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DEL.ICIO.USCommander quells rumors of early return
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Baghdad, Iraq — Every soldier has his or her way of counting down the days to going home.
Some count paychecks; others strike out days on calendars or simply post the magic number on the walls of their trailers or tents.
Then there is wishful thinking.
Rumors have swirled about the possibility of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade Team returning to Georgia before a year’s deployment in the Middle East. Now it looks like it won’t.
Last week, Defense Secretary Donald Rumseld, on a visit to Baghdad, said that President Bush had authorized new cuts in U.S. forces below the 138,000-troop level that has prevailed for most of this year.
He did not reveal a specific figure, but the top military commander in Iraq and the U.S. ambassador said in a statement that the reduction would involve two combat brigades, or about 7,000 troops.
“That will bring down the total level from 17 brigades to 15,” Gen. George Casey and Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said.
But the Georgia brigade’s commander, Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, dispelled talk of early departures from Iraq during a stopover Wednesday at Baghdad’s Camp Liberty, where Gainesville-based Charlie Company of the 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment is stationed.
Rodeheaver said he was required by the Army to have at least 51 percent of the brigade home by May 16, one full year after the Georgia soldiers left the tall, piney forests of Fort Stewart for the Kuwaiti desert. The brigade entered Iraq in early June.
“My goal is to get about 80 to 90 percent of the brigade back home by May 16,” Rodeheaver said on a trip from Tallil Air Base in southern Iraq, where the brigade’s headquarters is now located.
He outlined a timetable for 48th companies to trickle out of Iraq. A small “torch party” would leave Iraq by Feb. 15, Rodeheaver said. A month later, an advance party would make its way back to Fort Stewart to make preparations for the arrival of the rest of the brigade.
Companies will begin leaving their posts most likely in April. The brigade officially hands over its mission to an incoming Army unit on May 1, Rodeheaver said.
He told the soldiers to expect a minimum of a three-day stay in Kuwait and then at least six days at Fort Stewart before they can go home to their families.
“All of you know, you’ve got to keep doing your missions until you get out of here,” Rodeheaver said. “The thing I need you to do between now and when you go back home is to keep each other safe.”
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By Kat Orr in Loganville GA
December 29, 2005 08:46 AM | Link to this
Oh man… this is sooo depressing! :-( Darn it! :-( Well, our family will continue to support all our 48th BCT “adopted” soldiers all the way to the end, whenever that might be!
By songweaver611
December 29, 2005 09:24 AM | Link to this
As the spouse of a soldier in the 48th Brigade, I have no problem with the expected return date, that was as we originally expected. The problem that I have is the same one I had before they left. The blatant disregard for the sanctity of marriage and family. According to Rodeheaver, we will get 3-4 hours with our spouses when they return and then we have to leave and cannot see them for another 3-4 days. Now, given the fact that many of us have had bank accounts running pretty low because of this deployment, a lot of us have vehicles that cannot make the trip too many times, and the fact that some of us, by the time our soldiers get home, haven’t seen our loved ones for almost 9 months, 4 hours isn’t fair. The last time they played now you see them now you don’t game, command was upset to find that spouses were copulating in some unusual places such as cars in the motor pool and the bathroom in the Burger King. Hey, if you can’t respect us anymore than 3 - 4 hours after months and months apart, don’t be surprised if some very odd things happen. How do you tell children who haven’t seen their mom or dad in months that you only have 3-4 hours when they first get back? It is almost cruel. If you are going to be that stingy with time, why offer it at all? There are spouses in Dalton, GA, and other places North that are 6 - 8 hours away. You could at least give us the time it takes us to get there!
By Noelle
December 29, 2005 10:51 AM | Link to this
After reading the comment posted by Songweaver611, I am so embarassed and infuriated. Was your husband/spouse drafted??? I don’t think so. Somewhere down the line he VOLUNTARILY signed a contract. Did you think you could only reap the benefits and not have to put anything back to it??? It just amazes me that you as a military spouse could have so little empathy. What about all the husband, wives, and children who have no homecoming to look forward to because their soldiers will never be coming home to be with their families again and you have the audacity to complain about a few days. Quit being so self absorbed!!!! God willing you will have the chance to be a family. I know a child that will be born without EVER knowing his father and then I dare you to complain about having to wait for normal re-entry processing. I have a brother who is in the same predicament, yet we can all wait for his safe return. I also have a husband who is a former Marine that was trying to re-enlist(couldn’t due to a injury sutained when serving actively) over the summer so that he could serve his country along with his brothers in arms. I was proud to stand behind both of my family members and their convictions. You should try the same.
PS - Don’t worry - I do believe most Burger Kings are now 24 hours so it shouldn’t cut into your “Quality Time”
By Bewildered spouse
December 29, 2005 11:07 AM | Link to this
My husband is also in the 48th and when he comes home it will have been 7 months since we’ve seen each other…all I can say is that I’m SO glad he is retiring when he gets home….it is unfathonable that families will have to drive from all over the state to Ft Stewart and the soldiers won’t be getting passes to spend time with their loved ones….unbelievable…this is going to be really hard on the younger troops with small children, I really feel for them. Especially since there is such an easy remedy for this….
Not to mention all of the equipment, etc that all of these guys need to turn in…now they can’t leave to go get it so it will all have to be turned in later which means more trips and more cost to the government…
Doesn’t make a lot of sense, does it?
By Patient Wife
December 29, 2005 11:44 AM | Link to this
Let us give thanks for our returning soldiers and not dwell on what we should have been prepared for…DEBRIEFING. And to anyone reading these comments who may be concerned about the “Burger King” comment - Please know that not all Military Couples find it necessary to copulate in public places. Most of us are able to practice a little more self control! I thank God that my husband is returning to me, no matter how long it takes to debrief. They can keep him for a month, just as long as he is here and I know he is safe.
By Lisa
December 29, 2005 12:11 PM | Link to this
I am just Thankful that our boys will be coming home in May. So many families wish that they had 3-4 hours to spend with their loved one, who want be coming home. Its a shame that songweaver611 can’t wait a couple more days before “COPULATING” with her spouse. Maybe she needs to call the families of the ones who want ever make it home. GOD BLESS HER SOLDIER for not having a supportive and rational wife. I just hope for his safe return home. Sincerely
By BlackhawkBuddy
December 29, 2005 12:25 PM | Link to this
Two comments.
This is exactly the timing that was expected. This isn’t early, this isn’t late, this is on-time. “Home for Father’s Day” was a good target, and now it looks like they may beat that and be home close to Mothers Day.
The bulk of the 48th BCT may be from GA, but there are significant elements who originate much further away from Ft. Stewart than Dalton, Dublin, or Atlanta. The folks in Puerto Rico, Illinois, and elsewhere don’t have the luxury of being just a few hours drive away from the base.
When my buddy steps off the bus at the armory in Litchfield, I am just going to be darn glad he is home, no matter what month.
Link: 2-130 Sets the Standard
By Ann
December 29, 2005 12:37 PM | Link to this
What I dont understand is how did such happy news become an arguement of debate? Im just happy I made it thru this far without my man and that he will be home sooner than expected. Im happy that even though he will be in Fort Stewart, which is far from me, I will be able to talk to him whenever I want with a simple phone call. I am happy that he will be releaving his duties earlier than expected so he can get some rest before comming home. Be grateful for we have paid our dues.
By songweaver611
December 29, 2005 12:42 PM | Link to this
It is amazing, I haven’t written in a long time but, I saw a lot of upset people comment about how far away the Brigade Christmas party was but, bring to mind that not all of our soldier’s families live within a few hours of Ft. Stewart and man, you get slammed. As far as the incidents that occurred before they left - to each his own. However, the comment was made by more than several soldiers that if they were treated like responsible adults instead of children, they would act like responsible adults. Also, lets be realistic, after 9 months without sex, do ya really think that stuff isn’t going to occurr again? I am not just talking about myself because aparently, there were people who got what they could, where they could before they left.
And, yes, my husband was held on a stop-loss. We have some serious issues with 2 of our 5 children and he was getting out to deal with those. Unfortunately, his absence has caused an extreme exacerbation in one child who already has psychological problems. As far as what he wants, he wants no parties, no nothing, he just wants to come home and pick up where we left off, trying to heal our children.
By Someone who knows
December 29, 2005 12:50 PM | Link to this
So Noelle do you now play the part of a Hypocrite ? Or do you think that Americans who are truly worried about thier loved ones and who wish so very much to be re-united would believe that the wife of a former Marine has not felt the same way. Or maybe this is a wife of a former Marine who has never really been in this postion. Do not stand and judge a person for Loving their soldier or wanting their Father home, you should instead support these people and attempt to help them understand why they have to wait 3-4 extra days. And so that there is no mistake I AM A SOLDIER AND A FATHER OF TWO and A FRIEND to several who have fallen in this war on TERROR. And I do know that freedom has its price a price that I have been willing to pay for twelve years now and many more to come. So, my question is who gives you the “Authority” to play GOD? The last time I checked he was the only one who possesses the right to JUDGE. Remember this I have payed the price and I understand what Songweaver611 is feeling and I support her. “Don’t worry we will be home soon”. Know this Noelle I am now deployed in Iraq as a Infantry Soldier,I am paying the price and supporting my Country and the Citizens of the United States Of America. “PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF MAKE ME PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN”! What has your sacrifice been?!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Jessica
December 29, 2005 12:58 PM | Link to this
As someone has already said we shoulnd’t be complaining on how long it is taking the soldiers to debrief ( remember they signed a contract and they knew how long the process was going to take)and i know cause i have someone that is in the 48th brigade to and sure I want to see this person but if it takes 3-4 days for him to finish his duty and come home safe then I’m willing to wait that long. I mean some families have not seen their families for 7 months so what’s 3-4 more days going to hurt. I mean at least they are comin’ home and they are safe… Like some have said Look at the poor families that have lost their family members to the war they dont have the chance to see their family… How would you feel? I believe they would rather wait the 3-4 days to see their family than not have them at all…
Sincerely, Jessica
By Sissy
December 29, 2005 01:30 PM | Link to this
I agree to some point with Songweaver. I, too, heard about the incidents in the Burger King and the motor pool. My brother said that the guys felt like they had to sneak around to be with their wives and/or families because they were being treated like naughty children, instead of like responsible fathers and husbands. I think Songweaver meant that the command sets up situations without thinking and then get angry when the “unexpected” (such as the motor pool incident) happens.
I believe that it is not well thought out to offer the families 4 hours when the guys get back and then send them away for 4 days to do debriefing. Some families are too far away and/or financially are unable to take advantage of that time. If we are not able to spend a fair amount of time with our soldiers then, it should not be offered, thus making it fair to all families and soldiers.
By songweaver611
December 29, 2005 01:47 PM | Link to this
Noelle, let me clarify something else for you. I was greatly disturbed by what families had to go through to see their soldiers while they were at Ft. Stewart. Why, you may ask? Because I was more than well aware that some of those soldiers would not be coming home and that every second they spent with their family was precious. Unfortunately, not all families had the same opportunity. Some families could not afford to drive that far for a few hours. Some families just could not make it within the time constraints. It was well known, however, that some officer’s wives would spend a week or so at a time down there and that is definetely not fair because whether or not you see your soldier should not be based on rank or financial ability.
Please do not think that I have no empathy for those who lost loved ones. Mrs. Dingler made my daughter and I both cry with her strength and faith. I was saddened on Christmas thinking of those families who, just a year ago, were looking forward to a lifetime of love with their soldier and who now have one empty stocking by their fireplace and I fully realize how blessed I am to know that my husband is coming home.
We all know that for the most part, active duty soldiers are with their families everyday until they leave for Kuwait and, guard soldiers are kept from their families not just for 12 months but, for the extra time it takes to train. That is why time with families should be treated as precious and distributed equitably among all families.
When I speak out about these issues, it isn’t to start a fight, it is to bring to light a problem that affects a large portion of soldiers and their families who are often overlooked when decisions like this are made.
By songweaver611
December 29, 2005 02:08 PM | Link to this
Also, lest people should think that I am not appreciative of General Rodeheaver’s thoughtfulness, let me assure you that I am. I also know he has a lot going on right now and perhaps, didn’t think this situation all the way through. I think that psychologically and emotionally, it may be better to keep the families away during the debriefing and have something when it is over rather than giving the families 4 hours and asking them to leave. Perhaps as adults we could deal with that but, for many of the children who have been affected by this deployment, it may prove more hurtful than helpful.
By Patient Wife
December 29, 2005 02:23 PM | Link to this
To Someone who knows: Why was it all right for Songweaver to express her opinion and not alright for Noelle to do the same? Is this freedom of speech not what you are defending?
By Patient Wife
December 29, 2005 02:35 PM | Link to this
“To understand military life, or what it feels like to be the proud wife of a soldier, you need to experience it. One day he was here and now he is gone… He isn’t beside me in bed… His scent slowly fades, as does the memory of his face… I can barely remember the familiar sounds of him at home. I long for comfort when I have a nightmare. I want him to hold me. I wait for those comforting letters or the phone calls that come after three months of silence. Now, I look upon single parents in awe… and I learn to do what they do, until my husband comes home. I don’t need a man to put a crib together, to take care of the car or to take out the trash. I have learned to be empathetic. I have become self-sufficient. And even though these are wonderful things, I would give up everything that I have learned to bring him home right now. When I think that I cannot go on, I rely on my routine so that I can support my husband while he defends our freedom. And I know that I am not the only one. I am an unseen veteran. So are all the other military spouses out there. We have different battlefields. Our maps have pins in the countries of worry, heartache and loneliness. Our battles will end when our husbands are in our arms again. Until that day, I say THANK YOU to all the invisible soldiers who are there for each other, who are there for me. We lend a strong shoulder when needed, and we keep up the brave front at home. The war could not be won without us”
Taken from the “Chicken soup for the military wife’s soul”. Author: Amanda Legg.
By Jenni
December 29, 2005 02:38 PM | Link to this
Well, I think first of all, people NEED TO QUIT COMPLAINING! It completely ticks me off, you’re complaining of being a few hours away! Try living in Indiana! Either having to fly and rent a car, or drive 14 hours (by yourself if you don’t have children!), and stay in a hotel every night, do not even START on the money issue! There are tons of people even further away than me. OHHH AND HOW BOUT THIS! Try not having your soldier come home at all…as someone else said. Quit being so selfish. And why are people talking about “adult” issues where children could very well be reading! I am ashamed to know that spouses are griping about “adult” issues and griping of having to spend some money or time driving, instead of just being thankful that our soldiers are coming home and that our soldiers aren’t being delayed. Also, where did the information come that we have to leave after that three to four hours? I certainly didn’t get it. Before you start spreading rumors some more, you need to get your facts straight. I hope and pray no children read this or anyone who has lost a soldier! I would be very ashamed. Complainers: Get over yourselves! GRRRRR! This is not all about you!
By Patient Wife
December 29, 2005 02:59 PM | Link to this
Jenni, To answer your question, the information was passed to us via. email from our FRG. It was just sent to me this morning. I would love to fwd to you but considering the controversy on this site, I am hesitant to add my email address. We were told that the information was “tenative” and per Gen Rodeheaver.
By 108th wife
December 29, 2005 03:05 PM | Link to this
All I ask is for the safe return of my husband and his fellow soldiers. I, just as many others, can wait the few extra days to have him to myself. Just knowing that he is back in the states is comfort enough for me. We knew the timeline in advance, and 4 days isn’t going to matter when we all rejoin our family members. Let’s keep our chin up and our chests proud as we wait for our men and women. Also..thank you General for squashing the rumors of an early return.It tends to give some false hopes.Just get em home…thats all I ask.
By Debra
December 29, 2005 03:09 PM | Link to this
I am also a soldier’s wife, who is presently with the 48th in Iraq. I live several hours away from Ft. Stewart. It is important to have family time with your loveone, and to the lady who is worried about her children who can only see their father for a few hours and then not for 4 - 5 days —- don’t take them. Children are very intuned to their environment - meaning if you are not doing well - your children read this and in turn do not handle it very well. My husband and I have been married for 17 years we have three children ages 15, 10 and 8. This is my husband’s second deployment the first was 18 months stateside. He was deployed in March 2003 so it’s fair to say that we have had some weird and unusual things happen at home during these deployments and I agree with the person who said that there was no draft…. If you were not prepared as a family for possible deployment then you did yourself a disservice. My husband has served for the last 22 years and we feel blessed that we have not had to deal with this before 2003 but this is his duty as a soldier and our duty as a soldier’s family.
By Ana Mary
December 29, 2005 03:45 PM | Link to this
All I can say is that no matter how long it takes for our soldiers to debrief atleast they won’t be in that part of the world where they are in danger. Think about it, they will be back in the states. Yes, far from their families but safe non the less. To my honey: With God’s help I patiently await your safe return, you have made me the proudest wife in the world. I love you!!!Happy 1st year Anniversary!!! -Ana
By Military friend
December 29, 2005 04:12 PM | Link to this
You know, it really saddens me to read all these post. We have some guys in our unit that won’t even be coming home.. How do you think these family members and finacess feel. The military doesn’t even care about a girlfriend let alone a finacess and if it wasn’t for the family’s of these fallen men, then they may be totally out on a limb of their own.. When—and I say When, these men and women come home—Be there if You Can and if you Can’t, then they will be back to their home town’s in No Time… Some of these unit’s have to drive their Humvess back along with their trucks and anything else they took with them, So give them the time to finish their job.. Some of my friends, came home in Aug. for the mid-tour, only cause their name’s were drown at that time to come home.. They didn’t get to decide, so come May-it will be 9 months for them, before they have seen a family member / a lover / a friend.. It has been 9 months, what is another week… Like I said, Please remember the Guys that Won’t be coming home. Remember their Family’s / lovers / friends.. I hope to be there, no matter how far I have to drive and I also hope to be there when they come driving through our hometown too… I want to see my friends, I want to hold them, and I want to also remember our other friends that won’t be there with them.. Don’t think of just yourself in these time’s, cause you are not there alone.. This deployment has been hard on everyone, not just your family.. I am just a friend to many of one unit—but I know I have worried and hurt just as much as the next person. So again, I say…Don’t worry about the time you can’t have, just be happy with the time you will have and think of the ones that won’t be coming home…
By tonya_724
December 29, 2005 04:57 PM | Link to this
some of you women need to grow up and stop acting like babies. we were told what to expect from the very beginning. be thankful that they are atleast giving us a little time with our loved ones. they could have gave us none at all, and you probably still would have complained.
By 48th BDE Wife
December 29, 2005 05:54 PM | Link to this
I agree with the others that have said, be glad that your soldier can come home.
I bet all of the families of the fallen heroes would give anything for 3 or 4 hours with their loved one.
By Alabama Solider
December 29, 2005 06:46 PM | Link to this
Being a solider who has already served a tour in the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom I understand its hard only seeing your family for a few hours I got to see my wife for 2 hours and didn’t have a trip home during my deployment I and she both were grateful for that time. To all those who complain about only getting to see there loved ones for 3 or 4 hours be thankful. My brother has served 15 months in Iraq and only seen his family for 11 days and he will be over there for another 3 months and my family would give anything to see him for 3 or 4 hours. And losing serveral very close friends in this war I would give anything to see them for 3 or 4 hours. And so what you haven’t had sex for 9 months you think their having sex in Iraq. You should be worried about the same things they are. STAYING ALVIE not worrying about your sex life.
By Mistee Lambert
December 29, 2005 08:52 PM | Link to this
I want to say that I am glad that my husband will be coming home safe and sound. I can deal with the extra time away, just knowing that he will be home safe and sound makes a world of difference to me. We will have plenty of time after his debriefing to deal with our time. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS
By "SUPPORT" WIFE 2/121
December 29, 2005 10:54 PM | Link to this
As a wife of a 48th Brigade soldier, I understand both sides…the wanting more than four hours and the he’s home get over it. Before my husband left Ft. Stewart I made the three hour drive every chance I got sometimes just to spend five hours with him and drive right back to go to work the next day. I DON’T CARE IF I ONLY GET 1 HOUR WITH HIM WHEN THEY GET HOME BEFORE THEY DEBRIEF SO LONG AS I CAN SEE HIM AND FEEL HIM AND KNOW THAT HE’S REALLY HOME AND SAFE. JUST KNOWING THAT IF I WANTED TO I COULD GET IN THE CAR AND GO OUT THERE AND LOOK AND HOPE TO JUST GET A PASSING GLANCE OF HIM IS ENOUGH TO MAKE ME HAPPY BECAUSE I KNOW HE’S HOME AND MOST IMPORTANTLY SAFE. To my husband… I LOVE YOU BABY AND CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN AND SOUTHERN SAYS SEE YOU SOON DADDY !!!
By Jenni
December 29, 2005 11:28 PM | Link to this
Patient Wife…I understand why you are thinking that now about the not seeing them more. That’s not how I took it. I got the same email, but I took it as they’ll be released for good after outprocessing…but I guess I didnt take it as a definite not seeing them anymore… maybe I’m hopeful..I wont count on seeing him anymore, if I do, I’ll be grateful. Either way…I am glad I read these posts because now I realize I may have perceived it differently than what I should have in the first place. :)
By 1LONELYKNIGHT
December 30, 2005 01:04 AM | Link to this
Being one of the men deployed here in Iraq, it pains me to see all of the anger being directed towards each other, soldier’s and BG R. Yes the deployment has been rough on all parties involved. No one has questioned that…be thankful we are coming home, some are not as fortunate. After reading all of the blogs…it appears the Sunnis-Shiites have better relations than our wives.
I am a soldier and I am embarrassed.
By ARMY WIFE
December 30, 2005 01:29 AM | Link to this
PLEASE LETS JUST PRAY FOR PEACE I SHED TEARS JUST KNOWING THAT SOME OF OUR SOLDIERS WILL NEVER GET TO SPEND TIME EVER AGAIN WITH THEIR LOVE ONES AND I PRAY EVERYDAY AND SECOND FOR MY HUSBAND AND ALL THE REST
By Alvin Arrowood
December 30, 2005 07:44 AM | Link to this
Some of you people are somewhat ridiculous! I will simply be glad to have my son home from Iraq. I have waited for a year, his wife and daughter and son have waited for the same amount of time. I believe that a couple more days won’t kill me or them, after what he has been through. We all need to remember why they are there. It is to protect your right to say the thing s that each of you has said in this comment section. If one finds it difficult to understand the military ways and feels tht it is unfair, then that is her reality and her feelings are real. If the other feels that the first is being selfish then that is their reality. The point is that these men and women have placed their lives on the line on a daily basis to give each of you the right to have and to freely express those feelings without fear of repercussion. Let’s not forget that and let’s remember that the soldiers should be the focus of our attention, not our opinions. God bless each and every one of them and God bless each of you, and please ask God to bless America, the only place I know of where you can do this so openly and freely.
By Stacy L.
December 30, 2005 07:53 AM | Link to this
Man, this is embarrassing to read, and I am embarrassed to be an Army wife. My husband and I are from Texas, and he is attached to the 48th. I will be traveling in to Georgia from TX and don’t care if I get to see him for 4 minutes or 4 hours or 4 days, he will be on American soil and no longer in Iraq. That will make every minute and dollar I have to spend to get to him precious and wonderful.
I don’t get what all the complaining is about…I just don’t get it. Give an inch, demand a mile, I suppose.
It’s sad and tragic what a terribly whiny society we’ve become. I’ve experienced the same deployment every other 48th wife has, but for some of you to continue to complain when we’re all on the downside of this experience, that’s just pathetic.
Suck it up, women, and be the strong and supportive wives your husbands deserve and need. You should be ashamed of yourselves.
By A Soldeirs Wife
December 30, 2005 08:00 AM | Link to this
After reading all of this, I am embarrassed too. The 1LONELYKNIGHT has said it all. I have spoken to to my FRG and they said, “they have not gotten anything about only having 3 to 5 hours then having to leave our soldiers. Ladies lets SHUT-UP about this because General “R” could be seeing this and realy make things hard when they do arrive. Also, we could be like 1148th, out of Thomasville, they were held back twice, one time they were going to board the planes and were told NO. If we stop complaining General “R” may let the guys stay with their wifes but after seeing this he MAY NOT. My husband is not a Captain or no other high ranking person but when we went up there to visit he stayed with us. And yes we stayed a long away try 8 hours and I won’t say from what direction and there are some other families who came further. To answer your question before you ask he is either a E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4 or E-5.
A Soldiers Wife
By Sgt. Kevin E. Shultz(BlackSheep!!)
December 30, 2005 08:30 AM | Link to this
I would be willing to bet that songweaver, despite all her complaints, will be right there in her broken down car and empty bank account waiting for her soldier to return. And I know that after he has been home for a year you will have forgotten about all the little complaints regarding the time taken from you. Within 3 days of his return you will be complaining to him about his dirty clothes not being placed into the hamper, and the grass not being cut. Most of us (Soldiers) here in Iraq know the sacrifice our spouses have made for us to be able to do a job that we love so much. I thank all of them for their sacrifice in this war. When your 5 year old daughter wipes tears from your face and says ” Don’t cry daddy, I know you will come backâ€? then you will really know the sacrifice we (Soldiers and Spouses and Children) have made to this war on terror!
PS: Burger King HUH!! That will work out better for my wife and I. Our kids will be occupied on the playground while we check out the bathrooms! Thanks for the tip!!!!
By pamela bentley
December 30, 2005 08:38 AM | Link to this
On behalf of the Bentley household, i would like to thank all of you for the comments you have made. Whether they have been negative or positive they have been free speech. Our guys are fighting for the Iraqis freedoms and sense of democracy but back home they are fighting for us. Regardless if you are married, divorced, single, widowed you are entitled to your opinion. THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE FIGHTING FOR. My husband has been sick since he has been there, cut off his finger, seperated his ribs, sprained his wrist and other things. Not once has he complained and said that he wanted to come home but just the opposite. He is on a mission and like him other soldiers feel this way. I am prior military not just a soldiers wife. I understand how they feel as well as the women back here feel.(Been there done that in the gulf War)Maybe the solution to all of you fighting is this…..If you cant say anything nice then dont say anything at all. If you love your husband alive or deceased, hold your heads high. You should feel how proud they are of the cause they are supporting. They are making history and you are a part of it. Many of you may come back at me for saying all of this but it wont matter. I love my country and I love the man who is fighting for it. This is the last thing I would like to comment…..I may not know any or all of you but I pray for you and your families. Why? you might ask, because I have the freedom to do so. For some of you that is encouraging for others it may hit a nerve. Either way it brings home the point that I have been trying to say.FREEDOM is what this war is abut not just for them but for us as well.
By Noelle
December 30, 2005 09:22 AM | Link to this
To clarify a few things for those out there. I do not make light of the fact of the beloved families at home. It is definetely probaly some of the hardest sacrifices for military families. What gets in my craw is that you choose a nationally syndicated forum to blast your spouse’s command and try to twist events, that are mainly in place to protect your soldiers and prepare them as best as we know how to , into excuses to act in an unexcusable way. When we all married our military men or supported them with their decisions to place our freedoms and liberties above all else, did we really expect to have a “normal” life??? As far as I am concerned, they are protecting the sancity of marriage by fighting to keep all our liberties safe. “Martial Rights” are a great part of marriage but if that is all you have, then you in essence don’t have much. There is so much more to it and I really do hope that you will experience that. Please take advantage of all the support programs out there to help with dealing with deployments. I am sure that you are under a tremendous amount of stress having to deal with everything that comes along with the territory and know that there are many of us out there who do pray for you, your families, and everyone involved with the Middle East. I miss my brother tremendously. He was pretty much a father figure in my life since my own chose not to be. I also salute his wife and family for all the love and support they show him. HE has always been one to volunteer and has been deployed many many times. His life is serving his country and his family supports that. No- it has not been easy on them(as it is not on any involved) yet they seem to do it with a dignity that our country deserves. My own husband is the same way. Back on 09/11 - when I was pregnant with our second child - the minute he had heard what happened, he had me go home to check the answering machine to see if he was activated. There was no hesitation, no thinking about how he might not see his son’s birth, not thinking that he might have to go without fleshly desires. He thought about GOD, CORE, COUNTRY and I have never loved him more. These men and women need and deserve our support and love and respect. Lets give it to them, their commands and their leaders. I am sorry if you think that I can only speak about or appreciate our troops ONLY if I had made some sacrifice. I guess the same goes for all the other military families who don’t have members over in Iraq. Do we not get to care since we haven’t made the ultimate sacrifice???
By songweaver611
December 30, 2005 09:31 AM | Link to this
LOL. That is all I can say. This sure does help relieve the stress and frustration I feel on a daily basis. I have found my own therapy for this deployment. Hell, it even makes me laugh. After having been married to an abusive alcoholic for years and being such a co-dependant that I was afraid to say ANYTHING, it is good to know that with the help of my wonderful, loving, caring husband, who is most definately my soul-mate and a gift from God, I am not afraid to speak my mind even when I know I am gonna catch hell for it! And, yes, I am very proud of him for what he is doing. So, get over yourselves with all the serious, indignant crap. It is healthy to vent! That is one of our rights they are fighting to ensure!
By Patat
December 30, 2005 09:46 AM | Link to this
I hope Songweaver611 was just misunderstood. If not I could see where she is coming from. Being over here is no pick up if you are married. My kids live in Oklahoma so they will have a little longer wait. I hope everyone can spend this last four or five months thankful for what they do have. Do not judge others to harshly if they do not see thing your way.
By Jenni
December 30, 2005 10:03 AM | Link to this
I appreciate the additional comments made after mine and before mine. We’re all going through the same thing, some of us dealing with it different then others. We’re all in different positions, but dealing with the same type of issues. I just hope that we can each be grateful to God for what we do have. I am sorry if I sounded rude above, I did not know how to say what I wanted to say and should have waited to write until I was thought it through better. I think we just need to use this as a place to get information and make sure not to set any more rumors in place, or bash the command…as said by another. I think we are lucky that GR is trying his hardest to get our guys home the way he is. That is my opinion, and you’re entitled to yours. All I’m saying is lets try to talk positive and think positive instead of assuming things or bashing others, because we need to all be in this together…just like our deployed ones are. Although they may not always get along, they do act like adults out on a mission I am sure…so lets hold up our heads high and do the same thing for them…work together and be happy for what we do have. God bless each of you. Thank you for your sacrifices you have all made as being the loved one at home, and that you for the military who read this, thank you so much for your sacrifice.
By songweaver611
December 30, 2005 07:00 PM | Link to this
Thanks Patat, I think I was misunderstood. I feel bad because I know it will be longer before you get to see your children than it will be for a lot of the other soldiers. Sometimes, in our haste, we forget that there are those who sometimes get forgotten. For instance, the soldiers who are attached to our guys but from other states, their families may not have the same support that we do. Their reunions and homecomings will be delayed but, their families are no less important.
Additionally, my uncle, who used to be in the airforce, pointed out that in the 4 hours that they wanted to give us before our guys go to debriefing, they can unintentionally say things that perhaps they shouldn’t.
Also, as parents, sometimes we see our children and think “hey, they are ok” or we see what is one the surface but not beyond that. It was obvious after my husband went back from his leave that our 10 year old was having extreme difficulty, she went from decent grades to 4 F’s and if it continues, will most likely fail 5th grade. However, although it is a no no, for some reason I picked up her journal the other day. She wrote about how nothing in her life was ok and how she just wanted daddy to come home and make everything ok again. In handling the daily routine, I had over looked something very important. (she is and has been in counseling for over a year, obviously it is not helping with her anxiety during this deployment) I can tell you that I almost jumped at 4 hours with my hubby and then I remembered what the kids were like when we had to leave daddy at the airport and realized that it would be more hurtful to see him and then have him gone again, even for a few days than to wait til he is released.
I believe that it is important when making decisions, to consider all aspects, even if they aren’t always popular. Some decisions we make have unexpected consequences and this can be especially true when dealing with a large and diverse “collection” of people.
As for this being a national forum, I think we need to give some thought to the fact that any insurgent who can read English now knows approximately when our soldiers will be moving out of the country, thus giving them the opportunity to hit them one last time. That would be more of a concern to me than a much stressed housewife venting or speaking her mind. In my much younger years, before I became afraid to say what I was thinking, I used to be a member of GreenPeace (“I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees”) and Amnesty International, and tried to help just about anyone who had been overlooked, pushed out, or written off. I always thought that if I were the one being pushed out or forgotten that there would be someone to help me and so, I speak for those who either can’t or don’t or are afraid to. I believe that everyone who is in the same position should be given the same respect and same opportunity on a level playing field and one thing we all have in common is that we are humans.
If my comments offended anyone, I am sincerely sorry. It is frustrating to see the same mistakes being made over and over again. Although my mother has always told me that I can’t make a difference because I am only one person, I have never really given up on believing that someone has to try to make things better because if we sit back and wait for someone else to do it, chances are it will never get done.
By Ann Barnes
December 30, 2005 10:13 PM | Link to this
I was hesitant about writing a response to what I have just read. I have been with my husband for almost 30 yrs. He has been in the National Guard for 22 years. When he signed up it weren’t about going to war, it was more about a Nationwide assistance. So no he like the others weren’t drafted and it was his decision to be in the Guard. I never thought my husband would be taken away from me for this period of time. On the two 3 days passes he returned early (5 or 6 hrs. ahead of schedule) because issues come up, on our ten days we had interruptions during our outing. Why? Because he is a 1SG. I miss him something terrible just like all of you. He won’t be taking R&R. On the day of the ceremony instead of the 1 - 1 1/2 hrs. that everyone else got we got all of 10 mins. Again he is a 1SG. His concern is his people and as bad as he would love to be home, he has a job to do and he intends on doing it well. I would hate to think that he come to Ft. Stewart and couldn’t come home 20 miles away and stay. My thoughts were of disappointment too when I first heard you speak of it. Then I got to thinking I really would love for him to be home every night but I know he will do what he has to do. Our Hope and Prayer when he left was that he would be home safely and in time for our daughters High School Graduation. It looks like that is gonna happen. I am happy for that and sad that he won’t be home every night, if that is the case. Like others have said, I will know that he is back on base and on American soil. I don’t think anyone means to be offensive to anyone else. I think we are all just ready to have our loved ones back. My heart truly goes out to those who have lost their loved ones. We must still pray for Our Soldiers, America, Soldiers from other countries and for those in Iraq who would love to be in a country with Freedom. My husband, 1SG Barnes with 148th FSB would be very disappointed in me if I weren’t supportive of him. Please don’t think that because someone complains a little that they aren’t supportive of their husbands and or wives. My husband has been gone from home pretty much since Dec. 6th, 2004 so I definitely look forward to him coming home. No we will not be going to a Burger King or to a Motor Pool. When we get to LOVE each other it will be when an appropriate time is there. I love him so much more than that. I agree that we all need to be supportive of each other and pray for one another. As we read these things we need to keep in mind that we all go through different things while our husbands/wives or gone. We do not know what the other as been through so PLEASE lets not be so judgemental. Babe, if you happen to read this I love You and Miss You something fierce and I AM SO VERY PROUD OF YOU AND ALL OF OUR TROOPS AND ALLIES OVER THERE FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM. MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF US GOING THROUGH THIS! LET’S STAY TOGETHER OUR TROOPS ARE!
By CPL's Wife MDNG
December 30, 2005 10:32 PM | Link to this
All I can say is that trust me I know it has ben hard and I am not going to start complaining why or how far I had to drive and all that! The only thing we need to do is be happy they are coming home! I am Grateful that when my husband steps off that bus at FT. Stewart he will be seeing my face and i will see his and that is all that matters! really all this gripping isn't helping our guys get home sooner or helping support them if they are reading them! All we should be saying is Thank you and we love you and be safe till you get back anything else is not relevant! Please everyone get down on your knees and pray till they come home and pray after that and thank God they are home!By Ronda Roaderick
December 30, 2005 10:51 PM | Link to this
I too… as “A PROUD ARMY WIFE” (48th BCT HHC 1/108th Armor) am so excited to just be with my husband again! I’ve not seen him since May 14th. We all have our stories of the last 7+ months. It has been rough. I will TREASURE every minute I can have with my husband. Yes… there are bad stories of “US LEFT BEHIND”…. but…I look toward the future and I AM SO THANKFUL that My Soldier is coming HOME. My heart breaks for the families of OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS. Look to the future and build from there.Take every minute that you have with your family and EMBRACE IT!My soldier is just getting his mid-tour leave in Jan. I LOVE YOU FRANKIE!!!!
By Sgt, Mark C. Kuenzi
December 31, 2005 12:16 AM | Link to this
Not taking away from any of my fellow soldiers, I love them all. What I have not read is anything about us single soldiers WHO always get put on details because we are single and let the married soldiers have time with there family’s
By ME
December 31, 2005 06:49 PM | Link to this
I have mixed emotions regarding this article and all the comments. I am grateful that my husband will be coming home in May. We were originally told November. I am thankful that we will see each other the day he lands. I am disappoineted that we only get 4hrs. That is not alot of time. I dont have the financial resources to go see him and then wait 4 days to see him again. I work and am in school. NOT all businesses are sympathetic to a soldiers wife. His own job was not very sympathetic to his duties before he was deployed. But despite all of this I will do my best to see him for those four hours, I will not compete with his mother for his attention, and I will do what I can to make that small amount of time the best that it can be. He was supposed to come home next week. As of yesterday that has been cancelled. Can someone please explain to me how the whole leave thing works? We now don’t know when he will be coming home. Yes I married him knowing that he wanted to be in the military. Yes I knew and understood all the sacrifices that could be made by us. But that does not mean that I have to sit back and shut up when this life isn’t fair to me. NOBODY DOES!! If nothing is said then things will never change. Not to mention do people tell the families of our fallen heroes, ” Your soldier chose this life and you knew what could happen to him/her?”
By GruntsWife
January 1, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this
This post is in response to “me”. My husbands leave was also canceled last month. It was Thanksgiving and our entire family was heartbroken. My husband had told our 9 year old girl he would be able to see her blow out her candles on her birthday. The day he was to picked up to begin R&R, he was told his leave was canceled. It was very hard for all of us. I ranted and raged but it didn’t change anything. Then I prayed because I know GOD has a reason for everthing and that faith is what will get you through it. They will reschedule your husband and he WILL be home soon. The longer you wait to see him, the less time you have to be apart from him before he comes back for good. I know it’s hard, you just hang in there. Instead of Thanksgiving, I got him for Christmas. That was the most wonderful gift I ever recieved! Just have faith, it works. It’s going to bring them all home.
By a solders wife
January 1, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this
some comments posted are very upsetting, ….(burger king) how disgraceful, the fact that we all are in the same boat and have alot of the same fellings and mixed emotions, the old saying “cant we all just get along” really does fit. If we all dont admit that having to wait an extra few days does really suck then well…..But complaining about the drive or even getting to SEE your loved one for just a few hours after so many months is rediculous. I dont care if i had to pick up trash on the side of the road or pick up pennies in parking lots to have gas money thats one SACRIFIC i am willing to make in order to see my husband, put my arms around him, tell him i love him and how much ive missed him and that i am so happy for him to be home
By Phillip
January 1, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
im in the 48th brigade as an infantry soldier with 2/121. all i know is that you have been without your soldiers for this long, you can wait the extra 4 days. if coming down for 4 hours is so important to you, dont fuss about it. just wait 4 more days. then you dont have to make a waisted trip. that way i can still hang out with your soldier since i have no family to go home to. no wife, no kids, so i come back home to an empty house. these guys here truely are my brothers in arms and am proud to serve with everyone of them. as a former marine, i felt it was my duty to do what i could for my country. so i voluntarily signed up with the GA guard the day after the war here started, i signed up May 21 2003. 5 years after i got out of the Marines.
By Maggie45
January 1, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this
Ann Barnes, I salute you. Your maturity certainly shows. And your compassion shines through. Your husband and children are blessed. Thank you.
By keisha burton
January 1, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this
Let’s all remember that we still have 4 or 5 monthes to go, a lot can change in that amount of time. As far as Gen. “R” is concerned we need to consider the fact that he has a family, a home, and a life he wants to get back to also. I’ll bet his wife does not even get 4 hours with him. I’ll bet she probaby has to wait the 4 days instead because of his responsibility. Yuck! I think that the one thing we can all agree on is we are in this together. Yes, some of our circumstances differ from one extreme to another but we are all part of the 48th family. And just like any family we are going to have our differnces. However,in May (God willing) we will put all these differences aside, give our soldiers and ourselves a big hug, tell God Thank You, and go home and go on with our lives :) !!!!!!!!!!!!
By Suggestion - a plan
January 1, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
I hope BG Rodeheaver reads this because I have a suggestion that will probably be very unpopular to a lot of wives/husbands. etc. Get the troops home to Ft. Stewart prior to the one year anniversary of their departure, debrief them then let them go home. Guard members will then report as normal for their monthly drill at their home armory one month after release. Those whose enlistment is up, or was up, prior to deployment and do not wish to re-up - issue their honorable discharge papers, have one big party (without fireworks to remind them of Iraq) and then send the troops home. This should be accomplished nlt 2 weeks after their return to Ft. Stewart….. Is that even possible?
I am not a spouse of a member of the 48th but I am a grandmother. Many family members (parents, g-parents, children, spouses) will travel hundreds of miles - my personal trip will be over 2,000 miles (one way). I was there when they left and God willing, I sure plan to be there when they come home. So, debriefing him before he is released to our family would suit me (and the rest) just fine. Then home sweet home.
So, let’s recoup here - Get the troops home NLT 16 May 2006 (the original return date cited), debrief them, release them with a report date for their next drill at their home armory, discharge those who are not re-upping, and have one big farewell party and send them on their way with God’s blessing. No brief encounters of the close kind and then away again - no going a few hundred miles or thousands of miles only to return again to see them or staying in a motel if there is a room available nearby while the soldier remains on post - release them from active duty and let them return again to being our honored National Guard. Thank you to all these brave soldiers - those from other states as well as our Georgians. You are our American Military. God bless you.
Oh, debriefing will also include turning in all personal equipment and storing all the heavy equipment in proper place. Those in the military probably get the picture, right???
Now we shall see what comments and controversy this will start. At least it is a plan - BUT is it viable?????
By REGINA
January 1, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this
ANY SOLDIER READING THESE COMMENTS. I FEEL FOR YOU ALL. IT’S A SAD THING. I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I’M VERY THANKFUL FOR YOUR SERVICE AND OUR FREEDOM. SGT SPEEGLE YOUR MOM,WIFE AND DAUGHTER MISS YOU VERY MUCH. WE HAVE OUR VACATION PLANED FOR THE DATES YOU ARE DUE AT FT. STEWART. A VERY PROUD MOM
By tired
January 1, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this
All I ask is that we dont have to sit through ANY horse and pony shows when they get home. I have had enough of the :lets make command look good” fiasco’s that all soldiers HATE to stand there and go through because its really about the media attention. Its not for the soldiers. IT wastes their time that they could have with thier families. Another “fit to fight” circus will just give us another reason to shake our heads in disbelief at the complete arrogance. As if the Rodeheaver Show” I mean, American Soldier, wasnt enough. I hope Rodeheaver gets to read the blogs. Sometimes honesty is what is needed to turn on the light of reason and do the RIGHT thing for once.
By Matt's Girl
January 1, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this
I didn’t really have time to read all of the comments posted but I did read a few here and there along the line and well… I know some of the boys read these things and I noticed a lot of blahblahblah…How about a little less petty blahblah and a little more reality and love?
Happy New Years and thank you a million times to my soldier and all of the boys and their familes. Thank you so much. Stay sharp and I will be there when you arrive back on our GA soil. No matter how long I gotta wait and how far I gotta go.
By Just A Soldier
January 2, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this
Uh. Happy New Year everyone back at home. News Flash. We still have 5 months to go. One word comes to mind. And it’s one of the hardest things for children to learn but us Adults should’ve already mastered it. PATIENCE. It’s a little early for home coming celebrations. If you haven’t noticed, we lost 3 guys here the other day. Many of us are still driving through the same areas we occupied during combat operations. So, I suggest we all try to excercise some patience until our boots hit the ground in Savannah.
Patience is the ability and willingness to endure a task that takes a long time, especially one that is boring. In this case stressful. It also means not easily getting angry or not showing anger in situations of human communication where the other is unreasonable. Impatience is an opposite of patience.
God Bless and Happy New Year
Patience is described as a virtue in religion or spiritual practices. It is highlighted in the Bible and Qur’an in the story of Job. However, it is not one of the traditional Biblical three theological virtues nor one of the four cardinal virtues. In Mahayana Buddhism, patience is one of the six (or ten) paramitas that a bodhisattva trains in and practices to realize perfect Bodhi (enlightenment).
By Reply to Just a Soldier
January 3, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this
To ‘Just a Soldier’: God bless you because you make more sense than the rest of us put together. Thank you and all the soldiers who are serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and anywhere else in the world - CONUS or overseas. You are the best!!!!!!! I pray every day for the safety of all of you. You are American Heroes.
By Proud Army Wife
January 4, 2006 03:11 AM | Link to this
I am so proud of my husband. I am also a military wife and if I just get four to five hours or three to four I will take them. Its better seeing them that long then not seeing them at all if you catch my drift. As long as our boys come home that should be the main point. We shouldn’t bicker about how many hours we get!! We should be glad that our soldier is comming home some people wont get that opprtunity to see there loved one cause they got killed in Iraq. Be lucky that yours didn’t and you get to see yours. I live in Illinois and I wouldn’t mind driving for 18 hours just to see my husband for 4 hours then turn around and drive home. Been there done it and I will do it again. God Bless
By songweaver611
January 5, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
OK, one last comment on this post. It was not my husband and I who utilized the motor pool or Burger King, however, everyone (soldiers) around my husband were aware of what went on and why. The point that I was making is that sometimes, when questionable decisions are made, they can often lead to bad decisions on the parts of others and, the entire group ends up paying for the sins of one or two people. (Hence the “lights out” at 9:30 game that was played for a week) It didn’t affect just the person who, shall we say, committed the offense but rather, it affected a lot of people in an adverse way. It is wise to learn from past mistakes and not, even if it is with good intention, allow ourselves to be put in another similar compromising position. I was not trying to be vulger or disrespectful, just honest and open about some of the issues that came about before our soldiers left. It would be a shame for a lot of people (including families) to end up being “punished” because someone or a few people act impulsively and obviously not using their best judgement. And, honestly, lets face it, not everyone holds the same beliefs or has the same restraint so, to ignore possible repurcusions from those actions would be negligent.