Honoring a North Dakota Guardsman's last request

[quaoar]

http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/editorial/10348464.htm

In February, I wrote a column upbraiding the national planners for exploiting the National Guard in conducting the war in Iraq. I argued that continuous life-threatening duty was not in the deal made by all of the Guard men and women but that many of them joined up as a means of financing their higher education. They had bargained for weekend training and emergency duty, such as fighting floods, policing events, and serving as a community resource, but not extended months of combat.

< snip >

This February column found its way to Iraq and several months later I received a lengthy letter from one of the Guardsmen confirming the comments I had made. "I hope you don't forget about us because your writing can help people realize the reality of the situation," he wrote in his first paragraph. Then he went on to explain that he had a dream of going to college and was enticed to join the Guard because of its promise to help finance his education.

< snip >

When he was eligible to take leave, he declined. "We knew everyone wasn't going to get leave so I figured I was young with no girlfriend or real need to go home," he explained. "So I volunteered not to go so someone else would have the opportunity."

< snip >

As for my July correspondent, he will not be taking advantage of that college education he was promised. Spc. Cody Wentz of Williston, N.D., was killed in Iraq a few weeks ago. This column is being written to honor his request that we not forget the Guard and to help people understand the reality of the situation.

[Kingshakabobo]

1. There isn't a painful enough disease that I could wish

on Bush and Rumsfeld. eom

[Anakin Skywalker]

2. How about

their testicles enlarging to match the size of their bloated egos?
:)

[Kingshakabobo]

3. Too good for 'em. Bush would think he was god's gift to the ladies. n/t

[Tansy_Gold]

5. Maybe if his penis shrunk to the size of his, er,

compassion?

[SammyWinstonJack]

7. It would be non-existent

in that case.

[sce56]

4. To Absent Comrades

[indigobusiness]

6. RIP, Cody.

You'll be missed.

[Mz Pip]

8. It's time for

all the little Republican yahoos who voted for Bush and support this war to step up to the plate and sign on so that our soldiers don't have to have their tours lengthened.

These guys should have to volunteer to extend their stays. There should be plenty of young supporters giving them a break.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[CornField]

9. Another life extinguished for no good reason

I've listened extensively to the neocons and republicans try to explain this war. I've listened to their reasoning and it is hallow -- just like the reasoning for Vietnam. Even they are starting to realize what a horrible miscarriage of justice this has been and continues to be.