May 2009 Archives

Freedom is not free. The price is non-negotiable. Each generation pays for the freedom of the next generation in blood. Memorial Day is a day to celebrate that purchase while honoring those who paid for it.

US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Michael J. Pernaselli 27, of Monroe, N.Y
KIA 24 April 2004, Northern Arabian Gulf, Operation Iraqi Freedom

US Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher E. Watts 28, of Knoxville, Tenn
KIA 24 April 2004, Northern Arabian Gulf, Operation Iraqi Freedom

US Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal 24, of Smithtown, N.Y.
KIA 24 April 2004, Northern Arabian Gulf, Operation Iraqi Freedom

I will not forget.

A friend of mine on Facebook asked how I felt about this story.

"5 U.S. Soldiers Killed In Iraq By Comrade"
The United States military said Monday that five American soldiers had been shot at one of the main American bases in Baghdad. At least one news agency said the killer was an American soldier who had opened fire on fellow troops. Marine Lt. Tom Garnett, a military spokesman, said “the shooter is a U.S. soldier and he is in custody."
+83 people dugg this story

That the bad guys get us makes me sad but it is an eventuality that we recognize as an occupational hazard. It comes with the job. If you want to live forever, soldier is probably not what you want to be when you grow up.

In the grant scheme of things, the number of casualties in this war is pretty low. Vietnam cost as many personnel in one month, even some weeks, than have been lost in this whole war.

No one mourns the loss of a soldier more than his fellow soldiers. Ask anyone who wears a black bracelet of a fallen comrade. In many cases, long after everyone else has accepted the loss, the fellow soldier will still have nightmares caused by the wondering what else he might have done to save his buddy. He will still break down and weep for his friend.

Soldiers trust no one except each other. So who do you trust when you discover that you can't trust your fellow soldier?

If you send me anything, using this address from now on is imperative.

SSG Mark Smith (0451)
A/445 CA BN -- Team RONIN
FOB Hunter
APO AE 09331
Iraq

If this pertains to you, thank you very much for your support.

I think you're the greatest mother in the world. I think there is at least two more people who think so as well. I am very proud of you as the mother of my children. Thank you for being a wonderful mother to my children.