Iraq vet plans to return his medals in protest

[Coexist]

MADISON, Wis. — An Iraq war veteran said Tuesday he is returning his military medals in what anti-war groups are calling a rare and powerful protest.

Josh Gaines, 27, plans to mail the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and National Defense Service Medal to former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. He said he will do so during a protest scheduled for Wednesday in Madison.

“I’m going to give those back because I truly feel that I did not defend my nation and I did not help with the Global War on Terrorism,” said Gaines, who lives in Madison. “If anything, this conflict has bred more terrorism in the Middle East.”

Gaines served a yearlong tour in Iraq between 2004 and 2005 with the U.S. Army Reserve. He spent his time guarding two military bases and issuing ammunition to soldiers but never fired a weapon, he said.

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/09/ap_givebackmedals_070925/

[BOSSHOG]

1. How incredibly sad

How much mysery has bush and his gang of criminals spread around the world? That soldier should have his medals mounted in a shadowbox where he could proudly display them in his home, but he has made the right decision. Nothing proud about working for those incompetent asses.

[Coexist]

2. I agree - for someone who earned something to return it

speaks volumes.

I hate this adminstration and what they have done to our military.

[BOSSHOG]

3. On the other hand

and to lend incredible credence to the Soldier's decision, if bush didn't lie and have to be a war president, the two medals sited would not have been available to be presented to any servicemember.

[Coexist]

4. you are correct.

[Aristus]

5. Bring back Operation Dewey Canyon III.

It was a Vietnam War protest in Washington D.C. attended by war veterans who threw their medals on the steps of the Capitol. Powerful image of angry guys in uniforms, including many disabled veterans showing their contempt for those prolonging the war at the expense of our fighting men.