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Soldiers: Long tours create ‘lot of stress’

Posted: Friday, May 30, 2008 1:49 PM
Filed Under:

By John Rutherford, Producer, NBC News, Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three soldiers receiving Purple Hearts today at Walter Reed Army Medical Center spoke about the strains on soldiers in Iraq that contributed to a record number of suicides last year in the Army.

The Army reported Thursday there were 115 suicides in 2007, the highest number since it began keeping records of suicides in 1980. So far this year, there have been 38 confirmed suicides.

"There's a lot of strain because probably a lot of people are ready to come home," said Staff Sgt. Bennie Lamb, 40, of Macon, Ga., who was on his third tour in Iraq when he was wounded March 14 by a suicide bomber.

NBC News/ Antoine Sanfuentes
Staff Sgt. Bennie Lamb receives a Purple Heart on May 30, 2008.

The uncertainty of extended tours, Lamb said, only adds to the pressure on soldiers.

"Don't know when you're leaving," he said. "With this 15-month, 12-month tour thing, you know, that's a lot of stress. That's a lot of stress."

Army officials said their statistics do not demonstrate a direct link between repeated deployments and a rise in suicides, but Army psychiatrist Col. Elspeth Ritchie acknowledged the intense stress of a combat zone takes a toll on soldiers.

"We see a lot of things that are going on in the war which do contribute," Ritchie told Reuters. She pointed specifically to long months away from home, the horrors of combat, the ready availability of loaded weapons and the high activity levels of current Army operations.

Chief Warrant Officer Brian Callan, 42, of Adamstown, Md., an Apache pilot who was wounded Sept. 11 in Baghdad, said it's especially stressful for anyone who goes off base.

"Anytime you go outside, especially flying," he said. "If you were to go down out there, then obviously it's a race against time trying to get you recovered."

NBC News/ Antoine Sanfuentes 
Chief Warrant Officer Brian Callan receives his Purple Heart at Walter Reed on May 30.

Shorter tours should help
Pfc. Luis Villalba-Cabrera, 22, was wounded by a roadside bomb just 24 days after deploying to Iraq last November. Being away from his family was his hardest adjustment.

"Just being away, being far away," he said. "Communicating by phone – not the best way of communicating."

Villalba-Cabrera said soldiers play video games and hang out with friends to keep their minds occupied as much as possible.

"It's a stressful environment," he said. "We are in a war conflict, so pretty stressful."

NBC News/ Antoine Sanfuentes 
Pfc. Luis Villalba-Cabrera receives his Purple Heart at Walter Reed on May 30.

All three agree the impending cutback in tours from 15 months to 12 months will be a big help.

"Oh, yes, oh, yes," Villalba-Cabrera said, chuckling. "That few months makes a big difference. Being back at home as much as possible is always great."

"I think that will help, for sure," Callan said. "It definitely can't hurt."

"Six months would be a whole lot better," said Lamb, laughing.

John Rutherford is an NBC News Producer based out of the Washington, D.C. bureau and is a decorated Vietnam veteran. He also posts stories on the military at www.dailynightly.msnbc.com (click on "John Rutherford" under "categories").

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Comments

And McCain thinks he can keep us there 5 more years and win on top of it?

jorge (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 3:43 PM)

Unless you've been there, you don't know what soldier's go through. I do. I spent 22 Years in the Army and long tours away from home was very, very stressful.

Edward L. Williams (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 3:58 PM)

The Air Force and the Marines have much shorter tours than the Army. The Army refuses to adapt to shorter tours and is therefore seeing a drop in reenlistments. The Army believes it can save money by rotating units less often. But the hidden costs are paid by those who serve 12 to 15 months. Additionally, there is the cost of training replacements for those who decide to leave the Army. I've heard one rationale for the longer tours: Property Book and equipment accountability. Army unit commanders deploy WITH their equipment and property, and leave WITH the same. The next incoming unit must repeat the cycle and so on. Air Force units, using common sense, deploy and sign for equipment upon arrival. There are more funds allocated to the upkeep of this equipment so that the next unit does not have to sign for broken equipment. The Army could save money that is spent on shipping ISU-90s and conexes, and allocate that savings towards the upkeep or replacement of theatre-specific equipment. But that would make way too much sense, and would require change. Reducing the logistics of moving a large unit significantly reduces the amount of time that unit needs in order to take over a mission. It also allows a more fluid and versatile 'plug-and-play' strategy.
Soldiers would much prefer spending 4 to 6 months deployed per year, as opposed to being gone 12 to 15 consecutive months every two years. That's two birthdays, or two anniversaries, or two Christmas Eves. Then there's all the Congress-mandated training we are required to do between deployments. We believe in our mission, but many of us perform this mission at the cost of remembering what it's like to be 'home.' The Army needs a strategy to retain its experienced soldiers. Putting financial incentives on a carrot on a stick is a superficial solution. Yes, we'd like more pay, but really, we'd like less consecutive time in the sandbox, and less time doing field exercises while in garrison. Units of combat arms, e.g. Infantry, Attack Aviation, and other units, e.g. Military Police, Convy Ops, who endure high stress levels outside the base can succumb to fatigue in fewer months than logistics and infrastructure, e.g. Supply Clerk, Mail Room Clerk, Dental Assisstant. Special Forces and other 'unique' elements deploy for much shorter tours than regular Army, yet still acheive their mission goals. I believe the Army should find a compromise between the rapid-fire tours and the marathon tours which takes a unit's specific mission or a soldier's specific specialty into account. Chronic fatigue reduces combat effectiveness. The Army's burn-out factor is why many are leaving. And as far as I can tell, the other services aren't having as much of retention problem.

James G., TDY (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 4:05 PM)

get them home

ny ny (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 4:19 PM)

My husband did a tour in Iraq as a reservist prior to us meeting. Now that we our married and have two daughters he has transitioned to active duty. The fear of deployment is something that is constantly on our minds. We are stressing over the thought. I can only imagine how it will be if it becomes reality.

LaShunta Gaines, Ft. Gordon, GA (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 4:30 PM)

What an informative and in depth article!   "Long Tours Create a Lot of Stress".  Wow - hand the Pulitzer to Mr. Rutherford. Incredible.  I would've never guessed that.  John, whatever MSNBC is paying you, it's not enough.    
Sarcasm: off.  Thank you to our brave men and women serving our country in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the world, including right here at home.  We love you.  

Dave (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 4:31 PM)

Deployment are stressful regardless of what branch of military you are in. I spent 26yrs in the Navy and made countless deployments. I have a son who has joined the Navy, I am proud of all those who came before me, with me and those that will carry on after me. Thanks each of you. "Slammer" SBU-20  

Chris Becker (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 4:47 PM)

My son has been in Iraq for 8 months now, and I can"t even count how many times he's told me he's so very tired,he says everything is so overwelming.  All he does is work,work,work.  It's so sad how he tells me that soldiers over there honestly believe that they are forgotten about, and how no one cares what they go through over there.  i reassure my son everytime I talk to him, how much he's missed and thought about, it really does make a big difference to keep in touch with your loved ones.  I have not slept one full night since my son left, so I as well know how stressfull it is on those who are left at home. And McCain is a ignorant man, he must not have any clue what these soldiers are going through, otherwise he wouldn't feel the way he does.  I have many,many days that I set and cry from missing him so much, it's not easy, but God is with us.  My son will not be home until Jan. of 2009, I hope we can get through this.

Sheila Himmerick - Jefferson City, Mo. (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 4:49 PM)

First let me say thank you to all of serving in the arm forces right now. I know how hard it can be cause I severed for 25 years and change.
I don't see how any one can say that they don't have enough info on how war and mental stress go hand and hand. Come on this is it our first war. You can almost say it part of america. Has there ever been a genaration that hasnt seen some kind of  miltary action. there has been so many studies done it would fill a football field. so the people who they know, need to get out from be hind the desk and live in the real world.

Dave, wash (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 4:50 PM)

I served 3 tours in Nahm and 21 years in the Army, and unless you have experienced what these guys have experienced, you don't have a clue.

Jim Dallas, Texas (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 4:59 PM)

Traitors they need to stop complaining. Support the troops and Bush.

Jack (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 5:11 PM)

am with NY NY bring our troops home.  have a close friend who just returned last year and now going for another tour of duty for 2 years.

Sylvia, Dallas, Texas (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 5:15 PM)

Hey James that exactly right, thats been the best explanation to the problem that I have heard in a long time, long tours was the main reason I didn't reenlist, thanks for spelling it out so people will better understand.

Joe R, Columbus Ohio (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 5:21 PM)

"Long Tours" is a relative term. My father went to war in 1942 and stayed away until 1945. So did millions of others.

NMGrolnic, Driftwood, TX (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 5:23 PM)

I'm in the Air Force and just got back from Iraq. I did a four month tour and that to me was a perfect amount of time,  I would could have done 6 months.  I really feel for the army guys out there for 15 months at a time. I can see why the Army has a retention problem.  You are wearing out the soldiers with back to back rotations.  I know of people on their 4th rotations - that's insane.  Its hard on families especially.    

mo (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 5:28 PM)

Everybody has something to say, but unless you've been in the situation you don't know the half of it. Hot air is cheap. Spending the amounts necessary to revamp VAMC's and reinforce medical need by paying the price, is expensive. Maybe instead of whining and complaining, you should write your senators and your congressmen, so as to initiate budgetary change. Start paying combat veterans their worth and their due. I fought my war 42 years ago and am fighting it every single day when I see the whining and the complaining, and all the while from non-combat veterans or from persons never raising a finger in support of their country. I'm not saying there should  be a draft or that everybody should inlist. That is your own personal choice. But leave the compaining to those who do serve.

Tom Hyland, Brockton,MA (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 5:28 PM)

As a reservist that is married to an active duty service member I do agree that the Army could follow suite and shorten deployments.  I have seen my husband somewhere in between 12-13 months in the three years we have been married. It is a tough life but one that was chosen.  There is no draft and no one forced any service member to sign a contract.  Both my husband and I are proud to serve our country regardless of our beliefs on the war.  

Melissa Dawley, USA (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 5:33 PM)

The Army needs to rethink this whole deployment process. This is hard on the family. What about the kids? What about the divorce rates? What about the time being spent away from family before the initial deployment? No one ever thinks of the wife or the father who is left at home to raise a family while the deployed spouse is away. How can you send a spouse home for 18 days of R&R after you have worked them everyday of the deployment? Then give them incentive pay for anything over 12 months? Who cares about this money? If you would ask these poor families how they feel about this, I am sure everyone would agree to come home early versus receiving an extra grand a month. We are tried of these long deployments. Then before the unit can redeploy the rumors are already out about being on the next rotation list! So, essential this means that you will be stop loss, you can't PCs, or retire because you are going to deploy again. So, after nine months of dwell time with your family you will be back to training, which takes you away from home the reminding three months of the twelve months.  Really, we are fighting a losing battle. How are we going to go and help another country when we are struggling. The army is not building up families, it is tearing them apart. How can you expect a child to know their absent parent? They can't because as long as they stay in the army, they will be gone. Let's give the air force, marines their 6 months a piece at deploying. That would make a year without the help of the army. Then lets give the army families the much needed time. They need to regroup and get their families back in tact. Its amazing what can happen in 15 months. You can have a normal child, that never gave anyone any problems turn to drugs, hang out with bad kids, start smoking and stealing because, of the absent parent being deployed. So, however takes office in November, needs to talk to some of the real spouses of soldiers'. Please do not talk to a wife of an officer. They are groomed just like their husbands. Talk to some enlisted wives. Go, inside some of these homes and see what the real problems lay. Go look at some of these bank accounts and see how that extra money isn't doing anything, because some of the spouses have turned to other extra activities because their deployed spouses are gone. Go into the schools and speak to the kids! Let, these babies tell their stories! No, would have ever thought that we would still be at this almost seven years later! Americans we need to come together and give our Army the much deserved rest it NEEDS! LETS GET OUR FAMILIES BACK!!!!


Teresa smith (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 5:37 PM)

Did they find those WMDs yet?

Gene (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 5:37 PM)

I totally agree on shorter tours. My spouse is currently deployed to Iraq on a 15 month tour. This is his second time around and we actually feel lucky that its only been twice! The emotional impact that deployment has on the soldier, the spouse, and the children is tremendous. Not only do the soldiers have to worry about their safety in hostile territory but also have to worry about their families back home. While hubby's decision to join the military comes with no regrets he would like to see some changes in regards to how this war is playing out.
I support the military but the treatment of each branch should be equal, the tours should be equal, the pay should be equal. It all should be the same across the board so that everyone and everything is fair!

Wendy, Fort Hood, TX (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 5:43 PM)

Stressful ? They don't know stressful. Video games, cell phones, computer, chow halls, a bed to sleep in, a bath ?

I would like for them to spend with me one week in the Infantry in Viet Nam, 1968. We had none of these things, it took a month to get a letter. They don't know stressful. They are to spoiled !  But I do support them and wish them the best.   x-grunt C 4/3

CW3 Craig Wentling, USA, AVN, INF (Ret) (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 5:53 PM)

For those of you who have forgotten, John McCain knows better than most how hard it is to be away from your family for an extended period of time and the stresses that combat can cause. He served in the Navy during Vietnam where he was shot down and held captive for five and a half years with inadequate food and medical treatment. He still suffers from the damage that was caused. I agree, a lot of people have forgotten why the troops are there but there are also a lot of people who do remember.  Thank you to those who have served and are continuing to serve.

Susan Scohy, Boulder, Colorado (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 5:57 PM)

I have 2 tours since 9/11  and served in Desert Storm.  I am amazed at how simple minded people are regarding the war.  Supporting the troops doesn't mean the war is justified nor will it bring about a quicker end to the war.  To all those vets who say 'that unless you served'...get a grip.  The people who protest are doing their part because that is why you fought and because you have served doesn't mean you have a better understanding of the U.S.'s role in the world.

William, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 6:17 PM)

Spent 6 years in the Navy and 13 of the first 14 months on my ship were spent at sea.  I flamed on when I saw the announcement that SecDef was raising tours to 15 months and sent emails to every elected representative in my state and the president and vice-president which I thought would get me a gray suit visit.  I got two off the cuff replies from my state senators, that was it.  I was never in combat on the ground but extending deployment by a day, let alone 3 months, would really make us a very unhappy bunch.  So you really don't know until you're deployed and no way home.

Arkansas (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 6:21 PM)

All I have to say is Thank You to the brave men and women serving for our country's. May God Bless you all!!

Kimberly Martinez, NM (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 6:28 PM)

TO ALL MEN and WOMEN of the Armed Forces:

I can't even imagine what you all are going through while serving in Iraq.  Please be safe and come home soon.  GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND THANK YOU!

Christina, Placerville CA (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 6:33 PM)

i love america, long live pakistan

john maze, washingoton dc virginia (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 6:37 PM)

My brother is on his third tour and still in Iraq even though his enlistment period was supposed to be over a month ago.

He emails us or calls almost every day when he can.  But the fear is so great.  It is hard to talk to him without him hearing it.  

He is a brave, brave loyal man and a hero.  But he has done service to our country and his family needs him now.  His children need their father.  My parents have aged 20 years in the past three.  I don't think my mother ever sleeps anymore.  He can't keep going back there.

When will it be someone else's turn to give?  

Jill, San Diego, CA (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 6:37 PM)

MY ONLY QUESTION IS, WHY IS EVERYONE SO DAM AFRAID OF THE D WORD, DRAAAAAAAAFT.. LET'S STARTED NOW, I AM A FORMER MARINE INFANTRY PLATOON SGT. RETIRED NOW BECAUSE I REFUSED TO CONTINUE TO PLAY THEIR GAMES AND SEEING MY MARINES COME AND GO UNTIL THEY GET KILLED AND COME HOME NO MORE. I HAVE AN 18 YEAR OLD SON AND WOULD GLADY SEND HIM TO MAKE HIM PULL HIS LOAD. LETS TAKE THE SKATERS, SURFERS,COLLEGE BOYS AND GANGBANGERS AND SHIP THEM OUT. MAYBE THEN THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WILL ONCE AGAIN PAY ATTENTION WHEN IT IS THEIR SONS AND DAUGHTERS ON THE LINE.

ALEX, OCEANSIDE CA (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 6:42 PM)

Really... I get angry when I hear this debate, and I get even angrier when I look at who is posting the majority of the comments.

BLUF: America is at war.

Most Americans don't consider it in there daily lives, because they are thousands of miles away from where the action is. We have a responsibility to defend our country - because it is ours. We have a responsibility to police the world, and to fight battles that no one else is willing to fight because we are the leaders of the world. America is the bright shining city on a hill.

99% of the people in our military joined the military, or decided to stay in the military after we initated action on Afghanistan. No secrets, no surprise. "Join the Army, go to war." Same thing for our reservists and National Guard.

Honestly, what do people think war is, that they would be surprised that Soldiers are tired, that things are difficult, that things don't always go according to plan? Why do people try to compare the rotations of the Air Force to the Army? The two branches have ENTIRELY different requirements to support the war.

Instead of complaining about different issues in the war, what if people truly made an effort to learn the facts, and not just believe that the war is just about the 25 second snippets that CNN and all the other stations slip in when they don't have current news about "Wacko Jacko"?

America's military is her finest tradition. Our country was born in and preserved in BLOOD. AMERICAN BLOOD. Whenever anyone / any country threatens America, it will be American blood shed to defend her.

If 15 month tours, American casualties, and Billion of dollars are too much for you to consider as you think about America and the war, then just be thankful for those that do serve those tours, pray for and thank the families of those that have given their lives, and continue to pay your taxes, and say no more.

Oh, and by the way -I'm in Iraq for my second tour, I volunteered to join an Army at war, I have stress in my daily life, I am tired at the end of my days, I miss my family, but I am here because it is what has to be done, and I will see it through

RADION (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 6:45 PM)

Thou shall not kill (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 6:49 PM)

I spent 9 months in Korea.  At that time, being near the front lines earned you 4 points per month.  The closer you were to the front the more points you earned for rotation.  So 36 points and you rotated by to stateside. If you were stationed in Japan you got 1 point per month and the tour was 3 years, for obvious reasons.

Nicholas Chorey, Hermiston, Oregon (sent Friday 30 May, 2008 4pm (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 6:59 PM)

Several people have made harsh comments about the way John McCain feels about the war.  In particular, JM is 'an ingorant man and must not know what these people are going through.'  It surprises me that this person has no clue that McCain is a WAR vet and former POW for many years...yet he doesnt know what they are going through.  Spare me.  Dont get me wrong, this does not mean I am a McCain supporter, but neither am I a supporter of anyone who would throw away the hard work of all those I care for, including myself.  Stop complaining about the soldiers if you arent one.  I raised my hand to serve my country without force or coersion and I love my job and yes, I can and may die for my country to give you the pleasure to sit back at your computer and complain about a war you are to scared to fight.  One day, again, it could hit our nation and it could very well be in your town.  How will you feel then?  Stop complaining and start supporting the troops.  Thanks.

KD, Hawaii (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 7:00 PM)

I served for 20 years on active duty. Was deployed 6 times to places in central america to the mid-east, somolia and bosnia. Never realy gave much thought to what the toll would be to me after the fact. Cost me my 19 year marriage and earned me 60% disability. I pray for these warriors every day. I would give anything to be able to take on some of their burden. To old and to broke down at 49 years old. God Bless these kids that do what many would never have the courage to even concider.

Joe Leonard, Waukesha, Wi (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 7:06 PM)

In a month my husband will have been gone a year.. after everything is said and done.. it will have been 18 months.. the stress is awful, the distance even worse. I know he believes in what he does but.. why does he have to be gone so long??

Jill, Muskegon, MI (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 7:07 PM)

Boo Hoo!!!  These men and women have chosen the military.  They have not been drafted.  They should know the consequences, especially after five years.

Stress???  I'll tell you stress.  Being a fighter pilot in WWII where you were told that you had only a 30% chance of survival and were required to fly 17 missions. Real psychological stress is a Vietnam infantryman being given an immoral and unethical command to kill innocent people.
 
This generation is weak, weak, weak, and I am amazed that the military does not utilize adequate psychological screening tools to determine mental hardiness.

Amy Anderson Phoenix, AZ (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 7:10 PM)

I have a cousin-in-law that's been in the army for 10 years now, been trying to get out for the past 2 years, served 2 tours in Iraq as a medic, "was" totally pro-Bush and still is a total conservative.  Well, he's voting for the Democratic nominee this November.  The way that the Army's treated him is total BS, and I can't agree with him more on his take of the give-take relationship with the Army that's become a complete give-give.  I find it funny that people can sit there and criticize people like me because we've never been there and tell us that our opinions and viewpoints don't count for anything - even seen a few of you make those surly comments here.  Well, I've expressed my opinion to many of my friends and family that are in the military and for four years or so my relationships with most of them were very strained.  I've pointed out the flawed system of extended deployments, even citing the Haditha incident as well as the rape/murder of the 14-year old Iraqi girl as evidence of the major stress levels that will become prevalent in our armed forces.  Now, 8 separate deployments between the 6 of them and their continuous stop-losses (even though all of their contracts have all been up for the past year or two) have all but made 1 of them finally agree with what I've been saying for a long time now.  I'm not telling this story as an "I told you so" moment.  I'm just trying to get some of you arrogant posters on here to stop with the "YOU HAVEN'T BEEN THERE SO SHUT YOUR MOUTH!" comments.  It's tiresome, divisive, and really not necessary to illustrate whatever point you want to share with the rest of us.  Yeah, I haven't been there.  But there are lots of people that haven't been there that totally support the war.  Why is a pro-war person's viewpoints more pertinent than my own?  Let me put it to you this way.  You get two people who haven't been to Iraq, one opposes the war, the other supports it.  How can you blast the person that opposes it and say that the one who favors it has the more legitimate view-point? And it's funny because the very people who encourage this way of thinking (this administration) decided to dodge the draft and NOT go to war.  Can you not see the irony here???  Am I crazy???

Mike, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 7:13 PM)

I am a former Marine and a Republican, but my party has been taken over by morons at the top.  If it takes Obama to end this war, so be it.  We have no rationale for being there.  Like I told my daughter on Memorial Day, you have to thank those who serve---its their intention to keep you free.  Just a sad and shameful thing when our nation uses them so unwisely.  In November I will vote against this war.  That does not for a second constitute a vote against the armed forces.  On the contrary.  

Tom Hamilton (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 7:21 PM)

Army guys are idiots.  That's why they all come from TX and podunk religious "conservative" states.
All of you idiots who join the military are just supporting this fascist regime in this country.
And those of you religious military guys reading your damn bibles over there, separation of CHURCH AND STATE.    WE ARE NOT FUNDING YOUR RELIGIOUS AND OIL WARS.

DO NOT SUPPORT THE TROOPS.  IT IS UP TO THEM TO DESERT THEIR POSTS AND FORCE THE END OF THIS WAR.

Network Engineer in Silicon Valley (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 7:29 PM)

I was in the Air Force before this Iraq/Afganistan involvement and even then it was never easy.  If you are in the military war or no war you are still expected to be ready to handle whatever comes your way whether you like it or not.

Patrick Warchol, Edgewood, New Mexico (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 7:49 PM)

I am a 57 year old woman that can only feel your pain and agony.  Here's a link that tells you what I do to try and help.  All readers are encouraged to view it.  http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php

Maggie Gregg Ashville OH (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 8:07 PM)

I am a woman that can only feel your pain and agony.  Here's a link that tells you what I do to try and help.  All readers are encouraged to view it.  http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php

Maggie Gregg Ashville OH (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 8:10 PM)

How about the DRAFT?  That would lessen the burden...no?
No..wait, that would make the WAR REALLY unpopular and we would have to pull out.

You cant have it both ways.

BTW..that coke snorting, draft dodging, refuse to show up for a routine physical while in the Air national Guard, commander in Chief we have sure has been merciless with out troops in uniform...no?

HAL--- (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 8:10 PM)

Thank you to these fine & brave soldiers.  I don't pretend to understand what they go through, but I don't forget them.  

Yes, please - go somewhere to complain about the war.  This blog is for the TROOPS and their support and stories.  

Stephanie-Umbro, Maine (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 8:59 PM)

I watched the results of a recent poll which states that the economy is the number one priority to our citizens, and Iraq is number two. What the hell is wrong with you people? Iraq should be the number one priority until every one of our soldiers are home!

Dan, St. Charles MI (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 9:12 PM)

I am an active duty Soldier. I agree 15 month roations are too long. 12 Months are acceptable.  However I also agree with the current administrations views on the war. I speak with civilians all the time on their views of the war. A lot of misconception is out there. There are Military personel that agree with being in Iraq. Most Soldiers on their third tour have re-enlisted. It takes a special person to be able to commit to our country like that. But with that commitment also comes the Pride and visible changes on the ground in Iraq. I have two 12 month tours as of now with the 3rd ACR and have seen first hand how we are helping the people of Iraq. A lot of people fail to realize that this is a third world country in a lot of its areas. There is a very extensive level of poverty, sickness, and lack of education. I will be deploying again and have supported Bush from the begining. I believe that the voices of support are not being put out there enough becuase were the ones too busy taking care of bussiness while some others sit on the sidelines and complain. I joined the Army after September 11th and couldn't be more satisfied with the route I have chosen. I have a loving wife with three children at home who are just as much a part of the war on terrorism as I and my Brothers and Sisters in arms. You all have slept safely for seven years now due to the current government in place through Bi-Partisan checks and balances. I don't believe there is a perfect War or a perfect solution to the current conflict. However I know being over there is the right thing.

SGT D, Fort Belvoir, VA (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 9:21 PM)

LONG TOURS CREATE ‘LOT OF STRESS’

NO SH*T SHERLOCK!!!

WOW

Army Guy, Central TX (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 10:09 PM)

Vote for someone who will end this war and stop the
us involvement in the Iran situation before the White
House sneaks us in there before the election. Vote for
someone who really knows what is going on and is not
afraid to go to war only if it is truly necessary. We cannot take another president learning on the job.
Vote for Hilary Clinton.  Just ask Gen. Clark.  SHE
will get us out of this unessary war the right way not
extend as a out of touch 70 yr old and an unknown, inexperienced, probably a descent man like Obama.  Maybe in 8 years he will be ready and not ignorant on how to deal with leaders of the rest of the world. Hilary is liked around the world and we need to recover our reputation if possible.  I want our great
proud military home taking care of us not people who
didn't even want us.  People who are suffering as much as we are from this hoax of a war. concerned about our soldiers and their families and our country
spread too thin with them gone.

pam meyers, va. bch, va. (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 10:12 PM)

This is no story Rutherford. This is old news. Tell me something I don't know. This is the kind of crap that happens when you invade another country for lies and remain there because so called journalists like you continue to enable it rather than insisting on getting the hell out now! Plus you should be demanding charges for treason be brought against those who got us to this point. Journalists owe a debt that can not be repaid unless you begin to redeem yourselves and that's not happening.  

One Fly (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 10:38 PM)

i have a daughter that is on her third tour in 6 years of service.  she is tired all the time as she hardly gets any days off for down time.  she is in her third job this tour.  the first one she did not have a day off in over 6 weeks, the second she did get 1 day a week and now she gets 1/2 a week but spends more that 12 hours a day at her duty station.  that is what is wearing her and others down.  but that is life in a combat zone, a hard life and a dangerous one.  find a soldier if you don't have a family member and adopt them.  send cards, letters, and goody boxes to give them something to look forward to.  helps relieve some of the stress.

tommy davis, paris, tn (Sent Friday, May 30, 2008 11:05 PM)



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