My nephew is being sent to Afghanistan.

[greatauntoftriplets]

He is 23.

He got out of the regular Army last June, joined the National Guard, and started college. Now his National Guard unit is being deployed to Afghanistan in a couple of months after more training for the mission they are being sent on. He will not leave until they finish the mission-specific training.

I know that I am not the only person on DU in this predicament. We have to get rid of that idiot in the White House.

[Andy_Stephenson]

1. I'm crying with you

I hate BUSH I really really do.

[proud patriot]

2. Oh man

:-(

[Kathy in Cambridge]

3. I'm so sorry

November can't come soon enough.

[MsUnderstood]

4. Family in the war

I have a cousin going to Iraq (he actually wants to go) and some second cousins already in Afghanistan.

It is frightening that we are still sending troops over--I heard over the weekend of a massive troop replacement to bring home 130,000 troops and send back 110,000 troops. How many more soldiers need to EXPERIENCE the trauma of war?

I know that when a person enlists in the military or in the reserves they do so with the full knowledge that we can go to war at anytime, but how many thought we would take an offensive action towards war (we'll get em first) rather than the historic defensive?

[arwalden]

5. I Hate It Too...

Even though they are "adults" they are so young... just kids.

-- Allen

[noonwitch]

6. That's too bad about your son going over there

I'm opposed to the war in Iraq, but I think that the effort in Afganistan is a different matter, as it is where al Queda was holed up after 9-11. I didn't like the US bombing Kabul, a major city, but had no problems with the US bombing the hell out of the mountains and caves where the terrorists were holed up.
I also think that the soldiers who are serving there, as dangerous as it is, are doing good things for the people of Afganistan. You can be very proud that your son is helping to establish a democracy in one of the most backwards countries in the world and helping some of the poorest people in the world get food, water, shelter, clothing and medical treatment. Of course, you are worried about him and I hope and pray that he will return safely to you after his service.

[greatauntoftriplets]

13. He is going over in a combat capacity.

Today he started the process to withdraw from college.

[seventhson]

7. May the angels protect him

at least it not Iraq. It seems a lot safer in Afghanistan.

My prayers are with all of you and especially with him.

[XNASA]

8. I hope he stays safe.

Maybe all this madness will end before too long.

In the meantime, do you think you can ask him if he can get a good Kashmiri Lamb Biryani recipe for me?

[prolesunited]

9. May he remain safe

The situation there seems to have calmed down. Make sure you get him on DU's care package list.

:hug: to you and your family.

[greatauntoftriplets]

10. Thanks all.

He is in the 178th infantry based in Aurora, IL.

[GOPisEvil]

11. Oh no! I hope he stays safe.

:-(

[Mrs. Venation]

12. My Nephew Is A Light Of My Life

I can only imagine how you must be feeling right now. I'd fight a wildcat to keep Devin from harm; I'd give my life for him in a heartbeat. My prayers are with you, and your nephew.

I despise this administration.

[Pobeka]

14. I am sorry to hear that. I wish the best for him.

I hate the Bush cabal. I know of no group of snakes lower than those slithering sacks of dog vomit in our society right now. I wish it was the chickenhawks getting sent over to serve in Iraq right now, perhaps they might learn a little respect for human life.

[ncrainbowgrrl]

15. My friend's bro just got back from afghanistan

He's fine, happy to be back and really buff (not a bad thing!)...

Just wanted to let you know that it will be okay, and that all of us will be thinking about you and your nephew!