What would you tell the returning American soldiers from Iraq,

[The Backlash Cometh]

This goes to all the activists out there who have been paying attention since 2000. What would you tell an American soldier who was returning from Iraq about why we couldn't stop it? Pretend this soldier was born in a Republican family and went to Iraq for all the right reasons, and now he's returning confused, trying to figure out where we went wrong. Now he has to come back to find his place in this country. What part of his family belief system betrayed him? Where does he go if they haven't changed, but he has?

[frogcycle]

1. related thread

this is not an answer to your question; it just provides insight to the difficulty in answering

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=259&topic_id=4251&mesg_id=4251

[The Backlash Cometh]

7. I printed it out to read later. Thanks.

[gratuitous]

2. Welcome back, now stay put

Your commanders (military and civilian) have abused and broken their trust with you, and you don't owe them one more second of "service."

[madokie]

I would say to them that the way to inter peace is to talk it out

at first it may seem one has no reason to talk but trust me they do and once they do it'll all come out and then they will be much richer for the experience, I didn't and I aren't 40 years later. I was told a strong man didn't go back home and talk about his experience in the battle but as I look back the reason I was told that was so I wouldn't say anything contrary to the official LIE. Talk about it, we want to hear, not so much for the words being said as to the why the words are said. get it off your chest and find peace.

so sad

[lazer47]

4. Bro. it took me 25yrs to learn to talk about it, and have been

talking my ass off for 10yrs now, wish someone had of told us that it was OK and that we were supposed to talk about it when we came home..

[The Backlash Cometh]

6. Do you think their Republican families want to hear what they have to say?

[madokie]

11. prolly not

but its not for them to listen as it is to the Troops to say

[madokie]

9. only since my finding of this place have I really started talking

way to many years late but like it is said, better late than never. Knowing what I know today if I had it to do over I would go to Canada so fast it would make ones head spin. Our war was as wrong as the Troops of today's War is.
I still have not the courage to face the wall even after all these years and the fact the moving wall has been close to here on several occasions.

I hate War and hate doesn't come easy for me.

Peace Bro'

[frogcycle]

13. I have a close friend who was in VN

(I was 4f or this might be first person).

He has never said much about it. All I know is he was shot and sent stateside, but spent about a year in the hosp where psych issues were taken, and is classified as a disabled vet despite no signs of physical impairment.

He goes to DC every year for Veteran's Day. He visits the Wall (he knew a dozen or so of the names), and just sort of roams the sidewalks in the area. He meets other vets, they find a bench and sit down and talk for a while.

He is, by the way, the finest human being I have ever known, both before and after VN.

I think his trips to DC have helped him, but I suspect they have helped others as well. I encourage you to try to "face the Wall."

I have visited twice. I only knew three of them personally. It is an incredible experience. Even I had trepidation, so can certainly understand yours. But walking down that sloping sidewalk, something happens. I am not religious, but the best description I can come up with is a feeling of entering sacred ground. It is gut-wrenching, but cathartic. Somehow, that "feeling" seems to bring a semblance of closure. They are honored there forever, and visiting is a way of affirming that. And those who came back alive are likewise honored. You deserve that.

[madokie]

14. our base was overrun a few days after my departure with many US deaths

I guess that is my problem with going, I don't want to face the reality that as of now is only a possibility that some of my friends there are no longer here

I must go work out in the yard now as it seems to help

Give your friend a hug for me sometime, I need it

[DinahMoeHum]

3. I'd give him a welcome home, then give him a list of organizations

of veterans who have been in his shoes:

Iran-Afghanistan Veterans of America:
www.iava.org

Iraq Veterans Against The War:
www.ivaw.org

Veterans For Peace:
www.veteransforpeace.org

Vote Vets:
www.votevets.org

Etc.

In addition, I'd tell him that these orgs will also help him fight for the benefits owed to him, make sure the government does not renege on those benefits.

:patriot:

[Zywiec]

5. Welcome home Soldier. Can I buy you a beer? n/t

[IndianaJones]

8. Thank you. nt.

[Tyler Durden]

10. How about "I'm Sorry," and MEAN IT.

I am so sorry I haven't done more to stop the war.
I am so sorry the country sent you there in the first place.
I am so sorry your service was spent by the Bush Administration so frivolously.
I am so sorry.

[shadowknows69]

12. I've been telling them

that I have the utmost respect and reverance for what they've gone through and that their Commander in Chief is a fucking moron. Most of them have agreed with me.