Today, we got a new resident.

[emeraldsky]

Thank you Elkhunter, to you and your son, for all you have done for our country and for freedom loving people everywhere.

I can't quite put into words the respect and admiration I have for those who serve in the military, and for their families at home who love and support them.

My dad is also a Vietnam veteran. I have a younger brother in the Army National Guard. One grandfather fought in WWII, another in the Korean War.

We are all in your debt.

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by emeraldsky

Thank you Elkhunter, to you and your son, for all you have done for our country and for freedom loving people everywhere.

I can't quite put into words the respect and admiration I have for those who serve in the military, and for their families at home who love and support them.

My dad is also a Vietnam veteran. I have a younger brother in the Army National Guard. One grandfather fought in WWII, another in the Korean War.

We are all in your debt.

Thank you. My son come over the other day and sat down and we talked. He wants to go back in the Marines, and go back over. He feels that he didn't finish the job. Says he just has an empty feeling because it's not finished. While talking, I encouraged him to at least wait until after the Presidential election. There are candidates that want to end the war. There are also candidates that want to finish the way. Big difference between ending it and finishing it. What good would it do to go back in and then get pulled out before the mission was accomplished?

[emeraldsky]

What a guy. Patriotism runs deep. It is just hard to see them go, or talk about going back again, huh. Especially after 2 purple hearts. I think he deserves a rest.

Glad you got to visit with your son.

I agree with you on waiting till the election's over. There is a big difference between ending it and finishing it.

They've accomplished so much good over there already that is hardly ever mentioned. And they've given so much in sweat and blood... they have a right to finish it. There's a lot riding on our success over there, and they are getting it done. It just takes time and support. Support being a key part.

We should have let our men in Vietnam finish it. You know more than I do, but from what I understand we just didn't give them what they needed to get the job done (in authority or manpower/weaponry). Politicians were too much involved.

I'd say more, but then you'd have to move this thread over to the political forum where I've spent way too much time already.

Thanks again, to you and your son, for your brave, unselfish service to our country.

[j1n]

Originally Posted by emeraldsky

Thanks again, to you and your son, for your brave, unselfish service to our country.

agreed!! big thanks!

[GARUFA]

[quote=Dea13;1128418]Glad to hear your son is home safely. So many aren't making it back... My daughter is only 7 and I can't even imagine the fear and anxiety of having my child (no matter what age they're still your babies) going into a war or hostile area.

My heart and prayers go out to all those still waiting for the return of their loved ones.

Deanna[/quote
amen to that!

[tamir]

ElkHunter, here's my 2cents... Marines are the finest for a reason. (I can say that because my special Marine has deployed twice to the sandbox.) They have a Code all their own. I couldn't blame your son for wanting to go back, only support him and be very, very proud of him. Thank you both for wearing the uniform and making a difference and emeraldsky is correct, we are forever indebted to you.

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by tamir

ElkHunter, here's my 2cents... Marines are the finest for a reason. (I can say that because my special Marine has deployed twice to the sandbox.) They have a Code all their own. I couldn't blame your son for wanting to go back, only support him and be very, very proud of him. Thank you both for wearing the uniform and making a difference and emeraldsky is correct, we are forever indebted to you.

The good thing is, he has some time to decide. I have convinced him to wait, until the Presidential election is over. Because that alone, will be a big factor on what's going to happen.

[BabyWearer]

What great news for you and your son. We owe so much to our men and women in uniform.

[Gibs07GTcpe]

I know this thread is 6 months since the last post, but it is new to me as I have just read it. I felt it was a topic that deserved being revived.

Elkhunter, it is great that your son came home and is back with his family. Your son is a hero and role model for the younger generations. As a service member, who has been to the sandbox 2 times, and has 4 deployments under my belt, I understand about the feeling the job isnt finished. Best of luck to your son, his family, and yourself on this issue. I know he will make the right decision.

Gib <<<<Waiting for the lashes from a wet noodle for reviving this thread......

[tekape]

Elkhunter....wondering about an update on your son? Did he choose to go back?

My ex-husband served a tour in Iraq in 2006/2007....during that time is when I got rid of my TV (our kids don't need to see that). His 5 ton truck was hit by a roadside bomb (luckily the week before, that particular truck had been reinforced) and a couple of his men were hurt, not seriously, but hurt none-the-less. He sent us pix of his truck (I'll see if I can't dig them off my husband's computer)...it's amazing when you see the enourmous holes that go through this truck.

He came back to the states October of last year and was wanting to go back as well (however, his wife got pregnant and he chose to stay until their baby was born). He still wants to go back...

THat's the thing....we don't have to support this war...but we can support our men and women who CHOOSE to go back for 3rd/4th/5th tours because the know they're doing what needs to be done....and they want to FINISH the job and not just walk away (like so many Americans want them to do). It sucks...but I think we should honor our veterans who do so much for us EVERY day (I'm sure I never thanked you for your service ElkHunter)....so here goes THANK YOU so much from the bottom of my heart for what you (and now your son) have done/are doing for our country!