Nephew in Iraq - I need to vent

[Minimus]

Some of you may know from my previous posts that my nephew is on his second deployment. He is in the Navy but was linked to a Marine Unit this time around as part of a convoy security detail.

My nephew was in ROTC throughout his school years and his only goal was to serve his country. He is a "by the book" guy and takes his job seriously. Unfortunately this has caused some friction with other guys in his unit because he does not join in when they pull pranks, "tease" the Iraqis, or engage in other such behavior that is unbecoming. My nephew does not have the "kill the ragheads" (their words) mentality of his peers. He feels he is there to help the Iraqi people.

Of course he is not allowed to tell much when he calls but apparently a few weeks back his unit was on a security detail and some unidentified vehicles started approaching. Due to the potential of the vehicles being rigged with explosives chaos ensued, they lost visual contact with some of their convoy, there was much yelling and confusion. We do not know the details of exactly what occurred but my nephew did tell his father that it was a he was actually scared for his life and could tell the others were too.

We do know that no one was killed but whatever happened has resulted in my nephew (along with some others) being pulled from doing convoy details pending an investigation. He is concerned about becoming the fall guy since he is not part of the clique.

My nephew was assigned duties at their base camp (which I think is great since the convoy security detail is so high risk). My nephew doesn't see it that way though. He would rather be doing his job. My sister says he sounds so distraught when he calls. I guess he is losing his morale.

My heart aches for him and the other young guys that have been sent to Iraq for this so called noble cause. They are put in harrowing situations that their "CinC" bush has never had to experience. I want them all to come home!!!

Today I learned that his weapons were taken away until the investigation is complete. (That has to be another blow to his morale).

I also found out that he is now doing guard duty/security rounds at their base area. Can you believe he is doing this unarmed? How can the military call it "guard duty"? They should just call it "taking a stroll around the base".

Like I said, I do not know the details of what happened that day but maybe he will be sent home. That would devastate him but make me happy. I feel guilty but I want him home safe. I want all our young men and women home safe. bush and all his cronies that got deferments and have never served in a war should go fight their noble cause themselves.

End of vent.

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. You are so right to vent. I wonder what can be done to help him?

[Minimus]

2. My husband said he would purposely do something to get discharged

He cannot believe that someone is assigned guard patrol without a weapon.

[Just Me]

3. All I can say is, if you need back-up in sending supportive mail,...

,...and/or "care packages",...just PM me. I'll be there!!! :hug:

You nephew, my brother, all our service men and women need all the support we can give them.

:hug:

[scudrunner]

4. Thoughts and Prayers to your Seabee

I would love to send him and his mates a care package.When my son was in Iraq we tried to send him a package every 2 weeks.I was lucky enough to spend 2 weeks with my sons Seabee Battalion in Gulfport Ms in August.I felt honored and humbled in the presence of those fine young men.