Just a matter of time

[unhappycamper]

http://www.ivaw.org/


Chris Ritter
Branch of service: Army National Guard of the United States (ARNG)
Unit: Co B 2nd 149 avn
Rank: SSG/E-6
Home: norman, Oklahoma
Served in: NAS North Island CA, USS Enterprise,USS Independence, NAS LeMoore CA, China Lake CA, Tinker AFB,OK currently at Muldrow Army heliport,OK 3 wes-pacs to Persian Gulf, Operation Praying Mantis-88,Iraqi Invasion 2003

In May 2007 I will have 20 years in the military. Joined the Navy in 87, switched to Guard in 2000. Currently a full time Technician in the OKLA Guard as a CH-47 flight crewman. Deployed 3 times to Persian gulf in 80's-90's and from March - September 2003 for the invasion of Iraq. Stationed at Arifjan (anyone remember the 3000+ warehouses?), Talil and flew daily to all points Iraq. I am very alone here in my opinion as this is Bible belt/red state country but am trying to make change one person,one soldier at a time. Scheduled to re-deploy as part of the "Surge To Victory?" April 2008.




Just a matter of time
by Chris Ritter | Sat, 09/22/2007 - 4:23pm

As an active duty member of IVAW, I've always known it was just a matter of time before someone tracked me down to question my loyalty. I recently logged on to my Army mail account and mixed in with all the work related business I find a letter from an individual who had nothing better to do than check our website and send me his thoughts about my membership. He clearly did not read all of my profile. I felt a bit invaded at first but then realized the individual had to scratch his head and think why would someone join IVAW and stay in the military. Here is a great reason or two. I LOVE my job and would not trade it for anything. I also LOVE my country and fellow service members enough to care and not stand silently by while they die for this administration's pride and contractor's wealth. He said he will return to Iraq next spring as well. Perhaps we will meet when he needs heli-born insertion, or critical cargo on time on target. It's funny. Everyone in my unit from my peers to the CMDR knows of my views and efforts to support and effect change. They support and respect me. As aircrewman we must place total trust in each other in our flight duties and that has not been affected whatsoever. They also know that when we deploy I give 150% to the mission. The soldiers and marines just like us deserve, expect and will get no less. The fact that I do it for them and my unit does not mean I have to spout the propaganda and lies that make up the justification for our invasion and occupation of Iraq.


http://www.ivaw.org/

[midnight]

1. Unhappycamper hang in there. I know the powers that be want

this war to go on and on, but it will end. I have great hopes before April 2008. Your dedication and thoughts are inspiring. I don't know how your navigate with so many thoughtless decisions being made with your life and those of your military peers. Today I read a post on D.U., the political lobby, that states that Dorthy day a Catholic worker house is asking for like minded individuals like your self to say no to this war. It does sound like you are ready to be there for the Army at a moment's notice, but not all religious folks are asking for this blind sacrifice. I thought it would be something you could think about.