folks, he died for this administrations blunders.  He did not die for his country.  I am sorry for his family but, when you invade and conquer another country, you get what you went there for. Death.  We have no business there.  All the nearly 4,000 deaths have been in vain.

Susan Miller (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:02 AM)

I hope that this family and all of the other families of  our soldiers know that their pain and loss is felt by us all.The military and their families are owed a debt by the rest of us that can never be repaid. I thank God for  them....So please , let us all understand the horrors of war and how critical it is that we all vote and vote responsibly so as to try and not have a "decider" that doesn't understand his true responsibilities to our nation . We need people in high office that will try anything and everything not to go to war.

Rob , NYC (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:06 AM)

For the ingorant, he was fighting for freedom, not just ours, but for everyone.Open your eyes do not be blinded by conspiracy.May he rest in peace.

chris sarasota county Fl (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:25 AM)

Bush/Cheney will surely burn in hell, along with the idiots in Ohio and Florida that "elected" him. I hope you're happy you have this retard in office.

I feel bad for the Linde family-it's horrible to have a parent die.

Martha Stewart, Dunmore, PA (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:28 AM)

There are those that would see America destroyed, those that teach their children to hate Americans, that would see Christians and Jews "wiped off the face of the Earth". There exists, whether or not we choose to see it, a growing and reaching war between right and wrong, good and evil, in which SSG Linde served on the front line. Served proudly so that his daughters and wife may not have to. Rest in peace brother.

"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
— Edmund Burke

Doug Graham, US Army, Middle East (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:30 AM)

You can condemn the government all you want for getting us into this worthless war and I do, however soldiers have no say into what wars they are sent, and for that they are always heros no matter how  meaningless and misguided the mission.

Mike, Bethesda, MD (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:30 AM)

  SSG John Linde was an honorable soldier who died for an honorable cause.  So many of the posters here are a disgrace to that honor.  Our responsibility to safeguard our freedom must always outweigh the responsibility of the millions of radical Islamists to convert or destroy the nonbelievers.  Until President Bush's decision to fight back, they had been embolden to kill us because of so many successful attacks.  The fight now has a geologic focus and, if it changes, we must go there as well.  Please think about the lack of hesitancy or remorse of this enemy for the decapitation of men, women and children.  Consider their glee over the severed head of your young son or daughter.  We must be successful in this fight against radical Islam, and it will likely continue for ever.

  SSG Linde, I salute you and your family for your honorable support of our Constitutional freedom.

Jack Lane, Rockport, Maine (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:40 AM)

IT NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME THE WAY PEOPLE EXPLOIT OTHER'S DEATHS TO CHAMPION THIER CAUSE. . .THAT IS JUST DOWN RIGHT DISRESPECTFUL.  MAY GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE HE HAS MADE

ELIZABETH, HANOVER PA (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:41 AM)

I too am a Viet Nam Veteran and was also told that we were fighting for our freedom back here at home.  Where in fact, we were trying to keep South Vietnam free.  Had nothing at all to do with our freedom.  That war, just like the one in Iraq is run by the government, not the military.  If we are to commit our troops to a war in another country, the military should be let loose on that country and take care of business.  The politicians have enough to do already screwing up this countries economy.  This war will end up the same way as Viet Nam did.  Nothing accomplished and one heck of alot of lives lost, and for what???  My heart and prayers do go out for Staff Sgt. John Linde, his family and all of the servicemen and familys before and after him.  God Bless.

lonnie leard, maplewood, mn. (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:51 AM)

God bless him and his Family. He represented a grateful Nation.  NOW FOR -  I think Mr.Lee Delaney of Las Vegas, NV comments were pulled straight from the trash can.  It is hard to believe he actually served his country.  He said he was wounded, it must of been to the head.  I served my country for 24 years, and one tour in Vietnam and Desert Storm. I respect each man and women of our military who put that uniform on each day and serve our country with honor,courage and commintment. Send your comments to the U.S. Government Mr. Delaney, and spare are our Service Men and Women, they do not need your Pathetic Whinning...The only word that discribes you Mr. Delaney is PATHETIC....

Dan Hoffman, Carbondale, IL (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:54 AM)

My sympathy and prayers also go to Linde's family for this tragic death but some of you people are seriously misinformed.  Many of you keep saying "he died to protect our freedom."  I don't think Iraq ever threatened our freedom.  With all the UN sanctions they never had the ability to attack us and threaten our freedoms.  Linde died a hero because he did what was asked of him and gave his life for his country.  The whole war was based on the manipulation of CIA data by Dubya and his cronies but that is not for our soldiers to decide.
So for all of the Bush loyalists please stop saying anybody in Iraq died protecting our freedom because that is simply not the truth.  Saddam was a dictator and threatened the freedom of his own people but definitely not those of the US.  

Mike, AL (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:56 AM)

God bless you all that have exercised you right to voice your opinions about this war and the sacrifice of this true american hero.I would, how ever, like to remind the american people that it is because of our military and our fallen heroes that this freedom has been afforded to us all! God bless ssg Linde and his family.

A Vet O.I.F III (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 9:59 AM)

My condolences go out to the family & friends of Sgt.John Linde , May God bless and Take you in his arms and help you all through your times in need. He's a true American Hero who gave his life to give freedom to us . He will never be forgotten

Belinda Murphy (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 10:05 AM)

Some of these messages really show the true colors of people out there.  As others, I grieve for the family and thier sacrafice.  Period.  That is to say that when a family has lost a loved one it is not the time to start making whatever political point you have.  I can't beleive that someone on here even went so far as to say that the terrorist that killed that fine young man were right in doing it.  Have you no shame?!?!

As a veteran of the war in Iraq I am sick and tired of politicians and hacks on the internet trying to use our deaths as a point to whatever position they have.  If you don't like the war, then fine (be very glad you are living in one of the few places on earth where you can disagree with the government).... if you are for the war... then fine as well.  But leave SSG Linde's family out of your discussion.  For them this is not an abstract thing, it is very real.  If it hurts your senses that someone tries to make the family feel better about the death then don't look, read or listen.  I am serious... what kind of human are you if you are there saying that he deserved to die?!?!  

I know that there are those out there that hate President Bush for whatever reason... but statements like I have read on here just show that many people just don't get it.  SSG Linde is a hero, he put his life on the line so that others can disagree.  For the record we were attacked first (please don't give me that whole tired arab oppression and how the US has caused all the worlds problems), true we were not DIRECTLY attacked by Iraq.  But we were attacked by people that got support from Iraq and other middle east countries.  Oh and when you are yelling your tired slogans of "no blood for oil" please remember that when you are complaining about your heating bill this winter.

Richard, Clarksburg, WV (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 10:05 AM)

Hmmm - Let's see, how many terrorist attacks have we had on U.S. soil since the war in Iraq and Afghanistan began?  Hmmm . . .

God Bless this Hero, SSG Linde< and his family.

Central Missouri (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 10:10 AM)

God Bless our troops- My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. Thank you for your sacrifice- A big Thank YOU to all of our troops out there for fighting for us so that we can live the peaceful, free lives that we live in this country.

Katy, Washington DC (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 10:11 AM)

People, we may not agree with the reasons they are over there but that gives us no reason to relinquish our support. They are still our men and women in uniform, this man still deserves our respect because he gave his life in service. Bash the war if you want, but don't bash the men and women in it. They are over there fighting and they may not agree with the war but they are still there. They are there and we are not so we should respect and honor them, especially those who died while doing their duty.

EY Phoenix, AZ (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 10:19 AM)

A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank  check made payable to The United States of America", for an amount of  "up to, and including my life."

That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

Author unknown.

George. Plano, TX (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 10:20 AM)

I wonder if you have ever had the privilege of wearing a US Armed Forces Uniform.  You may or may not had that sacred privilege,  but the least you can do is be thankful that a real AMERICAN is willing to sacrifice his life so that you can blatantly disrespect his death.  
Yeah, as much as you would hate to admit it he lived everyday so that you can enjoy that freedom of speech that you cowards often hide behind.  As the old adage says:  “if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t anything at all.”   But I guess you can say what you want under the freedom of speech umbrella, right?   Yeah you can thank a VETERAN for that freedom.  
- Stephanie Engle I would love to know what you actually do in VA and if this government is so bad and horrible why you don’t move to Canada or an Islamic country they oppose the war.  
- David Johnson I like how can sit comfortable in your living room and defame a guy as his family grieves and suffers.   Then again you wouldn’t know the price of the freedom you abuse and take for granted.  Enjoy them and be thankful that today you don’t have to speak German or Japanese because of guys like SSG Linde.

TD, Military City USA (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 10:24 AM)

My thoughts, condolences and prayers go out to SSGT Linde and his family.  It's unfortunate that there are those with diminished mental acuity that actually think the Taliban and Saddam Hussein's regime was not a worldwide threat (just who was it that flew those planes into the World Trade Centers or invaded Kuwait anyway?)  If democracy takes hold in Iraq or Afghanistan and the religious zealots/clerics/mullahs who preach death lose their power, the world will indeed be a better place.  And yes, I served in Afghanistan, stood alongside fellow soldiers, sailors and airmen at memorials to fallen friends at a FOB in the mountains bordering Pakistan.  Their and their families' loss is no less than someone who pontificates and denigrates their service from the safety of his computer desk back home.

Carl Contreras, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 10:33 AM)

I share the sentiments of both Marinda Dowdy of Atlanta ("This was a very brave and honorable young man who deserves to be decorated,recognized and remembered.") AND Tom Black's comments in the post immediately below Marinda's ("We produced an enemy of masses rather than bringing justice to few who murdered on 911.  Just look at Australia example? They had 200 killed in Bali, yet have loss only 2 soldiers in war on terror.  The Bali killers were found by best Aussie criminal investigation team. They were tried, convicted, sentenced to life or death sentences.  The killers of 911 are still free after spending 800 billion.  I can't put [a] price on the human loss as this heartbroken family will tell you.  Wake Up America and learn the truth.  Do it for this American as I believe he would want you to know.  That is real truth of his loss, to give you freedom to learn the truth.")

It makes me just want to retch and puke when I connect the dots that: a)$12B US cash in shrinkwrapped pallets of $100 bills was shipped to Iraq in 2003, 23 tons in all, to be doled out to who knows who and at least $9B of that is unaccounted for and; b)now we find that most insurgents are only fighting because they need the money, and; c)Iraqi Shiite politicians STILL can't get their act together after four and a half years of occupation (this is the main complaint of generals and senior officers now serving in Iraq), and d)good work at winning hearts and minds being done by our GI's is being undone by renegade private security contractors like Blackwater.

So bottom line in this FUBAR fiasco is that over 3800 of our brave sons and daughters like SSGT Linde have been killed because we went in undermanned and weren't able to prevent ammo dumps from being looted, then Bremer disbanded the Iraqi army, then we ourselves provided at least a fair portion of the money that likely found its way into insurgents' pockets who were then armed by weapons and explosives stolen because we didn't have enough troops to secure the arms depots or guard the borders.

Responsibility for the deaths of these brave men and women rest squarely on the shoulders of  Bush, Cheney, Bremer, and Rumfeld.

Steve E, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 10:42 AM)

Yea America. You won't forget this "HERO" until next episode of Dancing with the Stars or Survivor Airs.

TIm at work Pittsburgh,PA (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 10:47 AM)

I would like to express my sincere condolences.  It seems like everyone gets up on their podium but most forget that freedom is not free.  My family has and continues to serve in the military, I am proud of it.  My mother gave her life on September 11, though not serving in the miliary but in a civilian capacity.  

I was raised with the understanding that it is important to stand up for what you believe in, that duty and obligation are important.  There are many people in this country who want immediate gratification, who cannot grasp the concept that this cannot be solved overnight, and that we all regret the loss of life and would do it another way if it were possible.  These terrorists don't get it any other way, they don't care about your picket signs, they don't care about your protests, they don't care at all.  They simply want to destroy us because we live as we choose.  If you consider that by giving up and withdrawing, we are doing no less than handing them some more airline tickets and inviting them to invade and give them license to murder more innocent Americans.  Again, freedom isn't free and this wonderful man gave his life so you can protest, picket and shout about your freedom.

Stacy Thedans (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 10:50 AM)

Lee Delany from Las Vegas's comment is proof that he is an idiot.

Jose Fernandez, Las Vegas, Nevada (Sent Tuesday, November 20, 2007 10:52 AM)



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