My best friend's brother just got orders - going to Iraq.

[StellaBlue]

In March.

He's a great guy, joined the Marines straight out of high school in 1999, planned on making a career of it. He's been stationed on both coasts, and was supposed to be getting a plum assignment, which all the family and friends were excited about and bragging on... but then they suspended the assignment two weeks ago and everyone's been on pins and needles. And now this.

It's more a shock than a surprise, of course. He's just been lucky up til this point. :(

I only know one other person who has been there, a guy I knew in high school who contacted me on Myspace and is stationed in Germany, awaiting his third tour. He said it was a worse hell than we could ever imagine.

My best friend, needless to say, is distracted and depressed and pissed off, all at once. She keeps saying things like, "We're all going home to our grandparents' for our last Christmas with him."

:cry:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I crunched some numbers today, and it looks like going to Iraq in uniform gives you about a one percent chance of getting killed. Injured or maimed, obviously much, much higher.

This is going to touch (and enrage) more and more people. All we can do now is pray for regime change at home (I'm an atheist, but you get my point).

:( :( :( :(

[proud patriot]

1. He'll be in my prayers

:hug:

[Rainscents]

2. I'm so sorry.

My heart bleed for you and your family.

[stellanoir]

3. Oh sweetie

this isn't fair. Let's send him as much strength and love as we can and envision him coming back as healthy and as whole as we can.

hugs to you and his.

[bluemarkers]

4. part of the problem

is simply being in such an awful situation.

Any War. This is why war should always be avoided. Perhaps why Jesus said to turn the other cheek.

Prayers and blessings for you friend, and family.

[StellaBlue]

5. I agree

Though I do feel for him as he is not the gung-ho, pro-violence, brainwashed type. A thoughtful young man. Who joined back when the president was someone we could trust not to kill 3,000 Americans for no legitimate reason.

But I would never join the military, personally. More soldiers need to refuse orders, IMHO, but I do not judge them if they do, or do not.

[bluemarkers]

6. I know

grew up in a miliatry town. It's not my thing, but I'm extremely grateful for the people who choose it as a career.

I remember some of the stories WWII and Korean War Vets used to tell. The Iraqi vets will have experiences no one should have. The vets used to remember sounds and smells, not to mention sights.

I feel bad for all of them. and Bush continues to reduce Vets benefits!!! arrrgh.

[bdamomma]

9. I would go to military prison than to fight in a illegal war, just my opinion.

[StellaBlue]

10. Me, yoo douglas

:(

[Tesha]

11. For whom did he vote? (NT)

[DoYouEverWonder]

7. Same thing just happened

to a young fellow I know. He's been in the Marines since the late 90's. Up until now he's been lucky and has avoided getting sent to Iraq or Afghanistan. He just got his orders that he's going to Iraq in January.

I guess BushCo is digging in for the long haul?

[bdamomma]

8. Oh god, to me that is so sad, my thoughts and prayers are with him.

[Binka]

12. The Marines Are Pushing Ben To Go Back In March As Well

I'm beside myself. We healed him up too good!:cry: I swear I'm going to fly to CA and break both his legs. I am not kidding!:cry:

[w8liftinglady]

13. hugs,Binka-they sent my boy back after he was injured,too.

I'll be thinking of you..