i walk for miles, my boots are wearing thin
i dont know where im going, but i wont go back to where ive been
out in the desert, under the blazing sun
i though id found salvation, in the barrel of a gun
you swore to me, the my body you did need
for god and king and country, so that others might be free
what you meant was, to fill your coffers full
and the tax we paid, was out everlasting souls
late at night, as im lying in my bed
im forced to think of all the friends, ill never see again
why they had to die, i doubt ill ever know
but im done taking orders, from you generals and cos
ill march for miles what ill find i couldnt tell
but anything is better then your everlasting hell
ill walk forever till i find my way home
i dont know what ill find there but it wont be a dog and pony show
and ive said it so many times before
im not your soldier anymore
no im not your soldier anymore
i said im not,
your soldier anymore...
Showing posts with label Veterans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Veterans. Show all posts
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Monday, November 10, 2008
Veterans Day
Today marks one of the biggest shams in modern day America. It's the day that the population pretends to give a damn about the veterans who have given everything. Stores throw sales. You can buy a cheap car. Spend, spend, spend, spend, spend.
Right...
Support the VA, IVAW, and the military project today instead of buying a new TV. Vets deserve more then the cheap parlor tricks of politicians and parades.
Right...
Support the VA, IVAW, and the military project today instead of buying a new TV. Vets deserve more then the cheap parlor tricks of politicians and parades.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Take that Asshole!
Well in case any of you missed it or haven't heard about it by now a member of IVAW, Adam Kokesh, rocked the RNC during McCain's speech by shouting... well something, it was hard to hear, and raising a banner that read "McCain Votes Against Vets."
The mainstream media has been ignoring the massive protests going on outside the convention in St Paul but they sure as hell didn't ignore this one. Several of the news stations even zoomed in on him and clearly showed both the banner and his Iraq Veterans Against the War t-shirt.
According to an interview he gave shortly after being released by the police he said that a Ron Paul supporter was the one who gave him the guest pass.
Sweet...
Peace and Unity
The mainstream media has been ignoring the massive protests going on outside the convention in St Paul but they sure as hell didn't ignore this one. Several of the news stations even zoomed in on him and clearly showed both the banner and his Iraq Veterans Against the War t-shirt.
According to an interview he gave shortly after being released by the police he said that a Ron Paul supporter was the one who gave him the guest pass.
Sweet...
Peace and Unity
Friday, August 22, 2008
The FBI and Terrorism Part 2
Now that I've had a chance to analyze the situation we find ourselves in I've decided to write a more comprehensive article regarding the matter of the FBI. I feel a need to do this for a couple of reasons. The first is that I want to exercise my freedom of speech while I still can. The second is that what little I have left of my rights I dearly wish to maintain and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that this ruling may have a direct impact on me due to my background and political inclinations.
Every month that goes by I see this country look more and more like the nations of Sudan or Zimbabwe. Rigged elections, suppression of the freedom of speech, a dangerously unrestrained police force and rampant disregard for it's own citizens.
When I joined the army I swore an oath. "...To support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." Now many people know how I feel about the idea of needing a piece of paper to tell me I'm free. That does not mean that I don't think that we ought to protect what rights we do have. If I, or any other soldier for that matter, is going to uphold that oath then we need to start doing what we were taught to do.
Fight tooth and fucking nail.
I am not one to suggest violence and almost everyone I know knows that I condemn all acts of terrorism and unwarranted vanguardian retribution. Indeed I am not saying that violence should be needed or used at all in this conflict that the FBI and other government entities have forced upon us. Not when we have so many other resources at our disposal.
A voice alone is a target. A voice in unison is a revolution.
At this time every veteran of this nation should be cocking an eyebrow and giving some time to some deep thought. What is the notion that we were told we were fighting for? If not freedom and liberty and justice for what did we lay down our lives? If any duty we have as veterans is still owed to the people of this nation it is to protect them from all enemies, foreign and domestic, and right now one of those enemies is the FBI.
The guidelines have not been officially released. The scary part is that they most likely will not be released to the public until they are actually implanted. So we won't know until it's too late what they have decided they can do. It is known that the primary thing they want to be able to do is investigate American citizens without any clear evidence that they have committed a crime. Times like these I think maybe we should simply decide that next year should be 1984 instead of 2009.
Some of the more notable concerns being raised involve the nature under which people could be investigated. Race, ethnicity, political affiliation, military experience, ties to foreign countries, etc. Go down that list one more time before you continue. Sure you read it all? That comes from an AP article regarding this matter. I didn't just pull it out of my ass. Mind you in the same article Attorney Justice spokesman Brian Roehrkasse says in one part that "an investigation would not be opened based solely on a person's race, ethnicity or religion." However, later in the article it's noted;
"The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the rules, said factors that could trigger an inquiry would include travel to regions of the world known for terrorist activity and access to weapons or military training, along with the person's race or ethnicity."
Lie much Mr. Roehrkasse?
Given the nature of what we're currently staring down the barrel of I think I can justly say that we are, as a nation, approaching Third Reich status. It is only a matter of time from here before people are openly murdered over there race, ethnicity, or political beliefs. If you think that's a stretch just remember. We've done it before! Or have we all forgotten such timeless events as the labor and anarchist executions of the early 20th century late 19th century, the needless bombing of civilians in um... well, every fucking war we've fought?
There is no stretch here, this is what we're heading towards and the general public seems oh so unconcerned. Of course this is of great concern to me because as an anti-war anarcho-communist military veteran I'm a false arrest waiting to happen as it is. Under these new guidelines I don't know that I could safely reside in the country anymore. Which as it turns out, may be half the point.
Actually, quite a few members of groups such as IVAW and ISO would be heavily affected by these new guidelines. Not to mention VFP, Code Pink, ANSWER, CFI, and countless others mostly manned by well meaning social liberals who have probably never held a gun let alone considered terrorism as an option.
Of course that won't be a concern to the heads of state as dissenters are locked away systematically. When the people start to buck the system the system knows it must buck back.
So this is my final plea for this article. If you love freedom, your rights, your family, your friends, your country, your life then let them know. Let them know that this can not and will not be tolerated. Let them know that this may be the straw that breaks the camels back. Veterans especially, remember what we were told we were fighting for and fight for it now.
Peace and Unity
Every month that goes by I see this country look more and more like the nations of Sudan or Zimbabwe. Rigged elections, suppression of the freedom of speech, a dangerously unrestrained police force and rampant disregard for it's own citizens.
When I joined the army I swore an oath. "...To support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." Now many people know how I feel about the idea of needing a piece of paper to tell me I'm free. That does not mean that I don't think that we ought to protect what rights we do have. If I, or any other soldier for that matter, is going to uphold that oath then we need to start doing what we were taught to do.
Fight tooth and fucking nail.
I am not one to suggest violence and almost everyone I know knows that I condemn all acts of terrorism and unwarranted vanguardian retribution. Indeed I am not saying that violence should be needed or used at all in this conflict that the FBI and other government entities have forced upon us. Not when we have so many other resources at our disposal.
A voice alone is a target. A voice in unison is a revolution.
At this time every veteran of this nation should be cocking an eyebrow and giving some time to some deep thought. What is the notion that we were told we were fighting for? If not freedom and liberty and justice for what did we lay down our lives? If any duty we have as veterans is still owed to the people of this nation it is to protect them from all enemies, foreign and domestic, and right now one of those enemies is the FBI.
The guidelines have not been officially released. The scary part is that they most likely will not be released to the public until they are actually implanted. So we won't know until it's too late what they have decided they can do. It is known that the primary thing they want to be able to do is investigate American citizens without any clear evidence that they have committed a crime. Times like these I think maybe we should simply decide that next year should be 1984 instead of 2009.
Some of the more notable concerns being raised involve the nature under which people could be investigated. Race, ethnicity, political affiliation, military experience, ties to foreign countries, etc. Go down that list one more time before you continue. Sure you read it all? That comes from an AP article regarding this matter. I didn't just pull it out of my ass. Mind you in the same article Attorney Justice spokesman Brian Roehrkasse says in one part that "an investigation would not be opened based solely on a person's race, ethnicity or religion." However, later in the article it's noted;
"The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the rules, said factors that could trigger an inquiry would include travel to regions of the world known for terrorist activity and access to weapons or military training, along with the person's race or ethnicity."
Lie much Mr. Roehrkasse?
Given the nature of what we're currently staring down the barrel of I think I can justly say that we are, as a nation, approaching Third Reich status. It is only a matter of time from here before people are openly murdered over there race, ethnicity, or political beliefs. If you think that's a stretch just remember. We've done it before! Or have we all forgotten such timeless events as the labor and anarchist executions of the early 20th century late 19th century, the needless bombing of civilians in um... well, every fucking war we've fought?
There is no stretch here, this is what we're heading towards and the general public seems oh so unconcerned. Of course this is of great concern to me because as an anti-war anarcho-communist military veteran I'm a false arrest waiting to happen as it is. Under these new guidelines I don't know that I could safely reside in the country anymore. Which as it turns out, may be half the point.
Actually, quite a few members of groups such as IVAW and ISO would be heavily affected by these new guidelines. Not to mention VFP, Code Pink, ANSWER, CFI, and countless others mostly manned by well meaning social liberals who have probably never held a gun let alone considered terrorism as an option.
Of course that won't be a concern to the heads of state as dissenters are locked away systematically. When the people start to buck the system the system knows it must buck back.
So this is my final plea for this article. If you love freedom, your rights, your family, your friends, your country, your life then let them know. Let them know that this can not and will not be tolerated. Let them know that this may be the straw that breaks the camels back. Veterans especially, remember what we were told we were fighting for and fight for it now.
Peace and Unity
Thursday, July 31, 2008
I Am An American Soldier
I was almost everything they could want in a soldier.
I had pride and honor. I was loyal. I would work hard to prove my worth.
I was disenfranchised with my home town, with my life. A high school drop out I needed a place to belong.
I told my wife after about a year in that I loved it. I didn't always agree with how things were done and I hated the war, but I could deal with that. I told her that I was going to be a soldier until the day I died or they told me I couldn't do it anymore.
There was just one thing that kept me from being what they truly wanted.
It wasn't that I questioned things. They could deal with that and my better leaders learned to use it. I would figure things out and notice things that nobody else would or could.
It was something that had been ingrained in my from childhood that kept me from being what they truly wanted in a soldier.
A love of freedom. True freedom, not democratic republic bill of rights constitution four more years pretend your free freedom. I was taught never to let anyone take away the rights that I had and to be willing to fight for the ones that I didn't have but knew I should.
And somebody crossed the line. I threw everything I had at him. I read the manual of courts martial and quoted obscure rulings and appendixes. I read DOD and Army regulations about everything. Every single time he tried to do something illegal I would do everything in my power to stop him.
He swore that I would never get promoted. That he would see to it that I was dishonorably discharged. That I would never get an award.
Well in the end I won.
I was promoted once after he told me that. I was honorably discharged for medical reasons. Right before I got out I received an award for doing his job while he was gone. The commander allowed it even though I was flagged due to pending discharge. He couldn't stop me from getting what I deserved.
After it was all said and done I had lost my sense of my place. The time when they told me I couldn't be a soldier anymore came far sooner then I wanted it to. But that's ok.
I found something in myself that no one can suppress. That beating core of life and freedom and justice and love that makes me who I am, makes me fight for my brothers and sisters of the world, makes me know that we may not win today but we can not lose. Even if the battle rages a thousand years we can not lose. Because we have that core and nothing can crush it.
I am an American Soldier
I am a guardian of freedom and ... life
Just not the way they wanted me to be
Peace and Unity
I had pride and honor. I was loyal. I would work hard to prove my worth.
I was disenfranchised with my home town, with my life. A high school drop out I needed a place to belong.
I told my wife after about a year in that I loved it. I didn't always agree with how things were done and I hated the war, but I could deal with that. I told her that I was going to be a soldier until the day I died or they told me I couldn't do it anymore.
There was just one thing that kept me from being what they truly wanted.
It wasn't that I questioned things. They could deal with that and my better leaders learned to use it. I would figure things out and notice things that nobody else would or could.
It was something that had been ingrained in my from childhood that kept me from being what they truly wanted in a soldier.
A love of freedom. True freedom, not democratic republic bill of rights constitution four more years pretend your free freedom. I was taught never to let anyone take away the rights that I had and to be willing to fight for the ones that I didn't have but knew I should.
And somebody crossed the line. I threw everything I had at him. I read the manual of courts martial and quoted obscure rulings and appendixes. I read DOD and Army regulations about everything. Every single time he tried to do something illegal I would do everything in my power to stop him.
He swore that I would never get promoted. That he would see to it that I was dishonorably discharged. That I would never get an award.
Well in the end I won.
I was promoted once after he told me that. I was honorably discharged for medical reasons. Right before I got out I received an award for doing his job while he was gone. The commander allowed it even though I was flagged due to pending discharge. He couldn't stop me from getting what I deserved.
After it was all said and done I had lost my sense of my place. The time when they told me I couldn't be a soldier anymore came far sooner then I wanted it to. But that's ok.
I found something in myself that no one can suppress. That beating core of life and freedom and justice and love that makes me who I am, makes me fight for my brothers and sisters of the world, makes me know that we may not win today but we can not lose. Even if the battle rages a thousand years we can not lose. Because we have that core and nothing can crush it.
I am an American Soldier
I am a guardian of freedom and ... life
Just not the way they wanted me to be
Peace and Unity
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Not a Serious Number
So I'm reading this article online today and a note at the top of the site says that the article have nothing to do with politics and are all about facts.
Right.
The first article I read starts off by saying that the people of Iraq are the most ruthless enemy America has ever faced and that this 'war' simply has to be won or they'll kill us all.
From there in goes into a discussion about how the loss of life is such a small percentage of life lost in other wars and to other factors and so it's really not a serious number.
Two things I have to say to you buddy.
If the people of Iraq are oh so hell bent on killing us all then why have they not tried in the past? I sure hope your not pulling the old "They attacked us on 9/11" routine because anyone left paying attention, even the pro side, knows that this is simply not true. The pentagon even said it's not true. Maybe you missed the major article that came out about the DOD finally admitted that before the war in Iraq there was no connection between Al Queda and Sadaam, Iraq, etc. Oh I wouldn't doubt that there is now. After all we lumbered in, told them that we were there to liberate them, and now refuse to leave and let them choose there own path. Preferring instead to make sure that the vote for the right people and that we kill off the ones that don't like us and others who happen to get in the way. Wow, we sure are keeping our nation safe by making more enemies. What logic would you call that? Oh yes, Republicanism.
Second thing I have to note on this. The number isn't small to the friends and family you jack ass. Having known some of those that have lost there lives and been injured, traumatized, etc. I can't help but think of some ugly ugly language I want to say about someone telling me that the number dead is small enough not to really matter in the long run. I know that more people die every year driving, and from cancer, and heart disease. You know what? Most of the people weren't forced into facing that death by commanding officers doing the president's bidding. (Well maybe certain medical cases but that's a whole other issue) So don't you tell me for one second that we shouldn't mind the loss of life because it's 'only' 4100+ of our side. Don't you ever fucking tell me that my friends lives were an acceptable loss because more of us didn't die with them.
You people love to say that you support the military and then you pull out some shit like that? Man I'd hate to see how you love your families. "Don't worry about your brother's death son, he was only 20% of the family." Come on now. Stop screaming from the soapboxes how much supporting the war is the only real way of supporting the troops while you demean and degrade those very men you say you're there for.
So many people can see past your nonsense. It leaves me hoping that you don't know how mixed up you are. I'm not even saying that from an emotional point of view. I just can't believe logically that anyone would say things like "I support the troops therefore I support them being killed" and "I support the troops but I think that the number lost is ok, cause it's not too high." Guess what? Behind all the gibberish about 'telling it like it is' that's what your saying.
Damn.
I'm done for now, I'm gonna give myself a fucking ulcer if I keep this rant up.
Assholes
Right.
The first article I read starts off by saying that the people of Iraq are the most ruthless enemy America has ever faced and that this 'war' simply has to be won or they'll kill us all.
From there in goes into a discussion about how the loss of life is such a small percentage of life lost in other wars and to other factors and so it's really not a serious number.
Two things I have to say to you buddy.
If the people of Iraq are oh so hell bent on killing us all then why have they not tried in the past? I sure hope your not pulling the old "They attacked us on 9/11" routine because anyone left paying attention, even the pro side, knows that this is simply not true. The pentagon even said it's not true. Maybe you missed the major article that came out about the DOD finally admitted that before the war in Iraq there was no connection between Al Queda and Sadaam, Iraq, etc. Oh I wouldn't doubt that there is now. After all we lumbered in, told them that we were there to liberate them, and now refuse to leave and let them choose there own path. Preferring instead to make sure that the vote for the right people and that we kill off the ones that don't like us and others who happen to get in the way. Wow, we sure are keeping our nation safe by making more enemies. What logic would you call that? Oh yes, Republicanism.
Second thing I have to note on this. The number isn't small to the friends and family you jack ass. Having known some of those that have lost there lives and been injured, traumatized, etc. I can't help but think of some ugly ugly language I want to say about someone telling me that the number dead is small enough not to really matter in the long run. I know that more people die every year driving, and from cancer, and heart disease. You know what? Most of the people weren't forced into facing that death by commanding officers doing the president's bidding. (Well maybe certain medical cases but that's a whole other issue) So don't you tell me for one second that we shouldn't mind the loss of life because it's 'only' 4100+ of our side. Don't you ever fucking tell me that my friends lives were an acceptable loss because more of us didn't die with them.
You people love to say that you support the military and then you pull out some shit like that? Man I'd hate to see how you love your families. "Don't worry about your brother's death son, he was only 20% of the family." Come on now. Stop screaming from the soapboxes how much supporting the war is the only real way of supporting the troops while you demean and degrade those very men you say you're there for.
So many people can see past your nonsense. It leaves me hoping that you don't know how mixed up you are. I'm not even saying that from an emotional point of view. I just can't believe logically that anyone would say things like "I support the troops therefore I support them being killed" and "I support the troops but I think that the number lost is ok, cause it's not too high." Guess what? Behind all the gibberish about 'telling it like it is' that's what your saying.
Damn.
I'm done for now, I'm gonna give myself a fucking ulcer if I keep this rant up.
Assholes
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Angry Veteran Comic???
I'm thinking about it. I can't imagine what it would wind up looking like though.... Stick figures with rifles and peace signs? Just maybe. Any talented comic/cartoon artist who feels like volunteering there services for this project please contact me via this website or the standard e-mail if your receiving this message through the list serve.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Robin Long Deported
According to The Canadian Press Robin Long has been returned to US Soil after losing an appeal to remain in Canada seeking political asylum.
This is an outrage. Canada has violated there own terms regarding asylum by returning personnel who could potentially face death for there political opinions. (The top penalty for desertion in the US Military is the death sentence) While I will have more coming on this as thigns progress I urge people NOW to start demonstrating in support of Robin Long and the other 50+ service men and women still seeking refuge across the border.
Soldier's don't just have a right to refuse illegal war, it is an obligation. No soldier should be penalized for refusing to participate in this bloody and senseless occupation.
Peace and Unity
This is an outrage. Canada has violated there own terms regarding asylum by returning personnel who could potentially face death for there political opinions. (The top penalty for desertion in the US Military is the death sentence) While I will have more coming on this as thigns progress I urge people NOW to start demonstrating in support of Robin Long and the other 50+ service men and women still seeking refuge across the border.
Soldier's don't just have a right to refuse illegal war, it is an obligation. No soldier should be penalized for refusing to participate in this bloody and senseless occupation.
Peace and Unity
Monday, July 14, 2008
Terrorists and Other Such Fun
So I generally resist the urge to respond to pro-war bloggers and other such folks who have a tendency to get downright mean rather then pose thoughtful arguments to support there cause, but I have to say a little something about this one.
Anyone who thinks that 'support jobs' in the army don't involve potentially having to kill are delusional. One of the platoons I served in was a 'support' platoon and wound up doing convoy security in Iraq (without me, unfortunately). It would be a reach to say that those support soldier's never shot at anybody or killed anybody running those dangerous roads. This is not an uncommon situation. Sometimes (I have no data on how often) people with jobs that should not involve combat wind up doing it anyways. We all have to be trained in marksmanship and close combat for a reason.
Last thing I'll see here is that people who speak out against something there country is doing are not "fueling the fire's of the enemy" WOW. I think that everyone should have health care and food and shelter. Guess that means I love terrorism since our government doesn't support those things. I think that war should be a worst case scenario situation because I value ALL human life and not just American ones. Damn. I must be a terrorist. Seriously guys. I would suggest making the brain to mouth (or keyboard) connection but I'm betting that the brain is the problem here. I've never had this issue myself but maybe you should try looking for the 'on' switch. Try checking behind that bar code stamped on your scalp.
Anyone who thinks that 'support jobs' in the army don't involve potentially having to kill are delusional. One of the platoons I served in was a 'support' platoon and wound up doing convoy security in Iraq (without me, unfortunately). It would be a reach to say that those support soldier's never shot at anybody or killed anybody running those dangerous roads. This is not an uncommon situation. Sometimes (I have no data on how often) people with jobs that should not involve combat wind up doing it anyways. We all have to be trained in marksmanship and close combat for a reason.
Last thing I'll see here is that people who speak out against something there country is doing are not "fueling the fire's of the enemy" WOW. I think that everyone should have health care and food and shelter. Guess that means I love terrorism since our government doesn't support those things. I think that war should be a worst case scenario situation because I value ALL human life and not just American ones. Damn. I must be a terrorist. Seriously guys. I would suggest making the brain to mouth (or keyboard) connection but I'm betting that the brain is the problem here. I've never had this issue myself but maybe you should try looking for the 'on' switch. Try checking behind that bar code stamped on your scalp.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Comic about IVAW
Swedish comic little gamers runs a strip about IVAW at the America's Army booth. Comic is copyrighted property of the authors and since I didn't ask I hope they don't get mad at me if they find out I posted it here. You can see there comic at www.little-gamers.com.
There guys happy? Shameless promotion of your comic.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
POST 9/11 GI BILL
The post 9/11 GI Bill has officially become law although services may not be available until August of 2009. It is worth the wait for me. they wil now pay ALL tuition up to the highest price of a state school where you reside and pay you the married BAH rate of an E-5 in living allowance. I will finnaly truly be able to go to school. For once congress and Mr. Bush have done something right for those of use that served with honor.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Old Friends
I was just looking over some pictures of some of the folks that I served with over the 3 years I was in the Army. I wonder what they would think of me now? I would hope that they understand that what I'm doing I do mostly for them. Somehow, though, I know many would not approve. Sergent Major, First Sergent, they were good men, and good soldiers, but I doubt they would approve... Maybe it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things, but knowing this bothers me. I always wanted to be looked at as a good soldier. I did everything I could to be a good soldier. I supposed this question know is, am I still a good soldier? Many would say no. I would say that I am, I am only fighting a new battle now. Not that it matters to most folks what I say... even though it should... Good night all. Peace and Unity.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
A Tale of Two Veterans....
This is a tale of two veterans. They never fought together, they never served together. In fact they served in two different countries. Those countries, however, are fairly intermingled economically although one of them doesn't like to admit it.
The first veteran served in the US Army from 2005-2008. His tour of duty ended abruptly and early thanks to a medical discharge engineered primarily by a certain person in his leadership. Veteran 1 never wanted to leave the service, he was mostly happy with it and he loved his job. It was something he was good at, and the pay was at least enough to live off of. But Veteran 1 got hurt, and his leadership would not allow him to get the help he needed to become an operational solder again. After fighting discharge recommendations for three months, he gave up and the process for him to leave began. Even though he had been officially pronounced to be unfit for duty at this point, his leadership still refused to allow him to get the proper medical treatment to recover. The situation worsened by the week as Veteran 1 pulled every trick he could think of to put pressure on the leadership to comply with treatment plans. He complained to senior leadership, he reported the offending leader to a number of authorities. Nothing worked. The leader even tried to have him thrown in jail one morning for refusing to discuss the details of his medical issues with him. Veteran 1 explained that he was not required to release those details and that the leader wasn't legaly entitled to know them. So the leader told Veteran 1 that he would be thrown in the post detention facility if he failed to comply. Veteran 1 refused to back down, calling the bluff, and was eventually dismissed and sent back to the doctors. Veteran 1 was discharged six months after the recommendation was handed to his command. The doctors had told the command that the process should have taken no longer then three weeks.
When Veteran 1 left the service he had no money and no home. He lived on other people's couches and floors for several weeks while working under the table as a general construction laborer. His pride pushed aside, he gathered together the funds he could and went to his parent's house. Veteran 1 currently works an underpaid job at a Fortune 500 company that has a brutal reputation and a history of violence. This is where Veteran 1 met Veteran 2.
The details on Veteran 2 are sketchy. He was in the Mexican Army for six years. He wouldn't say why he came to the US and perhaps he doesn't know. He speaks a fair amount of English and Veteran 1 speaks almost no Spanish. There conversations are awkward and strange. Sometimes five or ten minutes go by while neither says a word. At the company it is Veteran 1's job to monitor Veteran 2 while he cleans. Both of the veterans think this policy is racist. Both have remarked as such to each other as they walk around the building. Veteran 1 considers Veteran 2 a friend, but Veteran 2 talks to Veteran 1 as he imagines a black man would have spoken to a white man in the 1840's. With a tone and phrasing of inferiority. This bothers Veteran 1 because he considers Veteran 2 his equal. They also seem to have a lot in common. They were forgotten by the countries they swore to defend and wound up with shitty jobs after the fact.
We are one people. We are one struggle. We all fight the same fight in the end. It doesn't matter what country your from, or what your faith is, or what you used to fight for. In the end it's all just one big battle for freedom, justice, and dignity. At the workplace of Veteran 1 and 2 the battle has long been considered lost. But it will be fought again. It will be won. One day.
The first veteran served in the US Army from 2005-2008. His tour of duty ended abruptly and early thanks to a medical discharge engineered primarily by a certain person in his leadership. Veteran 1 never wanted to leave the service, he was mostly happy with it and he loved his job. It was something he was good at, and the pay was at least enough to live off of. But Veteran 1 got hurt, and his leadership would not allow him to get the help he needed to become an operational solder again. After fighting discharge recommendations for three months, he gave up and the process for him to leave began. Even though he had been officially pronounced to be unfit for duty at this point, his leadership still refused to allow him to get the proper medical treatment to recover. The situation worsened by the week as Veteran 1 pulled every trick he could think of to put pressure on the leadership to comply with treatment plans. He complained to senior leadership, he reported the offending leader to a number of authorities. Nothing worked. The leader even tried to have him thrown in jail one morning for refusing to discuss the details of his medical issues with him. Veteran 1 explained that he was not required to release those details and that the leader wasn't legaly entitled to know them. So the leader told Veteran 1 that he would be thrown in the post detention facility if he failed to comply. Veteran 1 refused to back down, calling the bluff, and was eventually dismissed and sent back to the doctors. Veteran 1 was discharged six months after the recommendation was handed to his command. The doctors had told the command that the process should have taken no longer then three weeks.
When Veteran 1 left the service he had no money and no home. He lived on other people's couches and floors for several weeks while working under the table as a general construction laborer. His pride pushed aside, he gathered together the funds he could and went to his parent's house. Veteran 1 currently works an underpaid job at a Fortune 500 company that has a brutal reputation and a history of violence. This is where Veteran 1 met Veteran 2.
The details on Veteran 2 are sketchy. He was in the Mexican Army for six years. He wouldn't say why he came to the US and perhaps he doesn't know. He speaks a fair amount of English and Veteran 1 speaks almost no Spanish. There conversations are awkward and strange. Sometimes five or ten minutes go by while neither says a word. At the company it is Veteran 1's job to monitor Veteran 2 while he cleans. Both of the veterans think this policy is racist. Both have remarked as such to each other as they walk around the building. Veteran 1 considers Veteran 2 a friend, but Veteran 2 talks to Veteran 1 as he imagines a black man would have spoken to a white man in the 1840's. With a tone and phrasing of inferiority. This bothers Veteran 1 because he considers Veteran 2 his equal. They also seem to have a lot in common. They were forgotten by the countries they swore to defend and wound up with shitty jobs after the fact.
We are one people. We are one struggle. We all fight the same fight in the end. It doesn't matter what country your from, or what your faith is, or what you used to fight for. In the end it's all just one big battle for freedom, justice, and dignity. At the workplace of Veteran 1 and 2 the battle has long been considered lost. But it will be fought again. It will be won. One day.
4th Brigade Comes Home
The unit that I was attached to through 2006 has recently returned from Iraq. That means I get to stop worrying about the friends that I have who still serve proudly under the sabers of 2/1 Cav 4/2 ID. The unit suffered 37 kia and over 400 wounded. Among them I knew 3 of those kia from that brigade and 3 wounded. I hope that I don't have to know anymore as more and more of my old friends continue there rotations into the sand.
Welcome Home Guys....
Welcome Home Guys....
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
When Johnny Came Marching Home
Written in November 2007 by a soldier who had served with 2/1 Cav out of Ft Lewis.
I used to be a soldier in the second calvary
Until the army said that they no longer needed me
So I stayed home while my brothers went to war
And so far seven of my friends won't come home anymore
But some have come home wounded in body and in mind
And we all hurt together for leaving the rest behind
When Johnny came marching home it was on two wheels
And he never talks but always dreams of all his kills
And sometimes he dreams of Rhett's face as sometimes so do I
It hurts more folks then people think when a soldier dies
They were running a patrol when they hit an IED
The bomb exploded to the front and stole Johnny's sanity
Everything went quiet and Johnny found himself flying
He didn't have time to think or feel for he knew that Rhett was dying
What he didn't know was that both his legs were shattered
From striking at the armor plates inside his bones had parted
But he knew he must act fast or our brother wouldn't make it
So he gave it eveyrthing he had hopped up on adrenaline
Well Johnny jumped out into the sand
He tried to save the driver's life but found he could not stand
The captain said your useless boy pull guard go sit down
So Johnny crawled a few yards off and looked nervously around
After a moment or so they came and broke the news
Our brother had been killed in action there was nothing they could do
Now Johnny just sits around drinking jack and coke
Or sometimes just straight shots while he cracks another joke
And sometimes sporadicly he just breaks down and cries
Or plays with that damn toy gun shooting to the skies
A wheelchair bound soldier with a rifle must seem a sight
But you really should have seen him that one night
In a drunken stupor he rolled himself down the stairs
When he hit the bottom he flew out and just lay there
I rushed over to him and he looked up at me and said
God dammit man it didn't work I just wish I were dead
I picked Johnny up and put him back into his chair
Said I hate to tell you bro but war is never fair
Well I haven't seen Johnny now in months maybe three or four
They sent him home, he's no good to them anymore
People like he and I were just a liability
Messing with the VA and others I think who lie to me
Sometimes I think they just don't care about us now
Then I know it's true were just broken soldiers anyhow
Just another pair of hands they know that they don't need
What they don't know was that in me they laid the seed
It's not what they desired but in other people's eyes
It's while I was serving Uncle Sam that I was radicalized
I'll never stop I'll never sleep until it's all undone
Because I remember the day the Johnny came rolling home
- Fin
To my brothers in 2/1 Cav (4/2 cav back in the day) and to Spc Conners, Cpl Butler, Cpl Crouch, Cpl Craig, and Ssg Martin. Saber Pride
I used to be a soldier in the second calvary
Until the army said that they no longer needed me
So I stayed home while my brothers went to war
And so far seven of my friends won't come home anymore
But some have come home wounded in body and in mind
And we all hurt together for leaving the rest behind
When Johnny came marching home it was on two wheels
And he never talks but always dreams of all his kills
And sometimes he dreams of Rhett's face as sometimes so do I
It hurts more folks then people think when a soldier dies
They were running a patrol when they hit an IED
The bomb exploded to the front and stole Johnny's sanity
Everything went quiet and Johnny found himself flying
He didn't have time to think or feel for he knew that Rhett was dying
What he didn't know was that both his legs were shattered
From striking at the armor plates inside his bones had parted
But he knew he must act fast or our brother wouldn't make it
So he gave it eveyrthing he had hopped up on adrenaline
Well Johnny jumped out into the sand
He tried to save the driver's life but found he could not stand
The captain said your useless boy pull guard go sit down
So Johnny crawled a few yards off and looked nervously around
After a moment or so they came and broke the news
Our brother had been killed in action there was nothing they could do
Now Johnny just sits around drinking jack and coke
Or sometimes just straight shots while he cracks another joke
And sometimes sporadicly he just breaks down and cries
Or plays with that damn toy gun shooting to the skies
A wheelchair bound soldier with a rifle must seem a sight
But you really should have seen him that one night
In a drunken stupor he rolled himself down the stairs
When he hit the bottom he flew out and just lay there
I rushed over to him and he looked up at me and said
God dammit man it didn't work I just wish I were dead
I picked Johnny up and put him back into his chair
Said I hate to tell you bro but war is never fair
Well I haven't seen Johnny now in months maybe three or four
They sent him home, he's no good to them anymore
People like he and I were just a liability
Messing with the VA and others I think who lie to me
Sometimes I think they just don't care about us now
Then I know it's true were just broken soldiers anyhow
Just another pair of hands they know that they don't need
What they don't know was that in me they laid the seed
It's not what they desired but in other people's eyes
It's while I was serving Uncle Sam that I was radicalized
I'll never stop I'll never sleep until it's all undone
Because I remember the day the Johnny came rolling home
- Fin
To my brothers in 2/1 Cav (4/2 cav back in the day) and to Spc Conners, Cpl Butler, Cpl Crouch, Cpl Craig, and Ssg Martin. Saber Pride
Friday, April 04, 2008
Winter Soldier
Winter Soldier II: Iraq and Afghanistan took place a couple weeks back outsie Washintong D.C. At the event veterans and active duty personnel of the armed forces as well as family members and Iraqi nationals told of the horrors of war. They were not accusing people of war crimes or blaming the situation on the soldiers on the ground. They primarily blamed the situation on the generals and politicians who are benefiting from the deaths of men and women who agreed to serve there country. We were abused, we were misused, and it continues unabated as an apathetic America chooses to focus on the likes of Heath Ledger over the deaths of over a million iraqis and over 4000 American soldiers. Break the silence. Check out IVAW.org to view clips from Winter Soldier II and start some conversations.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Another Angry Veteran
I'm one of many these days. Quite a few are vocal, but many are not. I choose to be vocal. Although I am a member of a few different anti-war and social groups I won't mention them by name... these are my rantings not there's. Well there's my introduction, more to follow...
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