[Mr.CMinor]

There are thousands of people in the Us Military stationed overseas in the middle east and of other countries. We are all just doing our jobs. Most of us in harms way. I just wonder if we are going to get parades when we return home or will we get treated like the guys who returned for Vietnam.

I just recently had a conversation with my wife who informed me that some kid came home from Iraq that had lost both of his legs. In the small town where we live in TX that is a big deal to the people there. But saddly I have to say he is not the only one to suffer any pain there are hundreds just like him returning home after treatment and recovery on a weekly basis. We are all special though, what about the guys that make it through one tour and then volunteer to go back for second and third tours. Trust me when I tell you those are the true Patriots because the accomodations are not that great and neither is the Pay for that matter.
Considering the risk you run into of loosing life and limb.

I am just saying, will I get a parade or will I be looked at differently when I return home. Knowing that people back home have no Idea the things I have seen or the experiences I have had. I just dont want to be judged for doing my job and supporting the constitution of the US and the President.

[Reitpferde]

If I lived anywhere near you, I would grab my family and give you a parade with a BBQ to boot. I am traveling alot for my job. I am happy to tell you, that I see our soldiers/sailors coming home to big fan fares staged at the airports. EVERYTIME I see that, it brings tears to my eyes. I have a soft spot for you guys for a number of reasons: I served in the Army during Desert Storm (did not get deployed, I have to admit, but signed up because of it), and two of my close friends are over there. One is a Cpt in the Marines; the other a LtCol in the Army.

Please let us know, when you are home. I'll at least SEND you a parade via HGS!!!

Massive Hug

[County]

I don't think you'll be treated like we were when we came home people are very very much against the war in Iraq and our leaders but that has nothing to do with the troops. But either way come back, go about your life, and know you did your best and your job.

Come back safe and sound.

[Mr.CMinor]

thanks for your replies. just wanted to feel how people thought about the situation

[Lacys Mom]

In my mind, a parade is the very least of what you deserve! And that alone cannot possibly show enough gratitude for your sacrifices. You and all those serving with you, deserve honor, esteem and heartfelt thanks now and for the rest of your lives, not to mention our prayers for you and your families.
I can't speak for localities or the government--but that's how I feel.

[MaggieSue]

I applaud what you're doing, and IMO the War was indeed needed, for many reasons-and I support the President for carrying it thru, as is needed. As was already stated, those coming back are treated well, are looked up to for their service-perhaps a parade, perhaps not...but certainly hope your families will throw huge party for you, and invite everyone!
On top of that, for your service, and this is the biggie-you will get preference for government jobs, you will have the experience of the service for your resume, for the rest of your life. Isn't that why you joined in the first place? For your future? Parades last a day, your VA Status lasts a lifetime.
Godspeed to you, and Bless you all for your service.

[County]

ROTFLMAO Ya that service record did alot of good back in the 70's. If you told them you had been in the service they looked at you like you had 3 heads!! LOL

[doublebarr]

Originally Posted by County

ROTFLMAO Ya that service record did alot of good back in the 70's. If you told them you had been in the service they looked at you like you had 3 heads!! LOL

County - I'm sorry you were not treated well. However, my father was a Veitnam vet, my FIL a Korean War Vet, my Uncle a Gulf War Vet, and there are other in my family that are vets. They were all treated VERY differently than it seems to have been for you. My father retired AirForce, my FIL did not continue his service after his time was up, and my Uncle also retired Marines. They ALL went through college on the military dime, they all have always been treated WELL for their service and felt their time spent both in war and peace time was well used. They STILL have a love for both the Military and this country AND the government that WE elect to run this country. They DEEPLY respect the current President and the reasons we are currently at war. Our family and friends who are still serving currently feel the same way and understand and agree with the reason we are over there.

BTW, all of them lost friends they cared deeply for while fighting, but they never lost sight of the reason for the fight.

Mr.Cminor - God bless you and yours and all the Military personnel who are currently serving. If it was up to me, there would be a parade for each and every one of them that returns. I know from speaking to friends and family in the war areas, both those that are just there "helping" and those that live there, YOU and YOUR BROTHER SERVICEMEN are deeply appreciated and deeply respected for the work you do and the service you give. God Bless You All!

[doublebarr]

And County - be very careful here. This year, we got to see the final "benefit" of what my fathers service to this country meant.

He was diagonoised (spl?) with terminal lung cancer just after Christmas. His health went downhill very fast and we lost him on February 18th. In that time, he was seen and cared for at the VA hospital in Columbia. He spent the last two weeks of his life in the Hospice ward at the hospital. I was there with him EVERY day, sleeping in the WONDERFUL family room that EACH hospice patient has at the hospital. The doctors, nurses and staff were all DEEPLY caring and left their homes in the middle of the night repetidly when HIS DOCTOR was needed. Twice at 2 and 4 in the morning they were roused out of bed and brought to the hospital without hesitation. My father retired a MSgt, so it was not an officer they were "schleping" to care for, it was "just" an enlistee.

This government, this country provided and returned with much interest for his service to this country. I cannot fault it in any way, other than it could not change the end.

And, this was for a Veitnam Vet, the same era, the same war you served in. Yes, I do deeply believe and KNOW that his VA status served him and his family VERY well.

[Gallop N Gal]

If no one gives you a parade I would fly all the way from WI to give you one. You guys truly deserve that at least. Thanks for what you have been doing