Good post, Bluesman. We forget that we all are part of a successful operation, whether involved directly or not. Especially the NO BITCHIN’ part. This is no time for that.
I would also like to add that my thoughts are with the family and friends our comrades killed in the Pentagon. The tragedy of the WTC is so great that I have barely thought of the attack on the Pentagon, especially with so little information coming from there. But I know men and women who took the same oath I did are dead this evening.
I can also barely contain the sadness I feel for those firemen and police officers who gave their lives trying to help those in need, though they knew the dangers they faced. They served the same role we do, and they did so heroically.
I am filled with frustration, stuck in a temporary job on active duy, awaiting my training before I can truly contribute to the defense of the country. Now I have always faced the reality of my profession with a measure of reservation, knowing that violence should only be employed with a great regret that no other course could be taken. I have always felt that going through a 20 year career without ever seeing even the smallest conflict would be great. But I feel different now. I feel a seething rage that has no outlet. I could be sent to conflict tomorrow and feel no reservation, no regret.
We must keep level-heads, that much is certain. But as Admiral Yamamato said after Pearl Harbor, I think these people have awakened a sleeping giant, and filled it with a great resolve.
Best of luck and love to our military folks. Godspeed.
Zette
Bluesman and all other military Dopers,
The service won’t have me (bad eyes and back) but I just want you all to know that I’m behind you and I appreciate the sacrifices you have made and may be called upon to make again. And I know that I’m not alone in my sentiments.
I can’t be on your flank, but know that I will be proud to do whatever needs to be done to support you and your brothers and sisters in uniform. Godspeed.
Zappo
Anybody got mailing addresses for letters and cookies to go to for these servicemen like Bluesman suggested?
If I wanted to send them specificly to say Simetra, ChiefScott, Tripler and other Dopers in the service, how would I do that?
Thinking of all our military dopers. Take care.
I talked to Crunchy Frog today. If, god forbid, it would come to it, he may have go back to the Air Force…
My thoughts and prayers to all the military dopers out there.
I suspect, as a matter of honor, Canada will not participate significantly in whatever military action the U.S. decides to take in the aftermath of this horror, so I probably won’t have any involvement. However, I’d like to add my voice to the chorus of admiration and well wishers.
And, if by chance I do get recalled, I’d be honoured to go. This is precisely the sort of thing I originally joined to fight against.
I would like to chime in here. All my best and good luck to you all.
And to the rest of you Dopers - Good luck. We have no idea where this is all going, no way to know what will happen tomorrow. I don’t believe I have ever been so scared, or confused, in my life.
Good luck guys (servicewomen included), and Godspeed.
My best thoughts and prayers to all military Dopers who will be called into service.
ChiefScott: It seemed that you were at the end of your honorable service…if you are re-deployed, my best well wishes on your mission. Ah, Hell, what I wanna say is that it Ain’t Fair…but that ain’t what you Navy guys are all about, is it? No fersakkin’ smilies here…
Ans plD, if there ever there was a night for scotch blusterring, this be it. Best to you and Peta in the DC scareyness.
What needs to be done, will be done. When it’ll be done… can’t answer that, but hopefully it’ll be soon.
Military installations in the Tidewater region of Virginia are in a veritable state of lockdown. Getting to work takes longer. Getting into your building, or onto a pier or onto your ship is an exercise in patience.
Proudly, I can report that I heard neither a bitch or a moan this morning.
Many ships have gotten underway already… more to deploy today. I’ll say no more on that with the exception of one thing doesn’t quite trip off this sailor’s tongue: Deployment to New York for air protection and humanitarian assistance.
Send your prayers to the men and women of of the New York Fire and Police Departments, to the men and women who work in the Pentagon, to the families of those who died.
We in the Navy will take care of what needs to be done.
Yes, Chief, good thoughts and hopes to FDNY and NYPD! I wore my American flag tie proudly to work today and with many thoughts to all involved.
(italics mine)
Now, that is one order that sent chills through this former reservist… That blank filled not with some far-off piece of disputed real-estate which we only vaguely recognize, but with the city that embodies the achievements of America.
I stand behind and pray for the current regulars and reserves who will be there to do what has to be done. And for the brave men and women of the New York emergency services and their families.
Best wishes and prayers to all the service people, both civil and military.
…in the same unisex usage that Bluesman invoked.
Give 'em hell, for all of us.
Come home safe.
:salutes:
Thank you to all the servicepeople on the boards and elsewhere. You are the bravest of the brave for taking on the responsibility of protecting this country and the people in it!
Tsgt Louis LaJoie ready to protect my country!!!
Setting aside all philosophical and semantic BS for the moment:
May God speed you on your mission, and may He bring you safely home.
Don’t worry about those of us still here who don’t wear the uniform, we’ll take care of things while you’re taking care of us.