Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: VOR on October 02, 2005, 11:12:23 PM

Title: 12 Days
Post by: VOR on October 02, 2005, 11:12:23 PM
12 days isn't much time when it's all the time you'll have for the next 12-18 months.

I've been giving this some thought, and I believe the reason this time is hitting me harder than the last two must be because I know what to expect. Well, as the saying goes, we sleep in the bed we make.

Lately, I've been considering my own committment and resolve. This has been a long war already, that much is true. Hard to believe it's been two years since I made a heartfelt post here while on an R&R leave during the last hurrah. It's always funny the way time works and moves relative to what we're experiencing...the last year and a half has been a blur. Life as usual, nothing to report. I only wish, in hindsight, that I could experience it again in order to appreciate all those moments and opportunities I probably took for granted. Time doesn't stand still, after all, while we're not watching.

Anyway, back to my committment and resolve: it's been tough, these last few days. I think I'm developing an ulcer, to be perfectly honest. The thought of leaving *again* and living that life *again* is almost enough to make me nauseous. In fact, if it weren't for the people I love, maybe my resolve would crumble entirely.

There are alot of people around here who think what we're doing there is the most monumental and critical event  of the century. Others think it's a crime, bogus, based on a lie. Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion. One request: make it an educated opinion. Don't let Michael Moore or Ann Coulter make up your mind for you. (In concession, if you were to ask 10 vets what it was like "over there", you might very well have 5 or more answers. It's all relative to experience and perspective.)

As long as I live, it is my mission to save my kids from having to deal with the troubles we have. One way or another...whatever it takes. As long as I live, it is my mission to give them an adult life without suicide bombers, head hackers, and "soldiers" that "make no distinction between uniformed and non-uniformed American enemies". The answer may be Britney Spears CD's, X-boxes or the bomb. Whatever works. I'll do my part for the next year, whatever that part my evolve into. Suffice it to say that I feel what I'm going to do is important;maybe or maybe not for the reasons either party is selling at the moment.

12 days. I can't seem to slow the clock down, no matter what I do. In fact, it's almost midnight here, so make that 11 days.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Nash on October 02, 2005, 11:22:21 PM
VOR...

Extremely well said. Really. Not to be all gay about it, but that was a nice piece of writing.

I just finished this (http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=157322314x) book. It's the only book I could find written by a soldier who's served there.

Not pretty. You have my admiration and best wishes.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Sandman on October 02, 2005, 11:24:45 PM
Best of luck, VOR.

Watch your bellybutton over there and get back home safe.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: nirvana on October 02, 2005, 11:29:32 PM
While some of us may not support the war, you deserve a huzzah and big thank you for doing it.    Be safe.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Russian on October 02, 2005, 11:46:23 PM
S
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Gunslinger on October 03, 2005, 12:21:56 AM
"Keep your head down and don't bunch up"  
Title: Re: 12 Days
Post by: Bluedog on October 03, 2005, 12:55:33 AM
Quote
Originally posted by VOR

 The thought of leaving *again* and living that life *again* is almost enough to make me nauseous. In fact, if it weren't for the people I love, maybe my resolve would crumble entirely.

There are alot of people around here who think what we're doing there is the most monumental and critical event  of the century. Others think it's a crime, bogus, based on a lie. Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion. One request: make it an educated opinion. Don't let Michael Moore or Ann Coulter make up your mind for you. (In concession, if you were to ask 10 vets what it was like "over there", you might very well have 5 or more answers. It's all relative to experience and perspective.)

As long as I live, it is my mission to save my kids from having to deal with the troubles we have. One way or another...whatever it takes. As long as I live, it is my mission to give them an adult life without suicide bombers, head hackers, and "soldiers" that "make no distinction between uniformed and non-uniformed American enemies". The answer may be Britney Spears CD's, X-boxes or the bomb. Whatever works. I'll do my part for the next year, whatever that part my evolve into. Suffice it to say that I feel what I'm going to do is important;maybe or maybe not for the reasons either party is selling at the moment.

 


Regardless of where 'we' as noncombatant outsiders stand on the issue of this war's being right or wrong, the reasons you state are worthy of any man's deepest respect, and you certainly have mine.

For what it is worth, coming from someone who lives half a world away that you will most likely never meet, Thank you VOR, and all those like you, good luck, stand proud and come home safe.

Title: 12 Days
Post by: moot on October 03, 2005, 01:19:43 AM
Wish I could be there getting it done too.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Godzilla on October 03, 2005, 01:33:19 AM
VOR, I thank God that our country has men and women like you who are out there making the sacrifices and making a real difference in this world.

I can probably never personally repay you for all you and others just like you have done for our country. All I can do is tell you that I deeply admire and appreciate you and your peers, past and present.

What you are a part of is something that you cannot control, but you can be proud  to  know that millions of people stand behind you and support what you are doing.

I'm not very good at words. Just trying to say thank you and God bless you.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Sixpence on October 03, 2005, 01:44:32 AM
Godspeed


You have our support and prayers. Send me an email, i'll mail you anything you need
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Vulcan on October 03, 2005, 01:48:56 AM
VOR, my wife, and much of my extended family, survived the "holocaust" of cambodia. My wifes father and older sister were executed by the Khmer Rouge. I have heard horror stories that make your skin crawl, and are especially deep because I am hearing them 1st hand, from those that experienced them.

What you are doing is seen by people like my wife to be an awesome task, a task which people like her can never find enough words to express their thanks. She often asks me why no one ever helped in Cambodia. Your presence in iraq will make a difference to someone like her.

Sure, there are a vocal few who want the yanks to go home. But they are usually those who have not lost as much as others, especially in a country like iraq.

Whether you agree with your presidents policy or not, there are people who will simply be alive because you are there, and there are people who will be alive without pain because of your presense.

Good on ya mate.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Jackal1 on October 03, 2005, 07:18:24 AM
To hell with the nay sayers. They have the foresight of a slug. I can guarantee ya they would be screaming and whining "why didn`t someone do something about this" if we waited for this to come to our homeland instead of cutting the snake`s head off, which it surely would.
  There are not enough words or compensation of any sort that would equal the job that is being done.
  A big salute to all who are serving now and to those who have done so in the past.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Shifty on October 03, 2005, 07:23:53 AM
VOR.
All I can say is Thank You. I hope you time passes fast , and your home with your loved ones as soon as possible. The majority of us get a soft easy life , because of the sacrifices of people like you.
Again
Thanks
Gods Speed:aok
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Curval on October 03, 2005, 07:47:12 AM
"The thought of leaving *again* and living that life *again* is almost enough to make me nauseous."

I feel for you mate...I really do.  Be safe and get home to your family.

Title: 12 Days
Post by: Hangtime on October 03, 2005, 07:48:38 AM
There is no higher standard than yours.

You make me proud of who and what we are.

'To thine own self be true'.

God Bless, and good luck.

Title: 12 Days
Post by: Captain Virgil Hilts on October 03, 2005, 08:12:47 AM


Thank you.

And God Bless you.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: midnight Target on October 03, 2005, 08:18:10 AM
You do us all proud VOR. The true definition of bravery is facing your fears not the lack of them.

Stay safe, we need your kind around here.

Title: 12 Days
Post by: Heater on October 03, 2005, 10:01:33 AM
VOR,

be safe and thanks

Title: 12 Days
Post by: storch on October 03, 2005, 10:14:11 AM
S!!  may God bless you and your family.  thank you for your service.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Hawklore on October 03, 2005, 11:38:52 AM
Well written, well said.

Your on my thoughts and prayers, and watch yourself over there, God Speed.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: ChickenHawk on October 03, 2005, 01:08:59 PM
While I sincerely wish the situation were different and you did not have to go 'over there', I have a deep admiration for those who answer the call and serve their country.

It's men like you who make this great country what it is today.  I salute you and wish you Godspeed.

Keep your head down and come home safe.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Charon on October 03, 2005, 01:21:26 PM
Be safe and stay sharp. Drop us a note when you can.

Charon
Title: 12 Days
Post by: detch01 on October 03, 2005, 02:10:22 PM
VOR . You have my deepest respect sir. Stay safe.


asw
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Rude on October 03, 2005, 04:40:09 PM
I've made sure my kids know of who guys like you are and why you do what you do...they thank you as does my wife and myself.

Godspeed and keep you weapon clean! Come home soon!
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Maverick on October 03, 2005, 06:05:58 PM
Do what you have to and come back in one piece.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Toad on October 03, 2005, 06:37:22 PM
Good luck VOR.

Good post; thanks for your perspective and thanks for your service.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Shaky on October 03, 2005, 08:13:03 PM
Quote
As long as I live, it is my mission to save my kids from having to deal with the troubles we have. One way or another...whatever it takes. As long as I live, it is my mission to give them an adult life without suicide bombers, head hackers, and "soldiers" that "make no distinction between uniformed and non-uniformed American enemies".


Sir, this tells me you know why you are going, and despite your understandable unease at placing yourself in that dangerous place, you have the honor and integrity to do the job you must do.

You are perhaps one of the bravest people I've met on-line.

Do the job and come home safe. Our country, our culture need men like you.

Thank you.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: VOR on October 04, 2005, 04:40:14 PM
Thanks for the kind thoughts everyone.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: lasersailor184 on October 04, 2005, 05:22:41 PM
Quote
I think I'm developing an ulcer


Coupla swedish scientists figured out that Ulcers aren't caused by stress, but by bacteria.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Geary420 on October 04, 2005, 06:59:22 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lasersailor184
I can't just say <> and thanks so I'll run my mouth and sound like a know it all sweetheartbag instead.


Vor, good read, Thanx for your service and stay safe. <>
Title: 12 Days
Post by: lasersailor184 on October 04, 2005, 07:11:00 PM
Thanks Geary.  From now on, I'll try not to help.


CPID: Punishr/Punisher





VOR, thanks for the good work.  I remember hearing that antibiotics should clear up an ulcer, though which ones I'm not sure.  Nor am I doctor for that matter.


Anyway, get out, see some friends and party a little bit.  You shouldn't be worrying about how long you have left, but rather how long you've been having fun.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Pongo on October 04, 2005, 08:17:09 PM
I hope your able to keep your loved ones  safe from those you fear would hurt them.
Enjoy your remaining days at home and keep yourself safe.
Title: 12 Days
Post by: SkyChimp on October 04, 2005, 09:40:53 PM
Stay safe Sir! If i ever have to go to war i'll make sure im a sniper hehe:p
Title: 12 Days
Post by: Bluedog on October 05, 2005, 04:52:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lasersailor184
Coupla swedish scientists figured out that Ulcers aren't caused by stress, but by bacteria.


Aussie doctors actually, they will however be going to Sweden to colect their Nobel Prize for Medical Science.