I sent this letter to RA - A few people picked this up from the

[Joe for Clark]

Presidents press conference - but it was genuinely scary what happened.

There are some things you NEVER do. In fact I was responding to a letter he sent about that very subject.

He was right.

Honor the intent.

DO NOT comment on KIA or WIA - before the dod can contact family - not ever. DO NOT hint of troops movements or extensions before they do.

BUT YOU NEVER EVER EVER give information that can result in the deaths of our kids - I MEAN UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES.

I am sure I am not the only one he is hearing from now on this. And he has been ok - so don't bother him - he has a lot of stuff to deal with right now.

I think you all understand - so no elaboration needed.

Major Robert J Bennett
MAJ, FA
Rear Detachment Commander
3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2d Infantry Division
Fort Lewis, WA 98433

Major Bennett:

You should be aware, if this has not yet been pointed out to you, that last week there a press conference that President Bush gave. I hope you saw it.

I watch it horrified about that certain graphic he used in that press conference. Besides the thought in my mind “Get that thing off the screen”, I believe he gave enough information in that map to get kids killed. Enough to figure out where they should concentrate mortars – at least that.

Somebody better point this out to his staff.

Thank you for your good work in keeping us up to date. You are doing a very good job.
And I appreciate just how difficult your position really is. By the way – that they went around you in the extension announcement – we know they did.

I certainly hope I not the only one to point this out. If I am wrong, please tell me I am wrong – why I am wrong. We can tolerate no more “Geraldo” moments with our kid’s lives.

Again, thank you for what you are doing for us.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Who is RA?

[Joe for Clark]

4. I think I responded to the wrong person.

RA is rear attachment. He is the guy they leave behind to deal with the crap.

Joe

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. OK, thanks -- I understand. Good letter, btw.

[Joe for Clark]

6. I hope all is well with you Ocelot.

You can get immersed in terms, sometimes - and I shouldn't have thrown them out - and I did. I try to think about it before I post- but I didn't this time. You were right to ask the question.

It was a fine question.

Joe

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

7. Thanks--

:hi:

[annabanana]

2. It's a good letter.

I saw the Paul Rieckhoff piece on Olbermann where he brought that up. He was really upset.

[Joe for Clark]

3. I waited until I thought he got it - the letter.

I don't take the news very seriously anymore. Some things happened once - and I knew just how full of shit they were - if I can say that.

I don't know who Paul R is really.

But I saw that "graphic" - and my thoughts went - well, why don't you just post the mortar grids in you idiots. It is more than that - not just mortars that could be used. It is the obvious thing. But it is deeper.

RA - that is the rear attachment officer.

However you guys knew there was something seriously wrong with this - you knew.

Joe