I just got home about 45 minutes ago, and I’m drinking scotch, so this will probably be incoherent, but anyhoo . . .
I just want to offer my thoughts to all of the fine men and women of the SDMB who are active duty members of the military, or members of the reserves or National Guard. As you prepare to defend our country against further attack, or to wreak vengeance on its enemies, or to present a strong, unified front to the bastard terrorists of the world, please know that my thoughts, my hopes, and my support are with you 100%.
As the son of a military combat veteran (who, at age 56 and a retired officer, is subject to active-duty recall in the event of a war), I am acutely aware of the responsibility all of you take on when taking your oath and bearing your uniform. And I thank you for it.
When we find them, you make sure you give 'em hell.
As a former sailor, I can testify there is nothing more terrifying than having to go into a place where you are in danger. My ship visited Trieste, Italy, which is five miles from the (then) Yugoslav border, during the Bosnian conflict, and Haifa, Israel at a time of increased Israeli-Palestinian tensions. There’s nothing like going on liberty and seeing soldiers on every corner with Uzis looking for strange packages left on the street.
That said, I have nothing but good wishes and thoughts for all military Dopers. It’s a tough job under the best of circumstances, but these are not the best of circumstances.
Even though I had hoped that we wouldn’t have another war for a very long time, it seems that it may soon come to that. Two of my friends are currently in boot camp at this moment. My best wishes to all of you who are on active duty or have friends or loved ones in the military.
My husband is career military and is currently an Army reservist. The Reserve forces comprise the majority of our current military so it is likely that this incident will mobilize many men and women who have a civilian life and a committment to the Armed Forces. Families will be separated and hardships will be endured.
As a “typical” boomer, I never had much interest in the military before I married my husband 11 years ago. I’m proud of his 27 year committment to this country.
To Lucretia, her beautiful daughters, Chief’s son, and every single family member and loved one of all our military heros who will be the U.S. line of defense…our hearts, our good wishes, our prayers, and good thoughts are with you as well that your loved ones might safely return to you quickly…
My uncle is an Army air traffic controller, currently stationed in Alabama. He was going to be sent out to Germany as soon as his new baby was old enough to go–she’s five weeks old.
He’s under lockdown on the base right now. We’ve gotten to talk to him and his wife, thank goodness. I hope he and all our other military folks are and will remain safe.
Prayers and good thoughts to all of you.
I was raised military, and lost family members in conflicts. I don’t want to lose the friends I’ve made here. Nobody has mentioned UncleBill yet, isn’t he in the reserves too? Is thinksnow?
I am a very proud Air Force NCO, and I make my living and get my authority by leading. I want to lead you, YOU, right now.
Get in the game. Find your talent or your resource, and bring it to bear. Get behind The Effort, when it launches, and find out how much you can give. Then give more.
Bake cookies for the guys (I use the term “guys” in the unisex sense) deployed to Saudi Arabia, or onboard the ships in the Persian Gulf. Find the money in the couch so you can give a sawbuck to relief funds. Give blood. Be patient with security in airports. Do anything at all that will be of value to The Effort.
We value your thoughts and prayers on our behalf. It is vital, in fact, and our morale, essential to victory, depends on it. But as I stand with an Army brother on my right, a Navy sister on my left, I want to look over my shoulder and see YOU, 20 paces right-flank rear, ready and determined. It’s harder than writing a post on your computer, but you can do it. And I need it.
I received a brief e-mail from Simetra this afternoon. He’s alright, just incredibly busy, which is to be expected. I know that Stephen is keeping everyone in his prayers, as am I. For all of our military Dopers and their loved ones – you have my good wishes and prayers. Thank you for being so committed to defending our nation.
God bless, God speed, and may He protect us all. I’m still in shock. I was in a conference all day, and got sketchy info at best till I left there. I cried most of the way home. My son, luminousman, an AF ROTC cadet at UT Austin, called my cell phone with the news this morning, setting the tone for the day. They were kind enough to give us regular updates as the day went on, but it wasn’t nearly clear enough for the horror that met me on the radio as I drove towards home, a mere 5 minutes away from a major military base in San Antonio.
Good idea, Bluesman. Consider it done from the bears. Mr Bear is recently retired AF, and he is most definitely subject to recall. Pipefitter is now in the Nat’l Guard, and I haven’t heard from him today. Vestal Blue is also fairly recently retired AF, and he lives near the only AF base in Idaho.
Ex-Army here, never had to see any action, thankfully. I hope none of you do, either. I wish you all good luck however this plays out. If any of you end up being deployed anywhere, e-mail me with your unit info and I’ll be happy to send care packages.
I have a son on the George Washington which is involved in the NYC and DC patrol. His wife has been told to leave the base area. We haven’t heard anything yet and he isn’t in any particular danger, but his life is being affected.
The military people, and all the people that serve our country, have my utmost respect.
As most of you already know I am surrounded daily by the men and women who have been busted up both mentally and physically while serving our country. I know first hand what these warriors sacrifice to preserve our freedom.
My thoughts are with them in whatever the future holds.