"At my last home station, we used the basics. But basic is not enough for where we are going," said Senior Airman Robert Wetzel of F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. "'Five and 25!' When you hear that shouted, it means you scan five to 25 meters before stepping out of your vehicle. It's a reminder that complacency will put you and your comrades in jeopardy."
The Airmen felt the time spent training together provided them with a chance to get to know each other and build relationships.
"For the next year, we will be bleeding, sweating, and crying together," said Airman Wetzel. "We are going over there not as Airmen, but as a family."
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123032635He is the son of one of my dad's brothers. This makes another person I know in Iraq. A few of my younger brother's friends are there. Two guys I went to High School with, and one of my kids from when I was a high school wrestling coach is over there too. And, that is just that I know of. So yeah, when give an opinion on the war it is always very personal to me. I do not take it lightly. I think that's what some people who are pro-war and pro-occupation do not get. It isn't a game for me. I don't enjoy arguing on political websites with people over this stuff. The soldiers over in Iraq are not pieces on a chessboard from my perspective. They are not supposed to fight an indefinite rhetorical war. I have known people in my life, friends and relatives, family friends etc who have fought in WW Two, Korea, Vietnam, the current Gulf War and served in the Bosnia peacekeeping mission. War is an ugly thing. Not something to treat in a cavalier manner. Those people who put on the uniform and fight give their lives up for our country. They will jump into a fire if they are told to do so, and they deserve the courtesy of being sent on an honorable mission. One that is righteous and not built on lies. Their lives are worth something. More than this war in Iraq that is for sure.
A yellow ribbon doesn't mean shit. It doesn't make anybody safer, it doesn't get veteran's home safely with adequate health care and proper pay. It doesn't do a thing. Blindly supporting something that has been a complete disaster does not make anybody a patriot.
My cousin is a good kid. I remember when I won my first state freestyle wrestling title years ago. He kept looking at my medal. He was more proud of it and my accomplishments than I was. Our families usually lived in different cities so us relatives did not see each other much. He was so excited to get the chance to spend time with me and to watch me compete. I almost can't believe that little boy is grown up.
Now he's going off to war and will be in my thoughts and prayers.
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