Iraq veterans open up on mishandling of war

[donsu]

http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/2004/10/22/News/Iraq-Veterans.Open.Up.On.Mishandling.Of.War-777333.shtml

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Boetcher presented the audience with statistics showing how veterans are losing service benefits at a rapid rate. With lowered funding for support programs and the rising trend of soldiers being reactivated for a second tour of duty, there is little incentive to remain in the service.

Rather than being reassured, however, soldiers have begun to receive rude awakenings through a "Fed Ex letter" strategy. "You get a package, and you have to show up two days later," Boetcher said. "The military has a plan for action and it's not getting told."

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While the unit suffered no fatalities in Iraq, they were plagued the entire time by supply chain glitches. The unit never received body armor, and had to resort to stealing scrap metal for vehicle armor. Bottled water had to be rationed due to shortages, but Giese later filled a swimming pool for a general's use.

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According to Brenda Bickel-Bonds, whose husband Michael is serving in Iraq, soldiers also suffer from detachment due to the stretched manpower. She said her husband was taken away from his unit and stationed in Puerto Rico despite the fact he spoke no Spanish. Adding insult to injury, time served there did not count toward his total.
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an interesting statement: "This was a complete, chaotic mess," Giese said. "In my opinion there was no plan ... no one knew where we were going."


will the troop's votes be counted? I wouldn't bet money on it.

[Nag Champa]

1. More opinions of Iraq war vets?

Thank you so much for this post. If anyone comes across any more feedback from those who have actually served in Iraq, Im sure there are many others like myself who are hungry for their opinions. It seems like the only troops we hear from are those who are still under Rummy's thumb and are likely fearful of speaking their minds.

If anyone has any other links... please post them. We all have our concerns for those men and women...but I'd really like to hear more of their concerns.