Say Thanks to Our Troops

[Jeffersons Ghost]

This Holiday Season, Say Thanks to Our Troops

As we gather with our friends and families to celebrate the holiday season, take a moment to thank our brave men and women overseas who continue to put their lives on the line to protect America.

Many of our troops spend the holidays away from their loved ones, and a few words of encouragement can brighten their holiday season.

You can help support our troops, lift their spirits, and honor their service by joining the USO and thanking our troops right now.

http://action.uso.org/action/sem-thank-you-holiday?sc=OM-gadw-p_GeneralMilitary-search_trooper

[Kaleva]

1. Thanks!

[elocs]

2. I do thank our troops, but I don't buy the line that they are putting their lives on the line

to protect America. Yes, they are putting their lives on the line and it was their choice just as someone who chooses to be a cop or a firefighter, but I don't believe it is truly being done to protect America.

I have a godson who will be 22 in February and he enlisted when he was 17 and without a high school degree, but just a GED. Beforehand I warned him that he would likely end up in Iraq or Afghanistan and it turned out to be the Korengal Valley (same place as "Restrepo") in Afghanistan. He had 3 close friends killed there and he is now stationed in Germany but my guess is that he will end up with another tour in Afghanistan. I don't believe for a second that while he was in Afghanistan that he was putting his life of the line to protect America, but he was putting his life of the line in a foolish war for the benefit of something or someone else other than his country.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

3. The first National Guard units that were activated had no choice...

They were sent to Iraq by Bush with no training in urban combat.

[elocs]

9. Their choice was when they volunteered to join.

If you choose to join the armed services, National Guard or otherwise, there is always the potential you will be placed in harm's way or be asked to kill people or blow up things. To believe otherwise is not reality.

[gateley]

4. But I think many of them believe it, and I never disabuse them of their beliefs.

I can't imagine anything more helpless than feeling that you are putting your life on the line for political gain.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

5. sickening isn't it?

[gateley]

6. Yes. Heartbreaking. nt

[elocs]

10. No need because many will come to that conclusion on their own.

Being patriotic and believing lies does not make one stupid forever.

[lanlady]

7. I honor ALL of our young people

Those who entered the military just as much as those who elected to join the Peace Corps. Those who chose to take on tens of thousands in debt to get a university education, and those who are struggling in this economy to start a family and hold onto that first real job. All of our children are special.

[Mudoria]

8. Thanks to those brave folks in the military this holiday season!

:patriot: