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http://www.newmediajournal.us/guest/e_jeffers/print/0201207.htm
"I stare out into the darkness from my post, and I watch the city burn to the ground. I smell the familiar smells, I walk through the familiar rubble, and I look at the frightened faces that watch me pass down the streets of their neighborhoods. My nerves hardly rest; my hands are steady on a device that has been given to me from my government for the purpose of taking the lives of others I sweat, and I am tired. My back aches from the loads I carry. Young American boys look to me to direct them in a manner that will someday allow them to see their families again...and yet, I too, am just a boy....my age not but a few years more than that of the ones I lead. I am stressed, I am scared, and I am paranoid...because death is everywhere. It waits for me, it calls to me from around street corners and windows, and it is always there. There are the demons that follow me, and tempt me into thoughts and actions that are not my own...but that are necessary for survival. I've made compromises with my humanity. And I am not alone in this. Miles from me are my brethren in this world, who walk in the same streets...who feel the same things, whether they admit to it or not. And to think, I volunteered for this... And I am ignorant to the rest of the world...or so I thought. But even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi, Iraq, the cries and screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn't fit your average man. And then, I will be alone. And then, I will walk down the streets of America, and see the yellow ribbon stickers on the cars of the same people who compare our President to Hitler. I will watch the television and watch the Cindy Sheehans, and the Al Frankens, and the rest of the ignorant sheep of America spout off their mouths about a subject they know nothing about. It is their right, however, and it is a right that is defended by hundreds of thousands of boys and girls scattered across the world, far from home. I use the word boys and girls, because that's what they are. In the Army, the average age of the infantryman is nineteen years old. The average rank of soldiers killed in action is Private First Class. People like Cindy Sheehan are ignorant. Not just to this war, but to the results of their idiotic ramblings, or at least I hope they are. They don't realize its effects on this war. In this war, there are no Geneva Conventions, no cease fires. Medics and Chaplains are not spared from the enemy's brutality because it's against the rules. I can only imagine the horrors a military Chaplain would experience at the hands of the enemy. The enemy slinks in the shadows and fights a coward’s war against us. It is effective though, as many men and women have died since the start of this war. And the memory of their service to America is tainted by the inconsiderate remarks on our nation's news outlets. And every day, the enemy changes...only now, the enemy is becoming something new. The enemy is transitioning from the Muslim extremists to Americans. The enemy is becoming the very people whom we defend with our lives. And they do not realize it. But in denouncing our actions, denouncing our leaders, denouncing the war we live and fight, they are isolating the military from society...and they are becoming our enemy. Democrats and peace activists like to toss the word "quagmire" around and compare this war to Vietnam. In a way they are right, this war is becoming like Vietnam. Not the actual war, but in the isolation of country and military. America is not a nation at war; they are a nation with its military at war. Like it or not, we are here, some of us for our second, or third times; some even for their fourth and so on. Americans are so concerned now with politics, that it is interfering with our war. Terrorists cut the heads off of American citizens on the internet...and there is no outrage, but an American soldier kills an Iraqi in the midst of battle, and there are investigations, and sometimes soldiers are even jailed...for doing their job. It is absolutely sickening to me to think our country has come to this. Why are we so obsessed with the bad news? Why will people stop at nothing to be against this war, no matter how much evidence of the good we've done is thrown in their face? When is the last time CNN or MSNBC or CBS reported the opening of schools and hospitals in Iraq? Or the leaders of terror cells being detained or killed? It's all happening, but people will not let up their hatred of President Bush. They will ignore the good news, because it just might show people that Bush was right. America has lost its will to fight. It has lost its will to defend what is right and just in the world. The crazy thing of it all is that the American people have not even been asked to sacrifice a single thing. It’s not like World War II, where people rationed food and turned in cars to be made into metal for tanks. The American people have not been asked to sacrifice anything. Unless you are in the military or the family member of a servicemember, its life as usual...the war doesn't affect you. But it affects us. And when it is over and the troops come home and they try to piece together what's left of them after their service...where will the detractors be then? Where will the Cindy Sheehans be to comfort and talk to soldiers and help them sort out the last couple years of their lives, most of which have been spent dodging death and wading through the deaths of their friends? They will be where they always are, somewhere far away, where the horrors of the world can't touch them. Somewhere where they can complain about things they will never experience in their lifetime; things that the young men and women of America have willingly taken upon their shoulders. We are the hope of the Iraqi people. They want what everyone else wants in life: safety, security, somewhere to call home. They want a country that is safe to raise their children in. Not a place where their children will be abducted, raped and murdered if they do not comply with the terrorists demands. They want to live on, rebuild and prosper. And America has given them the opportunity, but only if we stay true to the cause and see it to its end. But the country must unite in this endeavor...we cannot place the burden on our military alone. We must all stand up and fight, whether in uniform or not. And supporting us is more than sticking yellow ribbon stickers on your cars. It's supporting our President, our troops and our cause. Right now, the burden is all on the American soldiers. Right now, hope rides alone. But it can change, it must change. Because there is only failure and darkness ahead for us as a country, as a people, if it doesn't. Let's stop all the political nonsense, let's stop all the bickering, let's stop all the bad news and let's stand and fight! Isn't that what America is about anyway?" Sgt. Edward Jeffers was KIA on Sept.19th, 2007 |
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By the Way, Military. Com, Words cannot express the Contempt I have for whomever decided to put these green links in our postings.
A Click on KIA turns up as an Advert for Kia Motors, Dispicable |
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New Member |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by LineDoggie:
http://www.newmediajournal.us/guest/e_jeffers/print/0201207.htm "I stare out into the darkness from my post, and I watch the city burn to the ground. I smell the familiar smells, I walk through the familiar rubble, and I look at the frightened faces that watch me pass down the streets of their neighborhoods. My nerves hardly rest; my hands are steady on a device that has been given to me from my government for the purpose of taking the lives of others I sweat, and I am tired. My back aches from the loads I carry. Young American boys look to me to direct them in a manner that will someday allow them to see their families again...and yet, I too, am just a boy....my age not but a few years more than that of the ones I lead. I am stressed, I am scared, and I am paranoid...because death is everywhere. It waits for me, it calls to me from around street corners and windows, and it is always there. There are the demons that follow me, and tempt me into thoughts and actions that are not my own...but that are necessary for survival. I've made compromises with my humanity. And I am not alone in this. Miles from me are my brethren in this world, who walk in the same streets...who feel the same things, whether they admit to it or not. And to think, I volunteered for this... And I am ignorant to the rest of the world...or so I thought. But even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi, Iraq, the cries and screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn't fit your average man. And then, I will be alone. And then, I will walk down the streets of America, and see the yellow ribbon stickers on the cars of the same people who compare our President to Hitler. I will watch the television and watch the Cindy Sheehans, and the Al Frankens, and the rest of the ignorant sheep of America spout off their mouths about a subject they know nothing about. It is their right, however, and it is a right that is defended by hundreds of thousands of boys and girls scattered across the world, far from home. I use the word boys and girls, because that's what they are. In the Army, the average age of the infantryman is nineteen years old. The average rank of soldiers killed in action is Private First Class. People like Cindy Sheehan are ignorant. Not just to this war, but to the results of their idiotic ramblings, or at least I hope they are. They don't realize its effects on this war. In this war, there are no Geneva Conventions, no cease fires. Medics and Chaplains are not spared from the enemy's brutality because it's against the rules. I can only imagine the horrors a military Chaplain would experience at the hands of the enemy. The enemy slinks in the shadows and fights a coward’s war against us. It is effective though, as many men and women have died since the start of this war. And the memory of their service to America is tainted by the inconsiderate remarks on our nation's news outlets. And every day, the enemy changes...only now, the enemy is becoming something new. The enemy is transitioning from the Muslim extremists to Americans. The enemy is becoming the very people whom we defend with our lives. And they do not realize it. But in denouncing our actions, denouncing our leaders, denouncing the war we live and fight, they are isolating the military from society...and they are becoming our enemy. Democrats and peace activists like to toss the word "quagmire" around and compare this war to Vietnam. In a way they are right, this war is becoming like Vietnam. Not the actual war, but in the isolation of country and military. America is not a nation at war; they are a nation with its military at war. Like it or not, we are here, some of us for our second, or third times; some even for their fourth and so on. Americans are so concerned now with politics, that it is interfering with our war. Terrorists cut the heads off of American citizens on the internet...and there is no outrage, but an American soldier kills an Iraqi in the midst of battle, and there are investigations, and sometimes soldiers are even jailed...for doing their job. It is absolutely sickening to me to think our country has come to this. Why are we so obsessed with the bad news? Why will people stop at nothing to be against this war, no matter how much evidence of the good we've done is thrown in their face? When is the last time CNN or MSNBC or CBS reported the opening of schools and hospitals in Iraq? Or the leaders of terror cells being detained or killed? It's all happening, but people will not let up their hatred of President Bush. They will ignore the good news, because it just might show people that Bush was right. America has lost its will to fight. It has lost its will to defend what is right and just in the world. The crazy thing of it all is that the American people have not even been asked to sacrifice a single thing. It’s not like World War II, where people rationed food and turned in cars to be made into metal for tanks. The American people have not been asked to sacrifice anything. Unless you are in the military or the family member of a servicemember, its life as usual...the war doesn't affect you. But it affects us. And when it is over and the troops come home and they try to piece together what's left of them after their service...where will the detractors be then? Where will the Cindy Sheehans be to comfort and talk to soldiers and help them sort out the last couple years of their lives, most of which have been spent dodging death and wading through the deaths of their friends? They will be where they always are, somewhere far away, where the horrors of the world can't touch them. Somewhere where they can complain about things they will never experience in their lifetime; things that the young men and women of America have willingly taken upon their shoulders. We are the hope of the Iraqi people. They want what everyone else wants in life: safety, security, somewhere to call home. They want a country that is safe to raise their children in. Not a place where their children will be abducted, raped and murdered if they do not comply with the terrorists demands. They want to live on, rebuild and prosper. And America has given them the opportunity, but only if we stay true to the cause and see it to its end. But the country must unite in this endeavor...we cannot place the burden on our military alone. We must all stand up and fight, whether in uniform or not. And supporting us is more than sticking yellow ribbon stickers on your cars. It's supporting our President, our troops and our cause. Right now, the burden is all on the American soldiers. Right now, hope rides alone. But it can change, it must change. Because there is only failure and darkness ahead for us as a country, as a people, if it doesn't. Let's stop all the political nonsense, let's stop all the bickering, let's stop all the bad news and let's stand and fight! Isn't that what America is about anyway?" Sgt. Edward Jeffers was KILLED IN ACTION on Sept.19th, 2007[/QUOTE) Imortal words. |
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Experienced Member |
Words from a Sergeant,as I read this letter, he wrote all the thing's I feel are true and wish would happen in our country! Then I saw that he had been killed in action! This man speak's to us from the grave of a HERO! I work for the Veteran's Administration, I will do my part,I'm no HERO and don't want anyone thinking I'm patting myself on the back! You come to my V.A.I will do my level best to help! I'm not a writer either as you can see,but as long as breath is in me,I will care for Veteran's!
GOD bless them ALL! and I am with you 110%! |
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I agree, 100%.............
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banned |
Linedoggie,
Thank you for getting this letter by Sgt Jeffers on line. I posted the same story on this site late Saturday night or early Sunday morning by the title of: (Hope Rides Alone: SGT Eddie Jeffers), but one of the mods who probably thinks he or she is God, evidently just decided to delete the letter for some reason. Didn't even have the guts to let me know, some nice mods on this site huh. Evidently which ever mod it was must have something against myself and the Gathering of Eagles!!! There was a comment made from another Nam veteran about that letter which I wanted to share with everyone on this site. I know how this Nam veteran feels, because after 2 tours in Nam myself, I had the same feeling upon reading the letter. All I can say to him is WELCOME HOME BROTHER: Rugged Switch Said: September 22nd, 2007 at 7:07 pm The words and actions of Sgt. Jeffers have torn open an old old wound in my heart and the tears of anger and frustration are flowing. The situation is exactly like it was for those of us who fought in Nam. I feel his pain,and I know many of the faces of the warrior angels who are waiting to accept him into that special place in heaven for those who will sacrifice their lives to save others. I knew another soldier named Eddie who made the same sacrifice in another war. He was my friend and it still hurts that his sacrifice was thrown away. We cannot do it again we cannot waste the valiant efforts of these young men and women. We cannot throw it away just for the sake of some greedy little politician. These people are sacrificing their lives for the freedom of others,we cannot, we must not throw it away! NO SURRENDER NO RETREAT!!!! |
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Experienced Member |
My son, a combat Marine, is now in his third tour in Iraq... there is no doubt where my heart and my loyalties lie... with him, the Marine brothers he fights with and all our military.
God bless them all and the families waiting for their return! |
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Banned Ten days 16 JAN 09 FPM |
May he rest in peace, and his family know he didn't sacrifice his life for knought, or in vain. |
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God Bless your son |
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Member |
A Sergeant's words... I read each and every word so intently, feeling the knife yet again... just like the time when I came home.
There are those, and yes even some on this forum, who attempt to deny the atrocities that the American public bestowed on the boys returning from 'Nam. Now are those, in the same vein of their predecessors, who would villify those returning from Iraq. They say that it is their disagreement with this administration... that they 'support' the troops but hate this war. That it is their right to speak their mind... That may be, but they have no sense of WHEN and to WHOM they should speak their mind. They make claims of being a patriot... that is such a lie. I can only think of the man who beats his wife and then claims that he 'loves her' so desperately. Like a bruised and battered wife, the words bury deep and cut to the bone. The words do NOT match the actions... Democratic politicians compare our troops to terrorists and give credance to the enemy. They embolden the very men who would detonate a roadside bomb, and then these politicians hide behind "Freedom of Speech.' The self annointed title of 'Loyal Opposition' leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.... I am ashamed that their are those who have worn their countries uniform that would belittle these men and women... and I am very, very sad that some of those 'contribute' to this website. These same people attack all attempts to shield this country from another 9/11 style attack, but back any proposal to pass laws to micromanage Americans lifestyle. I have said over and over again, that these 'liberals' are hell bent on destroying this country... in doing so, they make those they claim to support, casualties. Thanks LineDoggie for the letter... that sergeant is now in good company... |
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Lead Moderator Post War Iraq  Hot Topics Moderator mainedawg72gmail.com   |
Yes, Thank You for the post
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Experienced Member |
Sure he is a good NCO but his politics are wrong.
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Lead Moderator Post War Iraq Hot Topics Moderator mainedawg72gmail.com |
bump
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In case you didnt read the Whole Posting, the Man is Now KIA I dont think he has ANY Politics now...  |
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Experienced Member |
Which makes it even sadder. |
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I worked with Eddies dad years ago and his sister was my daughters roommate in college, he's a true hero and spoke what he felt.
May his words be heard. We'll miss you Eddie. |
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Highly Experienced Member |
RIP Sgt Jeffers....Hand Salute!
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Member |
I guess I shouldn't be disappointed that some here would want to measure a man's sacrifice by whatever political convicitons he had.
Do you think everyone is that shallow? Is everything political to you? Are you so blinded by the divisive rhetoric that you want to apply a political label to everything, including why soldiers do their duty? Go find someplace that shares your very limited view of the world and don't tell anyone about it. That way no one can find you.. |
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Experienced Member |
nice post LineDoggie
The enemy is becoming the very people whom we defend with our lives. And they do not realize it. But in denouncing our actions, denouncing our leaders, denouncing the war we live and fight, they are isolating the military from society...and they are becoming our enemy. I've made compromises with my humanity SEMPER FI |
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Banned by admin |
yes bump..
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Member |
May he rest in peace. |
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Experienced Member |
We must not forget the words in the "Oath of Enlistment", which say ".....against all enemies, foreign and domestic.  May all the members of our Armed Forces, as well as their families, be blessed by The One God, who made them. Rest In Peace, my brother, Rest In Peace.  http://www.usmemorialday.org/audio/taps.mid TAPS ------------------------------------------ **********-------------------------------- **********-------------------------------- **********-------------------------------- **********-------------------------------- **********-------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ These are my opinions. Yours may differ. |
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Experienced Member |
Bump for the Sgt! *
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Highly Experienced Member |
They are called "adwords". It is a rather sad attempt at boosting revenue, there are more innovative ways to increase advertising revenue then visually assaulting the readers of posts and hijacking user contributed content.  |
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Member |
Always gotta be negative huh? |
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