National Guard...daughter said she's thinking of joining

[cally]

:scared:

If anyone can provide me with some links or information about the National Guard, I would appreciate. My 18 year old has been hit with the recruiter onslaught. She's been told that she won't have to go to Iraq, just commit to one year, and receive medic training. :crazy: I told her that once you sign then you can be called up where needed and that means Iraq. I also pointed out that recruiters lie and can't guarantee the training or assignment and that military personnel are not able to leave the service at this time. A trusted adult told her differently. So, am I right? I pretty much convinced her this is a bad idea but now I'm worried that this friend will tell her I was mistaken with some of my information. If I'm wrong on some of this, she may not believe the rest.

Also, if anyone knows the percentage of National Guard sent to Iraq or Afghanistan and how long they have been kept in service. Also, any information on how recruiters lie and what happens when you commit. How you don't have any control over assignments and training.

Anyone wonder why my hair is going gray?

[Hippo_Tron]

1. I'm pretty sure that the recruiter was full of shit

[cally]

17. I'm pretty sure also

I'm just trying to get some facts to give her. Of course she won't believe her Mom. sigh

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. have some veterans talk to her

specifically National Guard veterans. Anyone here at DU qualify to help out? Or know links to Iraq Veterans Against War?

[cally]

18. Well, I only know those who

are gung ho. So that's why I'm asking here. Thanks.

[Ilsa]

3. The NG unit from my small town is/was in Iraq. And the nearest

NG unit, about 40 miles from here, has been, and I believe still is, in Iraq. Strike all of that... one of those is an Army Reserve unit.

I'll look for some stats for you, okay? Try not to pull any more hair out...

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2003/oct2003/ng-o04.shtml

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/09/24/terror/main645526.shtml


http://www.globalsecurity.org/org/news/2004/040612-guard-iraq.htm

Seven National Guard combat units are either in Iraq or on the way:

In Iraq:

-30th Enhanced Heavy Separate Brigade from North Carolina, last deployed in combat in World War II

-39th Infantry Brigade from Arkansas, last deployed in combat in World War II

-81st Armored Brigade from Washington, last deployed in combat in World War II

Getting ready for Iraq:

-278th Armored Cavalry Regiment from Tennessee, last deployed in combat in Korean War

-256th Infantry Brigade from Louisiana, activated for Desert Storm but did not deploy

-116th Armor Cavalry Brigade from Idaho, last deployed in combat in World War II

-42nd Infantry Division from New York, last deployed in combat in World War II


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A18980-2004Jun5.html

[cally]

19. Thanks so much!!!

I'll start looking at the links now. That should persuade her. :loveya:

[SoCalDem]

4. Please try to talk her out of it..

send her to http://www.pigstye.net/iraq/wd.php

you can click on various headings to sort by age/service/state etc..

NOW is the worst time for anyone to join up..

recruiters lie..they do whatever they have to do to get the kids to sign up.. Their words are meaningless.

[cally]

21. Trying, trying

I think I was successful but I wanted more info for the next conversation. Thanks for the link. I'm checking it next. :hug:

[SoCalDem]

22. When you sort by age..it will break your heart

:(

[Straight Shooter]

5. As soon as I read that she was told she wouldn't have to go to Iraq ...

... my hair stood up on end. It's a lie. Circumstances change.

If not Iraq, how about Syria? Afghanistan?

Send your daughter to Europe if she wants to travel, do anything to keep her away from those recruiters. They have become desperate, and predatory.

[cally]

24. It's a lie.

She wants to help out those in need. It's not the travel but the sense of guilt that others enlist and serve their country. I'm trying to encourage community service.

[HeeBGBz]

54. It's a big honkin lie

Recruiters lie. Lies are their bread and butter.

One year is a lie. No Iraq is a lie. They can send her anywhere they darn well please once her Jane Henry is on the line.

I was in the National Guard and the Army. I got out of the regular army because of rampant sexual harrassment. The Guard was a little better, but I got out before the first Gulf War. All my former units that I served with ALL went to Iraq.

It appears to me that you are MORE likely to go to Iraq if you are in the Reserves or National Guard.

Tell her to wait until there's a rational change in regime.

[yella_dawg]

6. Once you take the oath

you are property. Period. Anything else is a lie. Recruiters give deals based on test scores, history, etc., but there is no commitment on the part of the military. You get your preferences only if the need is there and you demonstrate aptitude in those fields. Otherwise, tough shit.

As for get out when you want, only Bunnypants himself could tell such a lie with a straight face. I've heard this over and over, but it just does not happen. Once you raise your hand and swear, you are at their mercy. Period. Even the stated enlistment term is a "guideline". Ask the victims of stop-loss if their commitment was honored.




On edit: Six years Texas ANG. The minimum enlistment for non-prior service. My recruiter lied like a bastard to get me to swear. That recruiter was my father. Bitter and disillusioned? Not me.

[cally]

25. I'm so sorry for what happened to you

Thanks for the information. That's pretty much what I thought. :hug:

[noamnety]

7. Here you go

"About 40 percent of U.S. troops in Iraq are from Guard and reserve forces.

In California, more than two-thirds of the Army Guard's 15,000 troops have been deployed to Iraq and elsewhere since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks."

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/politics/10948539.htm

[cally]

26. Thanks

This will be printed out and handed to her. :loveya:

[Qanisqineq]

8. You are right

They can say she won't go to Iraq, but that doesn't mean anything.

I don't know about assignment in the National Guard. My husband was in it a short time between enlistments in the army. He picked an MOS (job) that he wanted and there was a place nearby that the MOS trained so he was lucky. Now in the army, he can fill out some paper saying where he wants to go but that doesn't mean much of anything anymore.

I don't know about guarantee the training either, but I would think they need lots of medics right now! I know I've heard they do!

Sorry I wasn't any help, my husband was in the NG pre-Iraq War.

[cally]

28. Thanks...all info is helpful

I appreciate your information.

[rurallib]

9. I googled 'army recruitment horror stories'

Maybe she needs to read some of these to realize how desperate these guys are and why they are desperate. If they don't meet their quotas THE RECRUITERS GO TO IRAQ. If I was in that situation I'd promise about anything too. What's a recruit gonna do to me?

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=RNWE,RNWE:2004-28,RNWE:en&q=army+recruitment+horror+stories

The first story from Kos is really good:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/4/11/125717/705

This one could help open her eyes also:
http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou050511_mh_recruitingfolo.2653f5b61.html

[cally]

30. Thanks...I'm printing these out

to give her. :loveya:

[Obamanaut]

10. Active duty recruiters used to stretch the truth a bit,

don't know if they still do, and don't know about National Guard at all. However, seems to me that with all the killing and maiming currently going on, it is not unlikely that a trained medic could find herself in the thick of things.

Keep her home cally.

edited to correct spelling

[cally]

31. I pointed out that medics are shot at

I wish I could just make decisions for her, but I can't. All I can do is convince her this is crazy. Thanks.

[eallen]

11. Here's another tactic: encourage her to sign up for the Coast Guard.

:hippie:

[cally]

33. If all else fails, I may try that

I would prefer community service. Thanks.

[noamnety]

12. And here's a lawsuit about getting out when your enlistment's done

"A California Army National Guard soldier challenged the military's so-called ``stop-loss'' program in federal court in San Francisco, claiming Tuesday that the Pentagon's plans to keep as many as 20,000 Army personnel beyond their time of service is illegal.

<snip>

But he recently was notified that it was extended by as much as two years, and that he soon could be heading to Iraq for another tour of combat -- all of which is against his wishes."

http://www.notinourname.net/troops/soldier-sues-17aug04.htm

[cally]

34. Since we live near there, I'll

try to contact some of the local organizations. Thanks for the info. :hug:

[eleny]

13. Check out this DU posting of today

Audio, letters and blog from a Nat'l Guardsman in Iraq. Hair raising stuff that should help you out:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3922532

[cally]

35. After I posted, I saw that thread

I'll check it out. Thanks. :hug:

[cornermouse]

14. My brother joined prior to Iraq I.

They told him it would be a good way to supplement what he was earning to help pay the bills. He did get into the training program they told him about, however, he already knew more about the subject than the program was going to teach (having attended vo tech school classes that turned out to be more advanced than what the government was offering).

During training, they got behind on the bills at home and he tried to get out. They put him in a psych unit because he wanted out. His wife had to get their minister to go there in person to help her get him out and this was before Bush, before Iraq, and before they got desperate.

Trust me, they're lying.

[cally]

37. I'm glad he got out

The recruiting onslaught is amazing. I had opted out at the school. She got none until she turned 18. I forgot to have her opt out. Sigh. :hug:

[hemp_not_war]

15. yeah right

I've heard that story multiple times, they butter you up how your going to be way far away from combat. Then at the last minute you find out your going to Iraq and you have to jog alongside a tank and be cannonfodder. Being a girl may keep her out of the danger zone but I wouldn't bank on it.

[cally]

38. Thanks

Welcome to DU. :hug:

[true_notes]

16. Let me tell you guys this

The National Guard, as we all know, has been more active in THIS war than any other.

If your daughter commits to a contract it will HAVE to be a 4 or 6 year contract, and her being a medic will more than likely be a 6 year "Helltract" that we call it. She will more than likely be sent to hell land due to a lack of medics there.

Cally, I will talk to your daughter personally if it is of interest to you and her and tell her the truth. I am in the military and I know the bullshit that can cause unrest. I hope you and your daughter consider.

-True_notes

[cally]

41. Thanks

If I can't convince her, I'll let you know. I appreciate it. :hug:

[Cleita]

20. OMG Cally that's awful.

Try to talk her out of it for a year. Tell her anything you think will work to keep her home for a year. Maybe by then you will be able to find some of her peer group that can talk her out of it, like maybe kids who have an older sibling in the guards.

[cally]

42. Yeah, I swear I wasn't this crazy at 18

but I know I was. I've learned tha hard way that it's best for me to be low key. If I freak then she'll want it more. I'm trying to be calm and now I can print out a bunch of info thanks to DU. :hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

23. Oh man. Don't let her do it! Talk up the peace corps instead.

[cally]

43. The Peace Corps is fairly hard to get into

I'm pushing community service. Thanks. :hug:

[KittyWampus]

27. I'd Raise Holy Hell With The "Trusted Adult"

[cally]

44. Yeah, I'm going to.

I couldn't believe it when she told me. I'm going to call and explain how upset I am. :hug:

[IndyOp]

29. It can also help to talk with her about what - besides joining

the NG - that would give her a sense of adult independence; a sense of meaning; a belief that she is headed for a bright future.

I teach at a college in a very red state and have had heart-to-heart talks with several students who were thinking about joining - though they did not really want to - but wanted to become adults and do something important and could not figure out what that might be. At least one student who was headed for the Marines is now headed for grad school in social work.

As for horror stories: I had a student in my intro psych class this past semester who was stationed in Iraq for over a year before being released from the army. His job was to set explosives. He came to talk to me after I talked about multiple-personality disorder. People with MPD can't remember sometimes-long periods of time from their lives when they had been in a different personality. He talked to me after class and told me that he had frequently 'dissociated' while in Iraq. He would find a new shirt in his closet or find a change in his bank account that he could not explain. He regularly repressed his memories just before, during, and just after each mission. I did not press him for any details. I worry about him developing a full-blown case of PTSD -- what if the memories come back and he can't live with them?

:(

[cally]

46. I like your idea and I think that's what

I need to do.

I suspect many soldiers will have PTSD. I hope the student gets some help. :hug:

[IndyOp]

53. I wish you and your daughter the best...

:hug:

[roguevalley]

32. you don't commit to one year. the guard has been desscimated

by the war. she is MORE likely to go than others because of the guard.

[cally]

47. Good point..thanks..nt

[Cerridwen]

36. Peace Corps as an option? Chance to serve/aid others and a stipend.

I've not checked out their programs in several years. Are their assignments safe? I don't know answers. Just making suggestion for alternative way to serve.

Also, ex-boyfriend was whatever guard version of ready reserve is; or perhaps is ready reserve; whatever, reactivated; recruited to regular army; on his way to, or possibly in Iraq as you read this.

[cally]

48. It's pretty hard to get into the Peace Corps

I'm pushing community service. thanks.

[Fleshdancer]

39. These soldiers would disagree:

In Memoriam

This page is dedicated to those Army National Guard soldiers who have given their lives for liberty in the War on Terrorism.


Operation Iraqi Freedom
Private First Class Michael R. Hayes, 29 Kentucky Army National Guard
June 14, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Casey Byers, 22 Iowa Army National Guard
June 11, 2005, Al Taqaddum, Iraq
Sergeant Larry R. Arnold Sr. , 46 Mississippi Army National Guard
June 11, 2005, Owesat Village, Iraq
Specialist Terrance D. Lee Sr., 25 Mississippi Army National Guard
June 11, 2005, Owesat Village, Iraq
Sergeant David J. Murray, 23 Louisiana Army National Guard
June 9, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Mark O. Edwards, 40 Tennessee Army National Guard
June 9, 2005, Tuz, Iraq
First Lieutenant Louis E. Allen, 34 New York Army National Guard
June 7, 2005, Tikrit, Iraq
Captain Phillip T. Esposito, 30 New York Army National Guard
June 7, 2005, Tikrit, Iraq
Specialist Brian M. Romines, 20 Illinois Army National Guard
June 6, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Carrie L. French, 19 Idaho Army National Guard
June 5, 2005, Kirkuk, Iraq
Sergeant First Class Virgil R. Case, 37 Idaho Army National Guard
June 1, 2005, Kirkuk, Iraq
Sergeant Alfred B. Siler, 33 Tennessee Army National Guard
May 25, 2005, Tuz, Iraq
Sergeant First Class Peter J. Hahn, 31 Louisiana Army National Guard
May 24, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Audrey Daron Lunsford, 29 Mississippi Army National Guard
May 23, 2005, Haswa, Iraq
Specialist Bryan Edward Barron, 26 Mississippi Army National Guard
May 23, 2005, Haswa, Iraq
Sergeant Daniel Ryan Varnado, 23 Mississippi Army National Guard
May 23, 2005, Haswa, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Saburant Parker, 43 Mississippi Army National Guard
May 23, 2005, Haswa, Iraq
Sergeant Carl J. Morgain, 40 Pennsylvania Army National Guard
May 22, 2005, Balad, Iraq
Sergeant John B. Ogburn III, 45 Oregon Army National Guard
May 22, 2005, Kirkuk, Iraq
Specialist Bernard L. Sembly, 25 Louisiana Army National Guard
May 19, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Robin V. Fell,, 22 Louisiana Army National Guard
May 19, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Charles C. Gillican, III, 35 Georgia Army National Guard
May 14, 2005, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
Sergeant John E. McGee, 36 Alabama Army National Guard
May 2, 2005, Diwaniyah, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Tommy S. Little, 47 Mississippi Army National Guard
May 2, 2005, Brooke Army Medical Center (injured near Iskandariyah, Iraq)
Specialist Derrick J. Lutters, 24 Kansas Army National Guard
May 1, 2005, A supply route in Iraq
Sergeant Timothy C. Kiser, 37 California Army National Guard
April 28, 2005, Riyhad, Iraq
Specialist John W. Miller, 21 Iowa Army National Guard
April 12, 2005, Camp Ramadi, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Kevin D. Davis, 41 Oregon Army National Guard
April 8, 2005, Balad, Iraq
Specialist Glenn J. Watkins, 42 Washington Army National Guard
April 5, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant First Class Stephen C. Kennedy, 35 Tennessee Army National Guard
April 4, 2005, Balad Ruz, Iraq
Sergeant James A. Sherrill, 27 Kentucky Army National Guard
April 3, 2005, Bayji, Iraq
Sergeant First Class Robbie D. McNary, 42 Montana Army National Guard
March 31, 2005, Hawijah, Iraq
Specialist Eric L. Toth, 21 Kentucky Army National Guard
March 30, 2005, Iraq
Sergeant Isiah J. Sinclair, 31 Louisiana Army National Guard
March 26, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Lee M. Godbolt, 23 Louisiana Army National Guard
March 26, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Paul W. Thomason, III, 37 Tennessee Army National Guard
March 20, 2005, Kirkuk, Iraq
Specialist Jonathan A. Hughes, 21 Kentucky Army National Guard
March 19, 2005, Iraq
Specialist Paul M. Heltzel, 39 Louisiana Army National Guard
March 15, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Ricky A. Kieffer, 36 Michigan Army National Guard
March 15, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Seth K. Garceau, 27 Iowa Army National Guard
March 4, 2005, Landstuhl, Germany (injured at Ar Ramadi, Iraq)
Sergeant First Class Michael D. Jones, 43 Maine Army National Guard
March 3, 2005, Syracuse, N.Y.
Specialist Azhar Ali, 27 New York Army National Guard
March 2, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Robert S. Pugh, 25 Mississippi Army National Guard
March 2, 2005, Iskandariyah, Iraq
Specialist Wai P. Lwin, 27 New York Army National Guard
March 2, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Second Lieutenant Richard B. Gienau, 29 Iowa Army National Guard
February 27, 2005, Ar Ramadi, Iraq
Sergeant Nicholas J. Olivier, 26 Louisiana Army National Guard
February 23, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant David F. Day, 25 Minnesota Army National Guard
February 21, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
First Lieutenant Jason G. Timmerman, 24 Minnesota Army National Guard
February 21, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Jesse M. Lhotka, 24 Minnesota Army National Guard
February 21, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Seth R. Trahan, 20 Louisiana Army National Guard
February 19, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Joseph A. Rahaim, 22 Mississippi Army National Guard
February 16, 2005, Forward Operating Base Iskandariyah, Iraq
Sergeant Timothy R. Osbey, 34 Mississippi Army National Guard
February 16, 2005, Forward Operating Base Iskandariyah, Iraq
Specialist Robert A. McNail, 30 Mississippi Army National Guard
February 11, 2005, Iskandariyah, Iraq
Staff Sergeant William T. Robbins, 31 Arkansas Army National Guard
February 10, 2005, Taji, Iraq
Sergeant Jessica M. Housby, 23 Illinois Army National Guard
February 9, 2005, Route Golden, Iraq
Sergeant First Class Sean M. Cooley, 35 Mississippi Army National Guard
February 3, 2005, Northern Babil Province, Iraq
Sergeant First Class Mark C. Warren, 44 Oregon Army National Guard
January 31, 2005, Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq
Specialist Christopher J. Ramsey, 20 Louisiana Army National Guard
January 28, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Jonathan R. Reed, 25 Louisiana Army National Guard
January 28, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Lyle W. Rymer II, 24 Arkansas Army National Guard
January 28, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Michael S. Evans II, 22 Louisiana Army National Guard
January 28, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Leonard W. Adams, 42 North Carolina Army National Guard
January 24, 2005, Camp Bucca, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Jose C. Rangel, 43 California Army National Guard
January 23, 2005, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
Private First Class Francis C. Obaji, 21 New York Army National Guard
January 17, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Alain L. Kamolvathin, 21 New York Army National Guard
January 16, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Robert W. Sweeney III, 22 Louisiana Army National Guard
January 10, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant William F. Manuel, 34 Louisiana Army National Guard
January 10, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Armand L. Frickey, 20 Louisiana Army National Guard
January 6, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Bradley J. Bergeron, 25 Louisiana Army National Guard
January 6, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Christopher J. Babin, 27 Louisiana Army National Guard
January 6, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Huey P. L. Fassbender, 24 Louisiana Army National Guard
January 6, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Private First Class Kenneth G. Vonronn, 20 New York Army National Guard
January 6, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant First Class Kurt J. Comeaux, 34 Louisiana Army National Guard
January 6, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Warren A. Murphy, 29 Louisiana Army National Guard
January 6, 2005, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Jeremy W. McHalffey, 28 Arkansas Army National Guard
January 4, 2005, Taji, Iraq
Specialist Jimmy D. Buie, 44 Arkansas Army National Guard
January 4, 2005, Taji, Iraq
Specialist Joshua S. Marcum, 33 Arkansas Army National Guard
January 4, 2005, Taji, Iraq
Sergeant Damien T. Ficek, 26 Washington Army National Guard
December 30, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Craig L. Nelson, 21 Louisiana Army National Guard
December 29, 2004, National Naval Medical Center (injured in Baghdad, Iraq)
Staff Sergeant Todd D. Olson, 36 Wisconsin Army National Guard
December 27, 2004, Samarra, Iraq
First Lieutenant Christopher W. Barnett, 32 Louisiana Army National Guard
December 23, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist David A. Ruhren, 20 Virginia Army National Guard
December 21, 2004, Mosul, Iraq
Sergeant Lynn R. Poulin Sr., 47 Maine Army National Guard
December 21, 2004, Mosul, Iraq
Specialist Nicholas C. Mason, 20 Virginia Army National Guard
December 21, 2004, Mosul, Iraq
Specialist Thomas J. Dostie, 20 Maine Army National Guard
December 21, 2004, Mosul, Iraq
Specialist Robert W. Hoyt, 21 Connecticut Army National Guard
December 11, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
First Lieutenant Andrew C. Shields, 25 South Carolina Army National Guard
December 9, 2004, Mosul, Iraq
Chief Warrant Officer Patrick D. Leach, 39 South Carolina Army National Guard
December 9, 2004, Mosul, Iraq
Corporal Joseph O. Behnke, 45 New York Army National Guard
December 4, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Henry E. Irizarry, 38 New York Army National Guard
December 3, 2004, Taji, Iraq
Specialist David M. Fisher, 21 New York Army National Guard
December 1, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Christian P. Engeldrum, 39 New York Army National Guard
November 29, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Private First Class Wilfredo F. Urbina, 29 New York Army National Guard
November 29, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Michael A. Smith, 24 Arkansas Army National Guard
November 26, 2004, Walter Reed Army Medical Center (injured in Baghdad, Iraq)
Specialist David L. Roustum, 22 New York Army National Guard
November 20, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Michael C. Ottolini, 45 California Army National Guard
November 10, 2004, Balad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Wisdom, 39 Kansas Army National Guard
November 8, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Don A. Clary, 21 Kansas Army National Guard
November 8, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Quoc Binh Tran, 26 California Army National Guard
November 7, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Cody L. Wentz, 21 North Dakota Army National Guard
November 4, 2004, Iraq
Specialist Segun Frederick Akintade, 34 New York Army National Guard
October 28, 2004, Abd Allah, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Jerome Lemon, 42 South Carolina Army National Guard
October 27, 2004, Balad, Iraq
Sergeant Dennis J. Boles, 46 Florida Army National Guard
October 24, 2004, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
Specialist Alan J. Burgess, 24 New Hampshire Army National Guard
October 15, 2004, Mosul, Iraq
Specialist Ronald W. Baker, 34 Arkansas Army National Guard
October 13, 2004, Landstuhl, Germany (injured in Taji, Iraq)
Staff Sergeant Michael S. Voss, 35 North Carolina Army National Guard
October 8, 2004, Tikrit, Iraq
Specialist Jessica L. Cawvey, 21 Illinois Army National Guard
October 6, 2004, Fallujah, Iraq
Sergeant Christopher S. Potts, 38 Rhode Island Army National Guard
October 3, 2004, Taji, Iraq
Sergeant Russell L. Collier, 48 Arkansas Army National Guard
October 3, 2004, Taji, Iraq
Sergeant Michael A. Uvanni, 27 New York Army National Guard
October 1, 2004, Samarra, Iraq
Specialist Clifford L. Moxley, Jr., 51 Pennsylvania Army National Guard
September 25, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist David W. Johnson, 37 Oregon Army National Guard
September 25, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Lance J. Koenig, 33 North Dakota Army National Guard
September 22, 2004, Tikrit, Iraq
Sergeant Foster Pinkston, 47 Georgia Army National Guard
September 16, 2004, Eisenhower Army Medical Center (non-combat related illness)
Sergeant Benjamin W. Isenberg, 27 Oregon Army National Guard
September 13, 2004, Taji, Iraq
Staff Sergeant David J. Weisenburg, 26 Oregon Army National Guard
September 13, 2004, Taji, Iraq
Specialist Tomas Garces, 19 Texas Army National Guard
September 6, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Charles R. Lamb, 23 Illinois Army National Guard
September 5, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Shawna M. Morrison, 26 Illinois Army National Guard
September 5, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Bruce J. Pollema, 30 Iowa Army National Guard
August 27, 2004, Enroute to Mobilization Station
Specialist Dustin S. Colby, 20 Iowa Army National Guard
August 27, 2004, Enroute to Mobilization Station
Second Lieutenant Matthew R. Stovall, 25 Mississippi Army National Guard
August 22, 2004, Mosul, Iraq
First Lieutenant Charles L. Wilkins III, 38 Ohio Army National Guard
August 20, 2004, Samarra, Iraq
Private First Class Ryan A. Martin, 22 Ohio Army National guard
August 20, 2004, Samarra, Iraq
Specialist Donald R. McCune, 20 Washington Army National Guard
August 5, 2004, Landstuhl, Germany (injured in Balad, Iraq)
Private First Class Ken W. Leisten, 20 Oregon Army National Guard
July 28, 2004, Taji, Iraq
Sergeant DeForest L. Talbert, 22 West Virginia Army National Guard
July 27, 2004, Baladruc, Iraq
Specialist Craig S. Frank, 24 Michigan Army National Guard
July 17, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Jeremy J. Fischer, 26 Nebraska Army National Guard
July 11, 2004, Samarra, Iraq
Sergeant First Class Linda Ann Tarango-Griess, 33 Nebraska Army National Guard
July 11, 2004, Samarra, Iraq
Specialist Jeremiah W. Schmunk, 21 Washington Army National Guard
July 8, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Michael C. Barkey, 22 Ohio Army National Guard
July 7, 2004, Ar Ramadi, Iraq
Private First Class Samuel R. Bowen, 38 Ohio Army National Guard
July 7, 2004, Samarra, Iraq
Captain Christopher S. Cash, 36 North Carolina Army National Guard
June 24, 2004, Baqubah, Iraq
Specialist Daniel A. Desens, 20 North Carolina Army National Guard
June 24, 2004, Baqubah, Iraq
Second Lieutenant Andre D. Tyson, 33 California Army National Guard
June 22, 2004, Balad, Iraq
Specialist Patrick R. McCaffrey Sr., 34 California Army National Guard
June 22, 2004, Balad, Iraq
Specialist Eric S. McKinley, 24 Oregon Army National Guard
June 13, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Jamie A. Gray, 29 Vermont Army National Guard
June 7, 2004, Scania, Iraq
Sergeant Humberto F. Timoteo, 25 New Jersey Army National Guard
June 5, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Ryan E. Doltz, 26 New Jersey Army National Guard
June 5, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Christopher M. Duffy, 26 New Jersey Army National Guard
June 4, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
First Lieutenant Erik. S. McCrae, 25 Oregon Army National Guard
June 4, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Frank T. Carvill, 51 New Jersey Army National Guard
June 4, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Justin L. Eyerly, 23 Oregon Army National Guard
June 4, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Justin W. Linden, 22 Oregon Army National Guard
June 4, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Alan N. Bean Jr., 22 Vermont Army National Guard
May 25, 2004, Forward Operating Base Kalsu (Iskandariyah, Iraq)
Private First Class Daniel P. Unger, 19 California Army National Guard
May 25, 2004, Forward Operating Base Kalsu (Iskandariyah, Iraq)
Sergeant Kevin F. Sheehan, 36 Vermont Army National Guard
May 25, 2004, Forward Operating Base Kalsu (Iskandariyah, Iraq)
Specialist Jeremy L. Ridlen, 23 Illinois Army National Guard
May 23, 2004, East Fallujah, Iraq
Sergeant First Class Troy L. Miranda, 44 Arkansas Army National Guard
May 20, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant William D. Chaney, 59 Illinois Army National Guard
May 18, 2004, Landstuhl, Germany
Specialist Carl F. Curran, 22 Pennsylvania Army National Guard
May 16, 2004, Al Karmah, Iraq
Specialist Mark J. Kasecky, 20 Pennsylvania Army National Guard
May 16, 2004, Al Karmah, Iraq
Specialist Jeffrey R. Shaver, 26 Washington Army National Guard
May 12, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Kyle A. Brinlee, 21 Oklahoma Army National Guard
May 11, 2004, Al Asad, Iraq
Specialist James J. Holmes, 28 North Dakota Army National Guard
May 8, 2004, Landstuhl, Germany (Injuries received in Iraq)
Specialist Philip D. Brown, 21 North Dakota Army National Guard
May 8, 2004, Balad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Hesley Box, Jr., 24 Arkansas Army National Guard
May 6, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Joshua S. Ladd, 20 Mississippi Army National Guard
May 1, 2004, Mosul, Iraq
Sergeant Landis W. Garrison, 23 Illinois Army National Guard
April 29, 2004, Abu Gharb, Iraq
Sergeant Sherwood R. Baker, 30 Pennsylvania Army National Guard
April 26, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Kenneth A. Melton, 30 Arkansas Army National Guard
April 25, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Captain Arthur L. Felder, 36 Arkansas Army National Guard
April 24, 2004, Taji, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Billy J. Orton, 41 Arkansas Army National Guard
April 24, 2004, Taji, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Cory W. Brooks, 32 South Dakota Army National Guard
April 24, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Patrick Kordsmeier, 49 Arkansas Army National Guard
April 24, 2004, Taji, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Stacey C. Brandon, 35 Arkansas Army National Guard
April 24, 2004, Taji, Iraq
Sergeant First Class William W. Labadie, 45 Arkansas Army National Guard
April 24, 2004, Taji, Iraq
Specialist Christopher D. Gelineau, 23 Maine Army National Guard
April 20, 2004, Mosul, Iraq
Specialist Dennis B. Morgan, 22 South Dakota Army National Guard
April 17, 2004, Iskandariyah, Iraq
First Lieutenant Robert L. Henderson, 33 Kentucky Army National Guard
April 17, 2004, Diwaniyah, Iraq
Private First Class Nathan P. Brown, 21 New York Army National Guard
April 11, 2004, Samarra, Iraq
Sergeant Felix M. Delgreco, 22 Connecticut Army National Guard
April 9, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Michelle M. Witmer, 20 Wisconsin Army National Guard
April 9, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Jeremiah J. Holmes, 27 New Hampshire Army National Guard
March 29, 2004, near Balad, Iraq
First Lieutenant Michael W. Vega, 41 California Army National Guard
March 20, 2004, Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Sergeant Ivory L. Phipps, 44 Illinois Army National Guard
March 17, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Master Sergeant Thomas Thigpen, Sr, 52 South Carolina Army National Guard
March 16, 2004, Camp Virginia, Kuwait
Sergeant William J. Normandy, 42 Vermont Army National Guard
March 15, 2004, Camp Virginia, Kuwait
Specialist Jocelyn L. Carrasquill, 28 North Carolina Army National Guard
March 13, 2004, Iraq
Specialist Christopher M. Taylor, 25 Alabama Army National Guard
February 16, 2004, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Eric U. Ramirez, 31 California Army National Guard
February 12, 2004, Abu Ghurayb, Iraq
Specialist Elijah T. Wong, 42 Arizona Army National Guard
February 9, 2004, Sinjar, Iraq
Specialist Joshua L. Knowles, 23 Iowa Army National Guard
February 5, 2004, Baghdad International Airport
Sergeant Keith L. Smette, 25 North Dakota Army National Guard
January 24, 2004, Fallujah, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Kenneth W. Hendrickson, 41 North Dakota Army National Guard
January 24, 2004, Fallujah, Iraq
Specialist Michael G. Mihalakis, 18 California Army National Guard
December 26, 2003, Baghdad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Michael J. Sutter, 28 Michigan Army National Guard
December 26, 2003, Baqubah, Iraq
Specialist Nathan W. Nakis, 19 Oregon Army National Guard
December 16, 2003, Mosul, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Aaron T. Reese, 31 Ohio Army National Guard
December 10, 2003, south of Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Todd M. Bates, 20 Ohio Army National Guard
December 10, 2003, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Raphael S. Davis, 24 Mississippi Army National Guard
December 2, 2003, Tampa, Iraq
Specialist Aaron J. Sissel, 22 Iowa Army National Guard
November 29, 2003, Haditha, Iraq
Corporal Darrell L. Smith, 28 Indiana Army National Guard
November 23, 2003, Baghdad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Nathan J. Bailey, 46 Tennessee Army National Guard
November 12, 2003, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
Specialist Robert A. Wise, 21 Florida Army National Guard
November 12, 2003, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist James A. Chance III, 25 Mississippi Army National Guard
November 6, 2003, Husaybah, Iraq
Sergeant Paul F. Fisher, 39 Iowa Army National Guard
November 6, 2003, Homberg, Germany
First Lieutenant Brian D. Slavenas, 30 Illinois Army National Guard
November 2, 2003, Al Fallujah, Iraq
Chief Warrant Officer Bruce A. Smith, 41 Iowa Army National Guard
November 2, 2003, Al Fallujah, Iraq
Private Algernon Adams, 36 South Carolina Army National Guard
October 28, 2003, St. Mere, Iraq
Sergeant Aubrey D. Bell, 33 Alabama Army National Guard
October 27, 2003, Baghdad, Iraq
Captain John R. Teal, 31 Virginia Army National Guard
October 23, 2003, Iraq
Private First Class Paul J. Bueche, 19 Alabama Army National Guard
October 21, 2003, Balad, Iraq
Specialist Michael L. Williams, 46 New York Army National Guard
October 17, 2003, near Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Darrin K. Potter, 24 Kentucky Army National Guard
September 29, 2003, near Abu Ghraib Prison, I
Sergeant First Class Robert E. Rooney, 43 Massachusetts Army National Guard
September 25, 2003, Shuabai Port, in Kuwait
Captain Robert L. Lucero, 34 Wyoming Army National Guard
September 25, 2003, Tikrit, Iraq
Specialist Michael Andrade, 28 Rhode Island Army National Guard
September 24, 2003, Baghdad, Iraq
Sergeant Charles T. Caldwell, 38 Rhode Island Army National Guard
September 1, 2003, Baghdad, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Joseph Camara, 40 Rhode Island Army National Guard
September 1, 2003, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Darryl T. Dent, 21 Washington, D.C Army National Guard
August 26, 2003, Arimadi, Iraq
Staff Sergeant Bobby C. Franklin, 38 North Carolina Army National Guard
August 20, 2003, Baghdad, Iraq
Private First Class David M. Kirchhoff, 31 Iowa Army National Guard
August 14, 2003, Landstuhl, Germany
Staff Sergeant David S. Perry, 36 California Army National Guard
August 10, 2003, Baquabah, Iraq
Sergeant Floyd G. Knighten Jr, 55 Louisiana Army National Guard
August 9, 2003, Iraq
Specialist Brandon Ramsey, 21 Illinois Army National Guard
August 8, 2003, Tallil, Iraq
Staff Sergeant David L. Loyd, 44 Tennessee Army National Guard
August 5, 2003, Kuwait
Sergeant Heath A. McMillin, 29 New York Army National Guard
July 27, 2003, Al-Haswah, Iraq
Specialist Jon P. Fettig, 30 North Dakota Army National Guard
July 22, 2003, Ar Ramadi, Iraq
Sergeant First Class Christopher R. Willoughby, 29 Georgia Army National Guard
July 20, 2003, Iraq
Specialist Joshua M. Neusche, 20 Missouri Army National Guard
July 12, 2003, Germany
Sergeant Roger D. Rowe, 54 Tennessee Army National Guard
July 9, 2003, Iraq
Sergeant First Class Craig A. Boling, 38 Indiana Army National Guard
July 8, 2003, Camp Wolf, Kuwait
Private Robert L. McKinley, 23 Indiana Army National Guard
July 8, 2003, Homberg, Germany
Specialist Jeffrey M. Wershow, 22 Florida Army National Guard
July 6, 2003, Baghdad, Iraq
Specialist Richard P. Orengo, 32 Puerto Rico Army National Guard
June 26, 2003, An Najaf, Iraq
Specialist Jeremy J. Loveless, 22 Alabama Army National Guard
April 28, 2003, Ft. Benning, GA
Corporal John T. Rivero, 23 Florida Army National Guard
April 17, 2003, Iraq
Specialist Richard A. Goward, 32 Michigan Army National Guard
April 14, 2003, Iraq
Specialist George A. Mitchell, 35 Maryland Army National Guard
April 7, 2003, Iraq
Specialist William Andrew Jeffries, 39 Indiana Army National Guard
March 31, 2003, Spain

Operation Enduring Freedom
Specialist Anthony S. Cometa, 21 Neveda Army National Guard
June 16, 2005, Safwan, Kuwait
Sergeant Michael J. Kelley, 26 Massachusetts Army National Guard
June 8, 2005, Shkin, Afghanistan
Private First Class Kyle M. Hemauer, 21 Virginia Army National Guard
May 24, 2005, Afghanistan
Specialist Chrystal G. Stout, 23 South Carolina Army National Guard
April 6, 2005, Ghazni, Afghanistan
Sergeant Stephen C. High, 45 South Carolina Army National Guard
April 6, 2005, Ghazni, Afghanistan
Specialist Brett M. Hershey, 23 Indiana Army National Guard
March 26, 2005, Kabul, Afghanistan
Captain Michael T. Fiscus, 36 Indiana Army National Guard
March 26, 2005, Kabul, Afghanistan
Master Sergeant Michael T. Hiester, 33 Indiana Army National Guard
March 26, 2005, Kabul, Afghanistan
Private First Class Norman K. Snyder, 21 Indiana Army National Guard
March 26, 2005, Kabul, Afghanistan
Specialist James C. Kearney, III, 22 Iowa Army National Guard
November 1, 2004, Salerno, Afghanistan
Staff Sergeant Alan L. Rogers, 49 Utah Army National Guard
September 29, 2004, Bagram, Afghanistan
Sergeant Bobby E. Beasley, 36 Virginia Army National Guard
August 7, 2004, Ghazikel, Afghanistan
Staff Sergeant Craig W. Cherry, 39 Virginia Army National Guard
August 7, 2004, Ghazikel, Afghanistan
Private First Class Brandon J. Wadman, 19 Florida Army National Guard
May 5, 2004, Afghanistan
Master Sergeant Herbert R. Claunch, 58 Alabama Army National Guard
April 18, 2004, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Sergeant Roy A. Wood, 47 Flordia Army National Guard
January 9, 2004, Kabul, Afghanistan
Sergeant Theodore L. Perreault, 33 Massachusetts Army National Guard
December 23, 2003, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Private Kristian E. Parker, 23 Louisiana Army National Guard
September 29, 2003, Camp AS Sayliyah, Qatar
Sergeant Christopher P. Geiger, 38 Pennsylvania Army National Guard
July 9, 2003, Bagram, Afghanistan
Specialist Brian M. Clemens, 19 Indiana Army National Guard
February 7, 2003, Kuwait
Sergeant Michael C. Barry, 29 Missouri Army National Guard
February 1, 2003, Qatar
Sergeant Gene A. Vance, Jr., 38 West Virginia Army National Guard
May 19, 2002, Afghanistan
Sergeant First Class Daniel A. Romero, 30 Colorado Army National Guard
April 15, 2002, Afghanistan

Operation Noble Eagle
Specialist Timothy J. Lewis, 45 DC Army National Guard
November 19, 2002, Ft. Myer, VA
Staff Sergeant Kenneth Cropper, 49 Maryland Army National Guard
March 20, 2002, Fort Myer, Va.
Sergeant Alex J. Cox, 38 Texas Army National Guard
November 22, 2001, Ft. Sam Houston, TX

[cally]

49. Where did you find that list?

I'm printing this out with tears in my eyes. Some other parent is mourning their death. :cry:

[Fleshdancer]

55. It brought me to tears too. Here's the link:

It's on the Army National Guard website:

http://www.arng.army.mil/news/memorial/

[Lars39]

40. Here's a lot of hardball links I've saved.

Hope they help. :hug:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1106095

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=262063

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-02-06-reservists_x.htm

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=916195

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=684535

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=2275887

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1006353

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=289200

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1128035

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1323271

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=736996

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/12/18/eveningnews/main589380.shtml

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=502698

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=512046

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1077045

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=103&topic_id=74812

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1009650

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1218483

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=2444732

http://www.thememoryhole.org/war/coffin_photos/dover/

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=3013744

[cally]

50. Thanks...I'll start through them

:hug:

[LynnTheDem]

45. Her first stop will be Iraq.

Or Afghanistan.

[cally]

52. I know

I just have to convince her. Thanks.

[LynnTheDem]

60. If she wants, she can talk on the phone to my army soldier husband.

Inbox me if you like.

[UdoKier]

51. Maybe suggest she try the Peace Corps instead?

nt

[July]

56. My brother-in-law's NG son is about to do his 2nd tour in Iraq.

The recruiters lie. Period.

[ebayfool]

57. Who was the trusted adult that told her differently?

With 'friends' like that ... you know?

I've been through the teenage-daughter-everyone-else-knows-more-than-mom wars. :hug: You just have to hand on & try to keep her safe & in the states till she grows out of that stage. Then she'll decide that moms are the smartest thing since the abacus - gawd, that's a great day!

[mopaul]

58. you better have a long talk to ease your mind at least

my son wanted to join the army during bush war one, i told him i'd be proud either way, but i did my best to talk him out of it. he didn't go.

[greatauntoftriplets]

59. cally, maybe my nephew's story will help you.

My nephew enlisted in the Army at age 19 (he is now 25), signing up for the infantry. After graduating from basic training at Fort Benning, he pulled what is probably the finest posting in the Army for the remainder of his four years of active duty -- Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.

He was extremely lucky....his unit was not sent to Iraq until six months after he got off active duty, although he had joined the Illinois National Guard. The family breathed a collective sigh of relief when he did not re-enlist for another four years of active, because we knew that was under consideration.

So, two years ago this month, he came back to Chicago (somewhat reluctantly) from Hawaii and in the fall entered Southern Illinois University. Shortly after his regular army unit was deployed to Iraq, he received the news that his Guard unit was going to be deployed to Afghanistan...no firm date, but the news that they would train four days every other weekend left him no alternative but to withdraw from school after completing one semester.

His Guard unit was lucky. In the end, the deployment never occurred. But, he figured they ultimately would be deployed somewhere and so decided to get out. Which he did last June, sacrificing some extra money he had been promised plus a well-deserved promotion to sergeant.

The reason he got out? He found the National Guard unit so poorly trained, so unready for combat that he literally was afraid to be deployed with them. He liked the guys and worked hard to bring them up to speed...even though he was a grunt like most of the rest of them. But he felt that their ovrall unreadiness was more likely to get them -- and himself -- killed.

Good luck with your daughter.

[Skwmom]

61. If she signs up she might as well pack her bags for Iraq. e/o/m

[Carni]

62. Is she a small girl in size?

Lock her in her room!

But seriously speaking...do a google search on the Iraq war and show her some photos of what's going on (or what went on during the first gulf war because I doubt there's anything out there on this one)

If that won't work then take her to a VA hospital.