We know very well that none of the current administration members have any "skin in the game" to influence their decisions and actions regarding the use of our military. Having served and fought on the battlefield, men like Wes Clark and Jim Webb know all too well what is happening. Jim DOES have skin in this game - any day now, his son Jimmy heads off to Iraq with his fellow Marines. It is men and women who have personal stakes or first hand experiences that we need directing and influencing our nation's use of its precious human resources, our military forces. And its leaders like these who know what is required of the Pentagon and the Veterans administration to protect the nation's treasure to the extent possible, then how to take care of them when they return.
Dr. Hilary Stalings has posted a compelling blog on ">WesPAC's "Securing America" blog. Please read what she has to say, and do what you can to bring this matter to the forefront of the public and the Congress.
Three Lessons Learned by Hilary StalingsWhen I started raising funds for Operation Helmet, immediately I learned three things.
First and foremost, there is an overwhelming need for the helmet upgrade. We+óGé¼Gäóve all seen the news reports and are aware that due to the rising role of IEDs, traumatic brain injuries have become the signature danger for the Iraq war.
Second, conversations with individuals like you+óGé¼GÇ¥ members of the armed forces, families, and those that share concerns for the welfare of our troops+óGé¼GÇ¥ are extraordinarily valuable.
They are the kind of exchanges that are deep and heart wrenching, that stick with you, bouncing around in your head for days. I am thankful that people, strangers really, have been willing to tell me about their lives and their loved ones.
It is from these conversations that I hit upon my third realization: the American citizenry truly want ways to support our troops.
With that said, let's talk about reducing the outrageous number of military head wounds, about Operation Helmet, and about how we as individuals can raise awareness, funds, and governmental support.
The bravery that is shown by real soldiers every day amazes me. The
cowardess that is shown by elected officials in the Republican party is
nauseating. How tough they talk when other people have to fight wars that
they never would go to. When they condone torture, they don't have to worry
about it ever being used on them or their children. Their sarcasm and
catch phrases are juvenille and condescending. It is obvious that Iraq has
created a haven for insurgents that were not there prior to the war. George
Allen is as big a mistake to re-elect as George Bush was; just look at his
record. I would be delighted to have fine elected officials like Wes Clark
and Jim Webb, real soldiers and intelligent men. What a refreshing
change that will be for Virginia and the USA.
Sincerely,
Margaret"Peggy"Sims
Ellen Shelton