Lynch: 15-month tours ‘traumatic’

[unhappycamper]

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch
Says soldiers have turned around Triangle of Death


Lynch: 15-month tours ‘traumatic’
By Russ Bynum - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 3, 2008 6:46:47 EDT

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Returning home from 15 months in Iraq, Fort Stewart’s commanding general said Monday adding three months to Army combat tours has proven “more traumatic” for troops — including himself.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re the private or the general, 15 months is a long time,” said Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, who applauded the Army’s decision to return to 12-month Iraq tours next year.

Lynch, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said spending more than a year separated from their families meant many troops missed several special occasions twice.

Lynch was no exception. His wife celebrated two birthdays while he was deployed.

“From a personal perspective, in those extra three months, you miss two of something,” Lynch after arriving at Hunter Army Airfield on a plane with 265 troops. “In my case, I missed two of Sarah’s birthdays. Some of my soldiers missed two anniversaries. ... That made it even more traumatic.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_lynch_060208/

[midnight]

1. I could never imagine these demands on a maririage.

[CRK7376]

2. Afghanistan

followed by an unaccompanied year in Korea....missed lots of birthdays, anniversaries, school events....But you know that going into a military career...still hurts though...