REENLISTMENT
Army vice chief of staff Cody worried about future of all-volunteer military
“We’re seeing right now mothers and fathers and school teachers and other influencers that maybe are not talking about service to this nation,” [Gen. Richard] Cody said. “So, when you say, ‘Army, you have a recruiting problem,’ I say, ‘America, you have a recruiting problem.’”
I keep hearing that recruiting and retention are a problem, but of the 60 eligible soldiers in my husband's company, at least 40 reenlisted. In Iraq. But I do agree with General Cody that perhaps not so many of our role models are pushing for military service. They should be, now more than ever.
Posted by: Sarah at
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They're not talking about responsiblity or accountability either. World events go by without a mention. I asked my 14 yr old what her history teacher said about the Iraq elections, "not a word" she told me. Supplemental education is in order. "There are those who will serve, because there have been those who have served." We'll teach them about duty, honor and the price of freedom.
Posted by: maxxdog at March 19, 2005 02:23 PM (LMIOn)
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This discouragement of enlistment by academia is the last ditch stand of the "Progressive" world view, better known as "Better Red than Dead."
They denigrate military service and the National spirit in one last grab for the respect they used to get before the flatulant error of their world view became obvious.
Posted by: Walter E. Wallis at March 20, 2005 02:17 PM (7XPVo)
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Perhaps people are not volunteering for military service due to their skepticism at how it is being used.
Posted by: Collin Baber at March 23, 2005 03:39 AM (FV4oJ)
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That doesn't justify the reasoning for 'counter-recruitment'. The need for a strong military goes beyond this particular conflict. We can either maintain through volunteers or a draft. Which do you prefer?
Posted by: armynurseboy at March 24, 2005 11:56 AM (k7D+q)
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First off, thank you for doing your part in service to the nation. Thanks to your husband, of course, as well, but he's not doing the blogging!
I'm a conservative high school math teacher in California, and I've addressed the "counter-recruitment" issue on my blog at
http://rightontheleftcoast.blogspot.com/2005/03/teaching-disrespect-for-military.html
The good news is that there are still young people ready and willing to serve. Read Austin (the student)'s comment on this post:
http://rightontheleftcoast.blogspot.com/2005/03/operation-enduring-reality.html
Again, thank you for what you do.
Posted by: Darren at March 27, 2005 02:48 PM (IJ8zk)
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IN BETWEEN
Back in July,
Tim wrote me an email in between the time when he learned his wife was back in Germany and the time he would be able to see her. Why me?
If I wondered for a moment "why Sarah?", I knew as quickly it is because you would understand. You are on your own journey. Here is a peek at the end.
At that time, I was five months into my own journey. I know of someone who could use the peek even more, for she is only two weeks into hers.
Dear CaliValleyGirl,
As I sit and know that my husband is in Germany and that I will see him in three and a half hours, I can't get the silly grin off my face. He's back. He's safe. And he's almost here.
But other than goofy, what am I feeling?
I feel excited. I can't wait to have a conversation with him that doesn't include typing or static or time limits. We can talk. All night if we want. And there won't be any soldiers from the Republic of Georgia shouting in the background. He won't have to stand in line to get to me, and I won't have to worry about stepping outside to take out the trash and missing him online. We can talk.
We can also hug. In a way I envy the mothers because at least they have children to hug. I've been quite snuggle-less for a year, and I am looking forward to one of our little rituals: my husband sits on the recliner and I sit knitting on the sofa, and during commercials he leans over and we give each other this little high-five hand squeeze thing. It's just a little moment of touch, but I miss it.
I also feel pride. I am proud of us for making it through this year. I am proud of him for working so hard to help Iraq. Platoon leader is the hardest job a lieutenant can have in Iraq, and he did it the entire deployment. I am proud of the fact that I met one of his soldiers today who said, "Thank god I moved into 3rd platoon." I'm proud that my husband's commander keeps raving about him; his wife says he even does it when they're home just the two of them! My husband says it's funny that I have this grandmotherly thing with him, where I think everything he does is perfect, but it's not just me. He's done well this year, and I couldn't be prouder.
I also feel proud to have been a part of such a moment in history. I found a comment on my blog yesterday, the "if you think the war's so great, then why don't you join", and I am proud that my family has. We put our money where our proverbial mouth is and took part in the spread of democracy. He moreso than I, but we did it together, and I'm proud to say that we've helped make history.
So above anything else, I feel excitement and pride. I can't wait to walk into the gym and see the cheering masses of families and soldiers. And this time I won't wake up from the dream before I can grab him in my arms.
So what does this mean for you, CaliValleyGirl? You're probably ready to sock me for being so happy when you're just starting. You wanted to know how long a year is...it's not that long when you have love and pride to keep you company. This year has gone fast for me, and in many ways I can't believe it's already over. You may feel overwhelmed right now, but time will pass and hopefully you'll carry on this tradition next year by writing to another wife who's just starting her journey. We all need a peek at the end, and I promise you it will be here before you know it.
May your journey be joyful...
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah at
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Sarah:
I've enjoyed reading your blog these past few months. I am so glad that your husband made it back safe and sound. You have every reason to be proud of him and all the others like him. It is people like you two that make me proud to be an American.
Regards (fron The Heart Of Dixie)
Sam
Posted by: Sam Kelly at March 08, 2005 10:01 AM (/Jsts)
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I remember Tim's letter to you - and crying. This is just as touching......maybe more so as I've been reading you the entire time and have laughed and/or cried for/with you every day.
I'm just so happy you will have him home with you so very soon! Today! Today! IT'S TODAY!!
Posted by: Tammi at March 08, 2005 10:11 AM (HaRi0)
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I was already getting teary eyed at "Dear CaliValleyGirl". Thanks so much for thinking about me right now, when your mind is surely on much more exciting things.
I can't help but think about you too. I am so excited for you! And in a bizarre way, I am also excited for me too. Although I look forward to the anticipation of greeting him back in a year, I also look forward to all the experiences this year will bring.
Thanks for all the support you have offered me, and I wish you all the best for the reunion that you have been dreaming about for a year!
Posted by: calivalleygirl at March 08, 2005 10:27 AM (ENeX4)
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Everyone else has said it, I remember this letter too. And I can't tell you how happy I am for you both.
Posted by: Teresa at March 08, 2005 10:36 AM (nAfYo)
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Sarah, I'm so so so happy for you and Russ! It's been a joy (and many times, a comfort) to read your blog over this past year (+). Enjoy.
Posted by: Carla at March 08, 2005 10:46 AM (6tYwr)
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I love the picture and I very much enjoyed what you wrote in this post.
Your husband has done the Iraqis and us a great service, and you have to by being so supportive. Thank you. Your family reminds me of how proud I am to be an American, and how appreciative I am that there are many families like yours.
Posted by: Athena at March 11, 2005 07:36 PM (iSTJ4)
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NOT ON THE FRONT LINES
So, at what point do we get to
stop hearing the myth that it's all our nation's black kids getting sent to die?
Posted by: Sarah at
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Don't confuse debate with facts.
Posted by: Walter E. Wallis at March 06, 2005 01:36 PM (7XPVo)
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hey mrs.grok First of all congrats to you and your husbands service to our great country!Secondly as a veteran,a private schooled educated upper middle class white male american (I'm 34 years old not some old fogey)the question is really why are there not more people serving in the armed forces rather than our urban inner city youth and samall town country boys.I was in the us navy 1990-1993 thee middle class isn't pulling their weight in my opinion about serving in's country during a time of war>That's just my honest opinion.
Posted by: tommy mullin at March 07, 2005 11:22 AM (NMK3S)
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